1. What does it mean that the people are "exulting"?
(a) They are quietly watchful.
(b) They are drinking and celebrating.
(c) They are cheering excitedly.
(d) They are crying out in grief.

2. Who is the speaker of the poem?
(a) A writer.
(b) A sailor.
(c) A soldier.
(d) A doctor.

3. Which technique is evident in the phrase "for you the flag is flung" (line 10)?
(a) Alliteration.
(b) Cacophony.
(c) Sibilance.
(d) Assonance.

4. Which is the best interpretation of line 9, when the speaker urges "O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells"?
(a) The speaker is not yet aware that the captain has died.
(b) The speaker realizes that the captain is not actually dead yet.
(c) The speaker is addressing the captain's spirit or ghost.
(d) The speaker is having trouble accepting what has happened.

5. In context, the literal meaning of the word "rack" in line two is which of the following?
(a) Battle or confrontation.
(b) Storm or upheaval.
(c) A thorough sorting or sifting.
(d) A metal rod used for hanging things.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which term describes the poem's repeated use of the phrases "O Captain! My Captain!" (lines 1 and 9) and "fallen cold and dead" (lines 8, 16, and 24)?

2. In context, the word "fearful" in line 1 indicates that the trip was which of the following?

3. By which other term, besides "Captain," does the speaker address the captain of the ship?

4. What is the most common type of metrical foot in "O Captain! My Captain!"?

5. What is a "keel" (line 4)?

(see the answer key)

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