Comments on: O Captain, My Captain!

By: Brad K.

Brad K. — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:24:35 +0000

Kharma, my comment was about how the phrase “under the helm” seemed to be used – I assume that it is incorrectly contrived. That is, the expression “under the helm” is meaningless as an expression of English. I would consider the above example of the tennis team as being consistent, but I question that this phrase is correct, or could possibly be used correctly – except where “under the helm” is a specific adaptation of “under his hat” – a secret held close, disseminated no further than the author’s thoughts.

The maritime and Navy role of “captain” is a surprisingly strong authority figure. Anyone that has encountered the junior Army officer of “captain” might be confused as to the relative scope of jurisdiction. A naval or maritime captain routinely operates outside the purview of higher authority; a military junior officer of ‘captain’ exercises a direct authority over the men and facilities assigned to him, yet his authority is limited because routinely he will be operating as part of a larger group, with superiors and supervision often available.

I suppose it is possible for someone to be horribly confused, and think that “helm” is what a maritime or naval captain does. In that context, the tennis team being “under the command” of the coach implies a direct relationship between team members and an authoritarian coach, where the coach has the latitude and practice of operating without close supervision of his practices and techniques. The authority of the coach would be “undiluted” by limiting rules or reviews.

And I still think “under the helm” is inappropriate and lacks authority. It seems more like a mistake than an explanation.

By: Ade

Ade — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:33:43 +0000

As a professional sailor I can say that beyond any shadow of a doubt that the proper usage is “at the helm.” No one is ever “under the helm,” nautically speaking. Passengers or crew or other persons, etc., would not be under the helm of someone at the helm. They’d be under the command, mayhap, or at the mercy of the helmsman, depending on conditions.

By: Kharma

Kharma — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:14:22 +0000

I would have agreed with the blog and the use of “at the helm” until I read Brad’s response. I have to agree with Brad’s final statement, “under the helm” refers to the group being steered and “at the helm” refers to the one doing the steering. If we are correct, then the original example of the tennis team is acceptable.

By: Guy Andrew Hall

Guy Andrew Hall — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:30:55 +0000

Actually, under the helm makes sense, if the sentence is in reference to the team, with the coach being mentioned.

A ship is under the helm of a Captain.

The Captain is at the helm.

It’s all a matter of subject.

By: Herman Tulleken

Herman Tulleken — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:49:44 +0000

With quotes, I get about 131 000 entries for “under the helm” (so no variations), so I think you are right Brad.