Symbols 

• Lilac: The lilac flower is a symbol of love, mourning, and memory. The poet places lilacs on the coffin as a gesture of bidding farewell to the dead leader with love and respect.
• Western Fallen Star: This symbolizes the death of Abraham Lincoln. The falling of the star represents the fall of a great leader.
• Hermit Thrush Bird: This bird symbolizes the poet’s deep grief and lamentation. Its song sounds like the cry of the poet’s soul.
• Coffin: The coffin is a symbol of death and the funeral journey. It also represents the eternal farewell from human life.
• Dark Mother (Death): Whitman addresses death as the “Dark Mother.” This presents death not as something fearful, but as a calm and eternal mother figure.
• Chant of My Soul: This symbolizes the poet’s personal grief and emotion. The chant of the soul blends with the whole elegy of mourning.

• Death is not an end, but a journey.
• Love and memory keep the dead alive.
• Nature heals human sorrow.
• Great leaders live forever in people’s hearts.