When I was in Elementary school, English class was one of my favorite classes! We had an abundance of writing pieces that reflected various topics. Studying to become an Elementary Educator, there are important lessons that I would like to pass down to my students. For instance, focusing on a widespread of topics, allows the students to intake more knowledge and think more critically. A well-known poem that opens the mind of the reader, “O Captain, My Captain!” Written by Walt Whitman. The time period in which the poem was written was during the 1860s. A series of unfortunate events occurred during this period of time. The American Civil War was fought over the issues of slavery. Throughout the poem, the plot is based upon the changes influenced by the Civil war. For example, “Our fearful trip has ended, the ship has weathered every rack…”(Whitman, 2) The trip apologued the fight for equality between white and black individuals. The ship being described as wrecked symbolized the shape of the United States after War. An article states that as a result of war, causing 620,000 lives to be taken. The United States wanted the people to know that going they should not fight in the war,. Another symbolism was “for you the flag is flung…bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding, for you they call..” The symbolism in the text is that the people are patriotic and proud to be able to call their country home. It was interesting how the symbolism is to be proud and patriotic while the mood of the story is sadness and melancholy. Students can be informed how there can be a variety of emotions and feelings all throughout the piece. Not only does it make the individuals learn about their country’s history, it can touch upon a sore topic, Slavery. Students need to be informed of our nation’s history and past mistakes. It is crucial for the younger generation to be trained Doing so, will prevent from history repeating itself in the future. Early generations help detect of what we can change in our present economical situations.  Walt Whitman’s writing piece influences students to become more intrigued and question about their country’s history.