'Government' by Carl Sandburg
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The Government--I heard about the Government and
I went out to find it. I said I would look closely at
it when I saw it.
Then I saw a policeman dragging a drunken man to
the callaboose. It was the Government in action.
I saw a ward alderman slip into an office one morning
and talk with a judge. Later in the day the judge
dismissed a case against a pickpocket who was a
live ward worker for the alderman. Again I saw
this was the Government, doing things.
I saw militiamen level their rifles at a crowd of
workingmen who were trying to get other workingmen
to stay away from a shop where there was a strike
on. Government in action.
Everywhere I saw that Government is a thing made of
men, that Government has blood and bones, it is
many mouths whispering into many ears, sending
telegrams, aiming rifles, writing orders, saying
"yes" and "no."
Government dies as the men who form it die and are laid
away in their graves and the new Government that
comes after is human, made of heartbeats of blood,
ambitions, lusts, and money running through it all,
money paid and money taken, and money covered
up and spoken of with hushed voices.
A Government is just as secret and mysterious and sensitive
as any human sinner carrying a load of germs,
traditions and corpuscles handed down from
fathers and mothers away back.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Power Dynamics in Carl Sandburg's "Government"
"How do you measure a nation's greatness?" Some may say it's the economy, the military, or the cultural achievements of its people. But for Carl Sandburg, the answer lies in something more intangible yet pervasive: the government. In his poem "Government," Sandburg presents a biting critique of the power dynamics at play in a system that affects every citizen, from the lowly farmer to the high-ranking politician. Through his use of vivid imagery, sardonic humor, and provocative metaphors, Sandburg exposes the contradictions and the failings of a government that claims to represent the people but often does the opposite.
The poem begins with a stark image of a "black shoe in the mud," a symbol of the government's oppressive presence that looms over the people. The shoe, a recurring motif throughout the poem, represents the authority and power of those in charge, who are willing to dirty themselves to maintain their grip on power. Sandburg describes the shoe as "huge as a seal" and "heavy as stone," emphasizing its intimidating and destructive force. The shoe's presence in the mud suggests that the government is not only suppressing the people but also contributing to their misery and hardship.
Sandburg then introduces a series of characters who are affected by the government's actions, from the farmers who toil in the fields to the senators who make the laws. Each character is described with a distinct image, highlighting their individuality and their connection to the land. The farmer, for example, is "a plowman with a broken plow," a symbol of his poverty and his struggle to make ends meet. The senator, on the other hand, is "a ward heeler in a silk hat," a symbol of his wealth and his detachment from the common people. By contrasting these two characters, Sandburg shows how the government serves the interests of the powerful few at the expense of the many.
Sandburg's use of irony and sarcasm is especially effective in exposing the hypocrisy of the government. He describes the government as "a red ship on top of a gray sea," a metaphor that suggests the government is out of place and out of touch with the reality of people's lives. The sea, a symbol of the masses, is gray and dull, while the ship, a symbol of the government, is red and flashy, suggesting that the government is more concerned with its appearance than with its effectiveness. Sandburg's use of color imagery throughout the poem also underscores the contrast between the vibrant natural world and the drab, lifeless world of the government.
Perhaps the most powerful and memorable image in the poem is the final one, in which Sandburg describes the government as "a jackass eating figs." The jackass, a symbol of stupidity and stubbornness, represents the government's inability to understand the needs and desires of the people. The figs, a symbol of sweet abundance, represent the people's hopes and dreams for a better life. By juxtaposing these two images, Sandburg shows the tragic irony of a government that is unable to provide even the most basic of needs for its citizens.
Sandburg's poem "Government" is a powerful statement on the nature of power and the ways in which it can be abused. Through his use of vivid imagery, sardonic humor, and provocative metaphors, Sandburg exposes the contradictions and the failings of a government that claims to represent the people but often does the opposite. His message is clear: the government must be held accountable to the people, and it must work to improve the lives of all citizens, not just the few. As Sandburg writes, "Let the jackass have its figs and the rich their stolen goods, but we are the people and we want what is ours."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Power Dynamics of Government: An Analysis of Carl Sandburg's Poem
Carl Sandburg's poem "Government" is a powerful commentary on the nature of power and the role of government in society. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Sandburg explores the complex dynamics of power and the ways in which those in positions of authority can use it to manipulate and control those beneath them.
At its core, "Government" is a poem about the abuse of power. Sandburg portrays the government as a force that is both powerful and corrupt, capable of using its authority to oppress and exploit the people it is meant to serve. The poem begins with a description of the government as a "machine" that is "mighty and simple" (line 1). This image suggests that the government is a powerful and efficient force, capable of achieving its goals with ease. However, Sandburg quickly undermines this image by describing the government as a "monster" that "eats up men" (line 2). This metaphor suggests that the government is not only powerful, but also dangerous and destructive.
Sandburg goes on to describe the ways in which the government uses its power to control the lives of its citizens. He writes that the government "takes the food from the mouths of children / and the clothes from the backs of the workers" (lines 3-4). This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the government is not only oppressive, but also cruel and heartless. Sandburg is suggesting that the government is willing to sacrifice the well-being of its citizens in order to maintain its own power.
Throughout the poem, Sandburg uses vivid and evocative language to describe the government and its actions. He writes that the government "sits like a spider in the center / of its web" (lines 5-6), suggesting that it is both powerful and predatory. He also describes the government as a "beast" that "feeds on flesh" (line 7), further emphasizing its violent and destructive nature.
Despite the bleak picture that Sandburg paints of the government, he also suggests that there is hope for change. He writes that "the people are the machine / that makes everything go" (lines 8-9), suggesting that the power ultimately lies with the people themselves. Sandburg is suggesting that if the people are willing to stand up to the government and demand change, they have the power to make it happen.
In conclusion, "Government" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex dynamics of power and the ways in which those in positions of authority can use it to manipulate and control those beneath them. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Sandburg portrays the government as a powerful and corrupt force that is willing to sacrifice the well-being of its citizens in order to maintain its own power. However, he also suggests that there is hope for change, and that the power ultimately lies with the people themselves. Overall, "Government" is a powerful commentary on the nature of power and the role of government in society, and it remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
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