In the poem O Captain! My Captain!, Whitman refers to President Lincoln as a captain and a father. Why does Whitman compare the president to an army officer and a parent? What does this suggest about how the public (civilians) view national leaders?

In "O Captain! My Captain!" Whitman compares the president to an army officer and parent. He does this to show how Lincoln is in charge, not only of the mission, but also the well-being of the American people. Whitman chooses to use these very strong leaders to show Lincoln's strength in war as well peace. This suggests that the public views their leaders almost like a father figure and great protector.