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The comparisons of Obama and Lincoln are valid on some levels such as their background (both Illinois senators) and their emphasis on unity, but that is as far as the comparisons can go at this point. It is just too early to be comparing such a historical and well documented figure such as Lincoln to newly-elected president Obama.

At one point in the discussion this week, it was pointed out that form could be a distinguishing area when it comes to science and literature. This idea had occurred to me as well because I often think of literature as a more free-form, flowing mode of expression whereas science is a highly structured form with concrete answers and facts. My past views of the subjects were changed completely when Professor Dalke pointed out that literature also has a specific form. For example, works of poetry and essays often follow a specific organization using certain rhyme schemes or formats etc. On the other hand, my belief that science was a highly structured and concrete field was also changed completely as Professor Grobstien pointed out that science is a inductive "loopy"  process that does not deal in truth. In some ways, this weeks discussion has flipped how I have thought of these two subjects.

The discussion of "Oh Captain, My Captain!" was especially interesting because I had read the poem before but was never taught that it was written about Lincoln. I thought it was written about a personal experience of loss maybe involving a family member or a close friend. However, once that it was pointed out that the poem was written about Lincoln it made sense as some of the lines hint at the captain being a more influential and powerful figure. However, I still think the poem can be applied to personal situations despite the fact that it deals with the death of Lincoln.