"O Captain! My Captain!"

This iconic American poem written by Walt Whitman was revitalized in popular culture by the film Dead Poet’s Society starring the recently deceased Robin Williams.

The poem was originally written by Whitman as a tribute to the life and death of Abraham Lincoln.  However it has taken on additional meaning of late.  Many remember Williams role as John Keating, an English teacher who challenges his students to embrace literature and invited them to call him “O Captain!  My Captain!”

The poem speaks of a sorrow endured by Whitman at the death of Lincoln.  Now it speaks of a similar sorrow to a new generation, at the death of a beloved comedian and actor.

To read the poem for yourself, check out Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman - available in the Library.

Robin Williams

1951-2014

The following movies featuring Robin Williams are also available at the Parkland Library: Awakenings, The Fisher King, Hamlet, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Lee Daniels' The Butler, The Night Listener, Happy Feet, August Rush, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.