The use of language and word choice in the poem emphasizes several key themes and emotions.
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The Confusion of People about Lincoln: By portraying Lincoln as a captain, the poet may highlight the complexities and challenges of leadership during turbulent times. This comparison could reflect the conflicting feelings people had towards his presidency, illustrating both admiration and uncertainty.
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The Rhythm of Long and Short Lines: The alternating rhythm created by four long lines followed by four short lines may emphasize the contrast between deep, reflective thoughts and sudden, poignant feelings. This structure could mirror the turmoil and emotional flux experienced by the populace during Lincoln's presidency.
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Sadness of Losing Lincoln: The word choice conveys a sense of mourning and reverence, underscoring the collective grief of a nation. The language used to describe Lincoln likely evokes admiration for his qualities as a leader, making his loss all the more poignant for the speaker and the audience.
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Rhyme Scheme and Joyful Mood: If the first stanza features a rhyme scheme that creates a joyful mood, it could juxtapose the initial feelings of hope and optimism with the later sorrow. This contrast can enhance the poignancy of the loss, as the initial joy of Lincoln's leadership gives way to the sadness of his absence.
Overall, the poet’s language and word choices work together to create a rich tapestry of emotion that captures the complexity of feelings towards Lincoln as a leader while also reflecting the broader societal impact of his presidency.
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