'To Certain Journeymen' by Carl Sandburg
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Undertakers, hearse drivers, grave diggers,
I speak to you as one not afraid of your business.
You handle dust going to a long country,
You know the secret behind your job is the same whether
you lower the coffin with modern, automatic machinery,
well-oiled and noiseless, or whether the
body is laid in by naked hands and then covered
by the shovels.
Your day's work is done with laughter many days of the year,
And you earn a living by those who say good-by today
in thin whispers.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Certain Journeymen: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Carl Sandburg's poem "To Certain Journeymen" is a powerful work that explores themes of struggle, perseverance, and the human spirit. Written in 1917, the poem speaks to the challenges faced by working-class Americans during an era of economic turmoil and social unrest. Through its vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and poignant message, "To Certain Journeymen" offers a timeless meditation on the meaning of work and the value of human dignity.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with a description of the journeymen, who are portrayed as "men with picks and drills / and hammers and shovels." These workers are depicted as strong and determined, their bodies "toughened with toil" and their faces "worn with the lines of struggle." The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of workers who are physically and mentally hardened by the challenges they face.
Sandburg then goes on to describe the work these journeymen undertake, which involves "tunneling and blasting" and "building bridges and skyscrapers." The language is forceful and energetic, conveying the sense of raw power and determination that drives these workers forward. Sandburg's admiration for these men is clear, as he notes that they "carve and build / with the skill of artists."
Despite the difficulty and danger of their work, the journeymen never falter. Sandburg writes that they "go on, and on, and on," driven by a relentless determination to see their projects through to completion. This determination is echoed in the repetition of the phrase "and on" throughout the poem, which creates a sense of momentum and forward motion.
Sandburg then shifts his focus to the broader social context in which these workers operate. He notes that they are "the sons of laboring sires / who dreamed and strove and died." These words highlight the intergenerational nature of the struggle for workers' rights and the role that previous generations of workers have played in paving the way for those who came after them.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Sandburg describes the challenges faced by these workers. He notes that they have "seen the pink slips / and the locks on the gates." These phrases evoke the sense of loss and despair that workers feel when they are laid off or their jobs are outsourced. Sandburg's use of the color pink is particularly striking, as it is often associated with femininity and weakness. This suggests that the vulnerability and powerlessness that workers feel in these situations is deeply ingrained in our cultural understanding of gender.
Despite these setbacks, the journeymen refuse to be defeated. Sandburg writes that they "will go on, and on, and on," undeterred by the obstacles they face. This sense of determination and resilience is perhaps the central message of the poem, as Sandburg celebrates the ways in which working-class Americans continue to fight for their rights and their dignity in the face of adversity.
Themes and Interpretations
"To Certain Journeymen" is a rich and complex work that speaks to a number of themes and interpretations. Perhaps most prominently, the poem can be seen as a celebration of the working class and their struggle for dignity and respect. Sandburg's vivid descriptions of the journeymen and their work create a sense of admiration and awe, as he elevates these workers to the status of artists and craftsmen.
At the same time, the poem also highlights the challenges and obstacles that these workers face. Sandburg's use of color imagery, such as the pink slips and locks on the gates, underscores the vulnerability and powerlessness that workers feel in the face of economic uncertainty and injustice. Despite these challenges, however, the journeymen refuse to be defeated, and Sandburg celebrates their resilience and determination.
Another interpretation of the poem could be that it speaks to the broader struggle for social justice and equality. Sandburg's references to the laboring sires who came before the journeymen suggest a sense of continuity and connection between different generations of workers. The poem can be seen as a call to action for those who continue to fight for workers' rights and social justice today.
Conclusion
"To Certain Journeymen" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the working class. Through his vivid imagery and rhythmic language, Sandburg elevates these workers to the status of artists and craftspeople, celebrating their determination and resilience in the face of adversity. At the same time, the poem also highlights the challenges and injustices that workers face, underscoring the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. Ultimately, "To Certain Journeymen" stands as a timeless meditation on the meaning of work and the value of human dignity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Certain Journeymen: A Masterpiece of Carl Sandburg
Carl Sandburg, an American poet, and writer, is known for his unique style of writing that reflects the American experience. His poem, "To Certain Journeymen," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the working-class people and their struggles. The poem is a tribute to the hardworking men who travel from place to place in search of work. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery and powerful language makes this poem a timeless classic.
The poem begins with the line, "Come, you who work in the fields." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Sandburg is addressing the working-class people who work hard to make a living. He acknowledges their struggles and the difficulties they face in their daily lives. The use of the word "come" is an invitation to the reader to join him in celebrating the journeyman's life.
Sandburg then goes on to describe the journeyman's life. He talks about how they travel from place to place, never staying in one place for too long. They are always on the move, looking for work. Sandburg describes them as "the men who go from town to town, with nothing but their hands and their feet." This line highlights the journeyman's resilience and determination to make a living, even if it means leaving their families behind.
Sandburg's use of imagery is powerful in this poem. He describes the journeyman's life as a "long road" that is "hard and dusty." This imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind of the journeyman's life. The use of the word "dusty" also highlights the harsh conditions that the journeyman faces on a daily basis.
Sandburg then goes on to describe the journeyman's work. He talks about how they work in the fields, on the railroads, and in the mines. These are all physically demanding jobs that require a lot of hard work. Sandburg acknowledges the journeyman's hard work and dedication to their craft. He describes them as "the men who work with their hands, who know the feel of the earth and the weight of the tools they use."
Sandburg also acknowledges the journeyman's sacrifices. He talks about how they leave their families behind to travel from place to place in search of work. He describes them as "the men who leave their wives and children behind, who sleep in barns and on the ground." This line highlights the journeyman's dedication to their work and their willingness to make sacrifices to provide for their families.
Sandburg's use of language is also powerful in this poem. He uses words like "hard," "dusty," and "long" to describe the journeyman's life. These words create a sense of hardship and struggle that the journeyman faces on a daily basis. Sandburg also uses repetition in this poem. He repeats the phrase "come, you who work in the fields" throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of unity and solidarity among the working-class people.
In conclusion, "To Certain Journeymen" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the working-class people and their struggles. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind of the journeyman's life. The poem is a tribute to the hardworking men who travel from place to place in search of work. Sandburg acknowledges their sacrifices and their dedication to their work. This poem is a timeless classic that celebrates the journeyman's life and the American experience.
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