'Fellow Citizens' by Carl Sandburg
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I drank musty ale at the Illinois Athletic Club with
the millionaire manufacturer of Green River butter
one night
And his face had the shining light of an old-time Quaker,
he spoke of a beautiful daughter, and I knew he had
a peace and a happiness up his sleeve somewhere.
Then I heard Jim Kirch make a speech to the Advertising
Association on the trade resources of South America.
And the way he lighted a three-for-a-nickel stogie and
cocked it at an angle regardless of the manners of
our best people,
I knew he had a clutch on a real happiness even though
some of the reporters on his newspaper say he is
the living double of Jack London's Sea Wolf.
In the mayor's office the mayor himself told me he was
happy though it is a hard job to satisfy all the office-
seekers and eat all the dinners he is asked to eat.
Down in Gilpin Place, near Hull House, was a man with
his jaw wrapped for a bad toothache,
And he had it all over the butter millionaire, Jim Kirch
and the mayor when it came to happiness.
He is a maker of accordions and guitars and not only
makes them from start to finish, but plays them
after he makes them.
And he had a guitar of mahogany with a walnut bottom
he offered for seven dollars and a half if I wanted it,
And another just like it, only smaller, for six dollars,
though he never mentioned the price till I asked him,
And he stated the price in a sorry way, as though the
music and the make of an instrument count for a
million times more than the price in money.
I thought he had a real soul and knew a lot about God.
There was light in his eyes of one who has conquered
sorrow in so far as sorrow is conquerable or worth
conquering.
Anyway he is the only Chicago citizen I was jealous of
that day.
He played a dance they play in some parts of Italy
when the harvest of grapes is over and the wine
presses are ready for work.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Fellow Citizens: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Carl Sandburg's Classic Poem
Oh, what a joy it is to delve into the works of Carl Sandburg, one of America's most celebrated poets! His poem, Fellow Citizens, is a classic example of his outstanding literary genius. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, stylistic devices, and historical contexts that define this beautiful piece of art.
Background Information
Before we dive into the poem itself, it is essential to understand the historical context in which it was written. Carl Sandburg wrote Fellow Citizens in 1917, a time when America was on the brink of entering the First World War. The poem was published in a collection of poems titled, "Cornhuskers." The collection was Sandburg's fourth, and it showcased his love for the Midwest and the ordinary people who lived there.
Poem Summary
Fellow Citizens is a free-verse poem that is divided into four stanzas. It is a direct address to the American people, urging them to unite in the face of impending war. The first stanza focuses on the beauty of America, highlighting its vast landscape, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The second stanza delves into the diversity of America's people, with Sandburg mentioning the different races and religions that call America home. In the third stanza, Sandburg speaks directly to the American people, asking them to put aside their differences and come together as one. The fourth and final stanza concludes the poem with Sandburg declaring his love for America and his hope for a brighter future.
Themes
One of the central themes of Fellow Citizens is unity. Sandburg believed that America's strength lay in its diversity, but only if its people could work together. He implores the American people to come together as one, to set aside their differences and work towards a common goal. This theme is particularly relevant today, given the ongoing political and social division that plagues America.
Another theme of the poem is patriotism. Sandburg was a proud American, and it shows in his writing. He celebrates America's vast landscape, its diverse people, and its strong spirit. He believes that American citizens should love their country and work towards making it a better place for all.
Stylistic Devices
Sandburg's use of free verse is one of the most prominent stylistic devices in Fellow Citizens. The poem does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter, and this lack of structure contributes to the poem's conversational tone. It is as if Sandburg is speaking directly to the reader, urging them to listen to his words.
Another stylistic device used in the poem is repetition. Sandburg repeats the phrase "Fellow-citizens" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of unity and community. This repetition also helps to create a sense of urgency, as if Sandburg is imploring the American people to act before it's too late.
Finally, Sandburg's use of imagery and metaphor is notable. He paints a vivid picture of America's landscape, from the "singing Atlantic," to the "moaning Pacific." He also uses metaphor to describe America's people, calling them "threads of manhood" and "the living fiber of Democracy." These images and metaphors help to create a powerful sense of patriotism and national pride.
Interpretation
Fellow Citizens is a powerful poem that speaks directly to the heart of America's people. Sandburg believed that America's strength lay in its diversity, but only if its citizens could work together. He implores the American people to set aside their differences and come together as one, to work towards a common goal.
The poem's relevance today cannot be overstated. America is more divided now than ever before, and Sandburg's words serve as a powerful reminder that we are all in this together. We may come from different backgrounds, have different beliefs, and speak different languages, but we are all Americans. It is only by working together that we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fellow Citizens is a beautiful poem that celebrates America's landscape, its people, and its spirit. It is a powerful call to unity, reminding us that we are all in this together. Sandburg's use of free verse, repetition, imagery, and metaphor help to create a sense of urgency and national pride. This poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and uplift us, even over 100 years later.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Fellow Citizens: A Poem of Unity and Equality
Carl Sandburg, the renowned American poet, wrote a powerful and inspiring poem titled "Fellow Citizens." This poem is a call to unity and equality, urging all citizens to come together and work towards a better future for all. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this classic poem.
The poem begins with a simple yet profound statement: "Fellow citizens, let us praise." Sandburg is calling on all citizens to come together and celebrate the greatness of their country. He acknowledges that there are differences among the people, but he believes that these differences should not divide them. Instead, they should unite under the banner of their shared citizenship.
Sandburg then goes on to describe the various aspects of America that make it great. He talks about the "rivers, lakes, and mountains," the "cities, factories, and farms," and the "schools, churches, and libraries." He paints a picture of a diverse and vibrant country, full of opportunities and possibilities.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is Sandburg's use of repetition. He repeats the phrase "fellow citizens" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of unity and common purpose. He also repeats the phrase "let us praise," urging all citizens to come together and celebrate their country.
Sandburg also uses imagery to great effect in this poem. He describes America as a "great ship," sailing towards a brighter future. He talks about the "stars and stripes," symbolizing the unity and strength of the nation. He uses vivid language to paint a picture of a country that is full of hope and promise.
Another important theme in this poem is equality. Sandburg believes that all citizens should be treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, or social status. He talks about the "black man, white man, yellow man, and red," emphasizing the diversity of the country and the need for equality.
Sandburg also acknowledges the struggles that many Americans have faced throughout history. He talks about the "slaves who died in the fields," the "immigrants who came to a strange land," and the "workers who built the nation." He recognizes the sacrifices that these people have made and the contributions that they have made to the country.
The historical context of this poem is also important to consider. Sandburg wrote this poem in the early 20th century, a time when America was undergoing significant changes. The country was becoming more diverse, with waves of immigrants coming from all over the world. There was also a growing movement for civil rights, as African Americans and other minorities fought for equal treatment under the law.
In this context, Sandburg's poem takes on even greater significance. He is calling on all citizens to come together and work towards a better future for all. He is urging them to embrace their diversity and to recognize the contributions of all people, regardless of their background.
In conclusion, Carl Sandburg's poem "Fellow Citizens" is a powerful call to unity and equality. He uses repetition, imagery, and vivid language to paint a picture of a diverse and vibrant country, full of hope and promise. He acknowledges the struggles that many Americans have faced throughout history and calls on all citizens to work towards a better future for all. This poem is a timeless reminder of the importance of unity and common purpose, and it continues to inspire and uplift readers today.
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