'They Will Say' by Carl Sandburg
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Of my city the worst that men will ever say is this:
You took little children away from the sun and the dew,
And the glimmers that played in the grass under the great sky,
And the reckless rain; you put them between walls
To work, broken and smothered, for bread and wages,
To eat dust in their throats and die empty-hearted
For a little handful of pay on a few Saturday nights.
Editor 1 Interpretation
They Will Say by Carl Sandburg: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel like you’re looking into a crystal ball, a poem that predicts the future, and you can’t help but wonder if the author was a time traveler? That’s how I felt when I first read “They Will Say” by Carl Sandburg. This poem is a prophetic masterpiece that foreshadows the horrors of the 20th century, and it’s still relevant in the 21st century. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the literary devices used in this poem and explore the themes and messages that Sandburg conveys through his words.
Summary of the Poem
“They Will Say” is a short poem that consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem starts with the repetition of the phrase “they will say,” which creates a sense of anticipation and a feeling that something big is about to happen. The speaker then makes a series of predictions about the future, warning us about what’s to come. In the first stanza, Sandburg predicts that people will say that the cities were beautiful before they were destroyed. The second stanza predicts a world where machines replace human workers, leaving people jobless and desperate. The third stanza warns us about the rise of fascism and totalitarianism, where leaders will brainwash their citizens and turn them into blind followers. The fourth and final stanza predicts a world where beauty and culture are replaced with violence and destruction.
Analysis of Literary Devices
Repetition
One of the most prominent literary devices used in this poem is repetition. The repetition of the phrase “they will say” at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of continuity and anticipation. It’s like the speaker is building up to something big, preparing us for the grim predictions that are about to come. This repetition also emphasizes the fact that the speaker is not alone in his predictions – there are others who see what’s coming.
Metaphor
Another literary device used in this poem is metaphor. Sandburg uses the metaphor of the city to represent civilization and culture. In the first stanza, he predicts that people will say that the cities were beautiful before they were destroyed. This is a metaphor for the destruction of civilization and culture. Sandburg is warning us that if we’re not careful, we could lose everything that makes life worth living.
Imagery
Sandburg also uses imagery to create vivid and powerful images in our minds. For example, in the second stanza, he predicts a world where machines replace human workers, leaving people jobless and desperate. He uses the image of “steel and brick” to represent the cold, heartless machines that are taking over. This image is chilling and emphasizes the bleakness of this future.
Allusion
Sandburg also uses allusion in this poem. In the third stanza, he warns us about the rise of fascism and totalitarianism. He uses the phrase “the jack-booted thug and the goose-stepping swine” to allude to the Nazis and their brutal regime. This allusion is powerful because it reminds us of the atrocities committed by the Nazis and warns us to be vigilant against similar regimes.
Themes and Messages
The Fragility of Civilization
One of the main themes in this poem is the fragility of civilization. Sandburg is warning us that the world we live in is not indestructible. If we’re not careful, we could lose everything that we’ve built. The destruction of the cities in the first stanza is a metaphor for the destruction of civilization and culture. Sandburg is reminding us that we need to cherish and protect what we have, or we could lose it all.
The Dangers of Technology
Another theme in this poem is the dangers of technology. Sandburg predicts a world where machines replace human workers, leaving people jobless and desperate. This is a warning about the dangers of relying too much on technology. If we’re not careful, we could create a world where people are no longer needed or valued. Sandburg is reminding us that we need to be thoughtful about how we use technology and ensure that it benefits everyone, not just a select few.
The Rise of Totalitarianism
Sandburg also warns us about the rise of totalitarianism. In the third stanza, he predicts a world where leaders brainwash their citizens and turn them into blind followers. This is a warning about the dangers of giving too much power to a single person or group. Sandburg is reminding us that we need to be vigilant against those who seek to control us and take away our freedoms.
The Importance of Beauty and Culture
Finally, Sandburg emphasizes the importance of beauty and culture. In the final stanza, he predicts a world where beauty and culture are replaced with violence and destruction. This is a warning about the dangers of valuing power over everything else. Sandburg is reminding us that we need to cherish and protect the things that make life beautiful and meaningful.
Conclusion
“They Will Say” is a prophetic masterpiece that warns us about the dangers of the 20th century and beyond. Sandburg uses literary devices such as repetition, metaphor, imagery, and allusion to create a powerful and vivid picture of what the future could hold. The themes of the fragility of civilization, the dangers of technology, the rise of totalitarianism, and the importance of beauty and culture are still relevant in the 21st century. Sandburg’s words are a reminder that we need to be vigilant and protect what we have, or we could lose it all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
They Will Say: A Poem That Resonates Through Time
Carl Sandburg, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that has stood the test of time. "They Will Say" is a classic poem that speaks to the human experience and the legacy we leave behind. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and relevance today.
The poem begins with the line, "They will say: 'Those people were fools.'" This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the judgments that others will make about us after we are gone. Sandburg is asking us to consider what kind of legacy we want to leave behind and how we want to be remembered.
The poem goes on to describe the different ways in which people will be remembered. Some will be remembered for their wealth and power, while others will be remembered for their kindness and compassion. Sandburg suggests that the latter is the more important legacy to leave behind. He writes, "They will say: 'They built a city and called it Chicago. They built the Union Stock Yards and the Board of Trade. They built the Loop and the Wrigley Building. They built the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center. They built a great city and named it after the wild onions that grew there.'"
These lines are a tribute to the people who built Chicago, but they also suggest that the city itself is not the most important legacy. Rather, it is the people who built it and the values they embodied that are truly significant. Sandburg is reminding us that our actions and our character are what will be remembered long after we are gone.
The poem also touches on the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. Sandburg writes, "They will say: 'Those people are dead now. They were living souls once, and they had hopes and dreams and fears. They loved and were loved. They laughed and cried. They worked and played. They were human beings.'"
These lines are a reminder that we are all mortal and that our time on this earth is limited. Sandburg is urging us to make the most of our time and to live our lives with purpose and meaning. He is also suggesting that our humanity is what connects us to one another and that we should strive to treat each other with kindness and compassion.
The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. Sandburg describes the city of Chicago as a place of industry and progress, but he also acknowledges its darker side. He writes, "They will say: 'Those people were tough. They fought and bled and died for what they believed in. They built a city out of nothing but mud and sweat and steel. They made a fortune and lost it all. They drank and smoked and cursed and fought. They were human beings.'"
These lines capture the grit and determination of the people who built Chicago, but they also acknowledge the struggles and hardships they faced. Sandburg is reminding us that life is not always easy, but that we can find strength and resilience in our humanity.
The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also poetic and lyrical. Sandburg's use of repetition and parallel structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and momentum. He writes, "They will say: 'Those people were... They built... They were human beings.'" This repetition emphasizes the themes of the poem and reinforces the idea that our humanity is what connects us to one another.
In conclusion, "They Will Say" is a classic poem that speaks to the human experience and the legacy we leave behind. Carl Sandburg's use of imagery, language, and themes is powerful and evocative, and his message is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written. Sandburg is urging us to consider what kind of legacy we want to leave behind and to live our lives with purpose and meaning. He is reminding us that our humanity is what connects us to one another and that we should strive to treat each other with kindness and compassion. This poem is a timeless reminder of the importance of living a life that is true to our values and that leaves a positive impact on the world.
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