Rhyme Scheme:
The rhyme scheme in the poem is ABBA CC DD EE FF. This means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme with each other, and the third and sixth lines rhyme with each other. This pattern is consistent throughout the poem, contributing to its rhythmic and cohesive structure.
Iambic Meter:
Iambic meter is a poetic meter that consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. In "O Captain! My Captain!", the poem is predominantly written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs. This meter creates a steady, rhythmic pulse that adds to the poem's dramatic and emotional impact.
For example, in the first stanza:
```
O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring.
```
The first line has the following pattern:
* 1st foot: / unstressed /
* 2nd foot: / stressed /
* 3rd foot: / unstressed /
* 4th foot: / stressed /
This pattern repeats in all four lines, creating the iambic tetrameter.
The combination of the rhyme scheme and iambic meter gives the poem a sense of musicality and adds to its emotional impact. The use of rhyme enhances the poem's lyrical qualities, while the steady rhythm of the iambic meter emphasizes the dramatic narrative and the speaker's heartfelt tribute to the fallen captain.