'Broadway' by Carl Sandburg
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I shall never forget you, Broadway
Your golden and calling lights.
I'll remember you long,
Tall-walled river of rush and play.
Hearts that know you hate you
And lips that have given you laughter
Have gone to their ashes of life and its roses,
Cursing the dreams that were lost
In the dust of your harsh and trampled stones.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Broadway by Carl Sandburg: A Poem of the American Dream
If you're familiar with the American Dream, then you'll surely appreciate Carl Sandburg's poem, Broadway. Written in 1916, Broadway is a classic piece of literature that captures the essence of the great American highway to success. With its vivid imagery, rhythmic structure, and simple language, the poem delivers a message that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Background
Before delving into an interpretation of Broadway, let's take a moment to appreciate Carl Sandburg's life and work. Born in 1878, Sandburg was an American poet, journalist, and novelist who wrote extensively about the American experience. He is best known for his collection of poems, "Chicago Poems," which includes the famous poem "Chicago." Sandburg's work was heavily influenced by the social, political, and economic conditions of his time, particularly the rise of industrialization and urbanization in America.
Analysis
Now, let's turn our attention to Broadway. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of six lines. The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it has no set rhyme scheme or meter. This gives Sandburg the freedom to experiment with language and structure, allowing him to create a unique and powerful piece of poetry.
First Stanza
The first stanza of Broadway introduces us to the main subject of the poem, the street that gives the poem its name. Sandburg describes Broadway as a place where people come to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. He personifies the street, describing it as an "avenue of the strong and the brave." This suggests that Broadway is a place where only the most determined and courageous can succeed. Sandburg also uses vivid imagery to describe the street, painting a picture of a place that is alive and bustling with activity. The personification of the street, along with the imagery, contributes to the theme of the poem - the American Dream.
Second Stanza
In the second stanza, Sandburg describes the people who come to Broadway. He describes them as "hordes" who come from all over the world, seeking their fortune. This use of the word "hordes" suggests that there are many people who come to Broadway, and that they are all driven by the same desire to succeed. Sandburg also describes the people as "laughing and cursing" - this suggests that they are both happy and frustrated at the same time. They are happy because they are pursuing their dreams, but frustrated because success is not easy to achieve. The use of the word "cursing" also suggests that the people are angry and resentful of the obstacles that stand in their way.
Third Stanza
In the final stanza, Sandburg uses the metaphor of a river to describe Broadway. He describes the street as a "river of faces" that flows endlessly. This suggests that Broadway is a place where people come and go, but the pursuit of success continues. Sandburg also uses the metaphor of a "crashing wave" to describe the energy and power of Broadway. This suggests that the pursuit of success is both exhilarating and dangerous. The final lines of the poem suggest that Broadway is a place where people are constantly striving for success, but that success is always just out of reach.
Interpretation
So, what is Sandburg trying to say in Broadway? The poem is essentially a commentary on the American Dream - the idea that anyone can achieve success if they work hard enough. Sandburg is suggesting that the pursuit of success is both exhilarating and dangerous, and that it requires both determination and courage. The people who come to Broadway are driven by the desire to succeed, but they are also frustrated by the obstacles that stand in their way.
Sandburg is also commenting on the nature of success itself. He suggests that success is always just out of reach, and that it requires a constant effort to achieve. This is reflected in the metaphor of the "crashing wave," which suggests that the pursuit of success is a never-ending struggle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Broadway is a classic piece of poetry that captures the essence of the American Dream. Sandburg uses vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor to create a powerful commentary on the pursuit of success. The poem is both exhilarating and dangerous, suggesting that success is a constant struggle that requires both determination and courage. Broadway is a poem that speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and it continues to resonate with people today as much as it did over 100 years ago.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Broadway: A Poem that Celebrates the Vibrancy of New York City
If you have ever been to New York City, you know that it is a place like no other. The city is alive with energy, and the streets are always bustling with people from all walks of life. It is a place where dreams are made, and anything seems possible. Carl Sandburg's poem, Broadway, captures the essence of this vibrant city and celebrates its unique character.
The poem begins with the line, "What is it that comes in a box and is licked?" This opening line is a riddle that sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Sandburg is asking the reader to think about what it is that makes New York City so special. The answer, of course, is Broadway.
Sandburg goes on to describe Broadway as "the street of a thousand dramas." This line captures the essence of Broadway perfectly. The street is home to some of the world's most famous theaters, and it is where many of the greatest plays and musicals have been performed. Broadway is a place where dreams are made, and where actors and actresses come to make their mark on the world.
Sandburg also describes Broadway as a place where "the neon lights flash and the taxis honk." This line captures the energy and excitement of the city perfectly. The neon lights of Times Square are a sight to behold, and the constant honking of taxis is a reminder that the city never sleeps.
The poem also touches on the diversity of the city. Sandburg writes, "Here is the voice of the people, the workers, the hustlers, the gamblers." This line is a reminder that New York City is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. It is a place where people from all over the world come to make a better life for themselves.
Sandburg also describes Broadway as a place where "the night is alive with a thousand lights." This line is a reminder that New York City is a place that never sleeps. The city is alive with energy 24 hours a day, and there is always something to do or see.
The poem ends with the line, "Broadway, the street that is the heart of the world." This line is a reminder that New York City is not just a city, but a symbol of hope and opportunity. It is a place where people come to make their dreams come true, and where anything seems possible.
In conclusion, Carl Sandburg's poem, Broadway, is a celebration of the vibrancy and energy of New York City. The poem captures the essence of the city perfectly, and reminds us of why it is such a special place. New York City is a place where dreams are made, and where anything seems possible. It is a place that never sleeps, and where the energy and excitement never fades. Broadway is the heart of the city, and Sandburg's poem is a tribute to its unique character.
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