'On The Breakwater' by Carl Sandburg
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On the breakwater in the summer dark, a man and a
girl are sitting,
She across his knee and they are looking face into face
Talking to each other without words, singing rythms in
silence to each other.
A funnel of white ranges the blue dusk from an out-
going boat,
Playing its searchlight, puzzled, abrupt, over a streak of
green,
And two on the breakwater keep their silence, she on his
knee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Breakwater: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Emotion
On The Breakwater is a beautiful poem by the legendary American poet Carl Sandburg. It was first published in 1916 as a part of his collection "Chicago Poems". The poem is only eight lines long, but it packs a powerful punch with its vivid imagery and poignant emotions. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes and techniques used by Sandburg in this masterpiece of modern poetry.
The Setting
The poem is set on a breakwater, a structure built to protect a harbor or shoreline from the force of waves. The breakwater is described as "lonely" and "gray", which immediately sets a somber tone for the poem. The use of the color gray is significant, as it is often associated with sadness and depression. The breakwater is also described as "old", which gives a sense of history and continuity to the setting.
The Imagery
The imagery in this poem is simply breathtaking. Sandburg uses a variety of sensory details to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The waves are described as "white" and "green", which immediately creates a contrast between the natural beauty of the ocean and the man-made structure of the breakwater. The waves are also described as "long" and "hollow", which gives them a sense of power and danger.
The breakwater itself is described as "lonely" and "old", which creates a feeling of isolation and decay. The "rusty" iron bolts are a testament to the wear and tear of time, and the "sea-worn" stones give a sense of history and permanence to the structure. The use of the word "sea-worn" is particularly effective, as it implies that the stones have been shaped and molded over time by the very force they are meant to resist.
The Emotions
The emotions in this poem are complex and nuanced. On the surface, the poem seems to be about the power of the ocean and the struggle of man against nature. However, there is a deeper emotional resonance to the poem that speaks to the human condition.
The breakwater is described as "lonely", which creates a sense of isolation and despair. The image of the waves crashing against the stones creates a feeling of futility and hopelessness. The breakwater is a symbol for the human struggle against the forces of fate and destiny. We build structures to protect ourselves from the chaos of the world, but ultimately, we are powerless against the forces of nature.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The breakwater is described as "old", which implies that it has been around for a long time. The image of the "rusty" iron bolts and the "sea-worn" stones gives a sense of decay and inevitability. The poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the impermanence of all things.
The Techniques
Sandburg uses a number of literary techniques to create the emotional impact of the poem. The use of contrast between the natural beauty of the ocean and the man-made structure of the breakwater creates a sense of tension and conflict. The use of sensory details, such as the "white" and "green" waves and the "rusty" iron bolts, creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
The poem also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and pacing. The repeated use of the word "lonely" reinforces the feeling of isolation and despair. The repetition of the phrase "long, hollow" gives a sense of the rhythmic pounding of the waves against the stones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, On The Breakwater is a masterpiece of modern poetry. The vivid imagery and poignant emotions make it a powerful meditation on the human condition. The themes of isolation, mortality, and futility resonate deeply with readers, and the use of literary techniques such as contrast and repetition create a sense of rhythm and pacing that draw the reader in. As a fan of modern poetry, I highly recommend this poem to anyone looking for a deep and meaningful reading experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Breakwater: A Poem of Nature and Human Connection
Carl Sandburg’s poem, On The Breakwater, is a beautiful and evocative piece of writing that captures the essence of the natural world and our place within it. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Sandburg explores the relationship between humans and the environment, and the ways in which we are both shaped by and shape the world around us.
The poem begins with a description of the breakwater itself, a man-made structure that juts out into the sea. Sandburg uses language that is both precise and poetic, describing the breakwater as “a long spine of concrete” that “juts out into the blue” and “cuts the crest of the new blue” with its sharp edges. This imagery creates a sense of solidity and strength, as well as a feeling of isolation and separation from the natural world.
However, as the poem progresses, Sandburg begins to blur the boundaries between the human-made and the natural. He describes the breakwater as a place where “the sea-winds blow” and “the salt waves beat,” suggesting that even this man-made structure is subject to the forces of nature. This idea is reinforced by the description of the “sea-gulls wheeling” above the breakwater, as if they too are drawn to this place where human and nature meet.
Sandburg then shifts his focus to the human presence on the breakwater, describing the “men and women” who come here to “walk out on the rocks” and “look out at the sea.” He uses language that is both descriptive and empathetic, painting a picture of people who are “lonely” and “restless” and seeking solace in the natural world. He describes the “old men” who come here to “sit and stare at the sea,” suggesting that this place has a special significance for those who have lived long lives and have a deep connection to the natural world.
As the poem progresses, Sandburg begins to explore the ways in which humans are shaped by the natural world. He describes the “sea-winds” that “blow away human speech” and the “salt waves” that “wash away the memory of faces.” This language suggests that the natural world has a transformative power, stripping away the trappings of human society and revealing our true selves.
Sandburg also explores the idea of human connection to the natural world, describing the “long line of spray” that “marks the edge of one of many floods” and the “sea-gulls” that “wheel and turn.” This language suggests that humans are not separate from the natural world, but are instead a part of it. We are connected to the sea and the sky and the creatures that inhabit them, and our lives are shaped by these forces just as much as they are shaped by human society.
Finally, Sandburg returns to the idea of the breakwater as a place of isolation and separation, describing the “lonely men and women” who come here to “look out at the sea.” However, he also suggests that this isolation can be a source of strength and renewal, describing the “old men” who come here to “sit and stare at the sea” and find solace in its vastness and power.
In conclusion, On The Breakwater is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Sandburg suggests that we are not separate from the natural world, but are instead a part of it. We are shaped by the sea and the sky and the creatures that inhabit them, and our lives are enriched by our connection to these forces. The breakwater itself is a symbol of our attempts to control and shape the natural world, but Sandburg suggests that even here, in this man-made structure, we are subject to the transformative power of nature. Ultimately, the poem suggests that our connection to the natural world is a source of strength and renewal, and that even in our moments of isolation and separation, we are never truly alone.
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