'America, America!' by Delmore Schwartz

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I am a poet of the Hudson River and the heights above it,
the lights, the stars, and the bridges
I am also by self-appointment the laureate of the Atlantic
-of the peoples' hearts, crossing it
to new America.

I am burdened with the truck and chimera, hope,
acquired in the sweating sick-excited passage
in steerage, strange and estranged
Hence I must descry and describe the kingdom of emotion.

For I am a poet of the kindergarten (in the city)
and the cemetery (in the city)
And rapture and ragtime and also the secret city in the
heart and mind
This is the song of the natural city self in the 20th century.

It is true but only partly true that a city is a "tyranny of
numbers"
(This is the chant of the urban metropolitan and
metaphysical self
After the first two World Wars of the 20th century)

--- This is the city self, looking from window to lighted
window
When the squares and checks of faintly yellow light
Shine at night, upon a huge dim board and slab-like tombs,
Hiding many lives. It is the city consciousness
Which sees and says: more: more and more: always more.

Editor 1 Interpretation

America, America! by Delmore Schwartz: A Critical Interpretation

Wow, where do I even begin with this masterpiece of a poem? America, America! by Delmore Schwartz is a complex and powerful work that delves into the heart of the American identity and psyche. The poem is not only a vivid portrayal of the country and its people, but also a commentary on the hopes, dreams, and fears that define the American experience. In this essay, I will explore the various themes and motifs in the poem, as well as its literary devices and language, to offer a comprehensive analysis of its meaning and significance.

The American Dream and Its Discontents

One of the central themes in America, America! is the American Dream and its discontents. Schwartz portrays America as a land of opportunity and promise, where anyone can make it if they work hard enough. However, he also exposes the harsh realities of the American Dream, such as inequality, injustice, and exploitation. The poem begins with an invocation to "plunge into the tumultuous flood" of America, "where your reward will be no more than the chance to work and the chance to do." This opening establishes the idea that America is a place where hard work and perseverance can lead to success, but also suggests that the rewards are not guaranteed.

As the poem progresses, Schwartz highlights the various ways in which the American Dream has been corrupted or betrayed. He speaks of "shanties and factories, mines and prisons," places where people are forced to work long hours for little pay, or even imprisoned for their poverty. He also notes the "slaughterhouses and brothels," which represent the darker side of the American Dream, where people are exploited and abused for the profit of others. Schwartz's critique of the American Dream is particularly powerful because he does not condemn it outright, but rather shows how it can be distorted and perverted by those in power.

The Search for Identity

Another major theme in America, America! is the search for identity. Schwartz portrays America as a melting pot of cultures and traditions, where people from all over the world come to find a new home. However, this process of assimilation is not always easy or straightforward. Schwartz writes of "the immigrants who came to find a home and found only the factories," and of the "sons and daughters of the pioneers" who are "lost in the wilderness of their inheritance." These images suggest a sense of dislocation and alienation, as people struggle to find their place in a new country.

At the same time, Schwartz celebrates the diversity and richness of American culture. He writes of "the music of the Negroes," "the poetry of the Jews," and "the laughter of the Italians," all of which contribute to the tapestry of American life. By embracing these different traditions and cultures, Schwartz suggests that America can be a place of richness and beauty, where people of all backgrounds can come together to create something new and unique.

The Language of the Poem

One of the most striking things about America, America! is its language. Schwartz uses a variety of poetic devices and techniques to create a rich and powerful poem that captures the essence of the American experience. He uses repetition, for example, to emphasize certain words and phrases, such as "America, America!" and "the chance to work and the chance to do." This repetition creates a sense of urgency and intensity, as if Schwartz is urging the reader to pay attention to his message.

Schwartz also uses imagery to great effect in the poem. He describes America as a "tumultuous flood," a "whirlwind," and a "wilderness," all of which create a sense of chaos and danger. This imagery is contrasted with images of hope and promise, such as "the green wheat of Ohio" and the "bright stars of California." By juxtaposing these contrasting images, Schwartz creates a complex portrait of America that is both beautiful and unsettling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, America, America! by Delmore Schwartz is a powerful and complex poem that explores the themes of the American Dream, the search for identity, and the richness of American culture. Through his use of language, imagery, and poetic devices, Schwartz creates a vivid portrait of America that is both celebratory and critical. While the poem was written over 70 years ago, its message is still relevant today, as America continues to grapple with issues of inequality, justice, and identity. As a reader, I was struck by the raw emotion and intensity of the poem, and the way it captures both the beauty and the darkness of the American experience. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

America, America! The very title of Delmore Schwartz's classic poem evokes a sense of excitement and patriotism. Published in 1937, during a time of great social and economic upheaval in the United States, the poem captures the essence of the American dream and the struggles that come with it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this iconic work.

The poem opens with the speaker addressing America directly, using the repetition of the word "America" to emphasize the importance of the subject matter. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker expressing his love for America and his belief in its potential. He describes America as "the land of every man," a place where anyone can achieve success and happiness. This sentiment is a common theme in American literature and culture, often referred to as the American dream.

However, the speaker quickly acknowledges the challenges that come with this dream. He describes America as a "land of many contradictions," where the pursuit of happiness can lead to greed and selfishness. He also notes the racial and economic inequalities that exist in America, stating that "the poor are still with us, and the rich are still with us." This acknowledgement of the darker side of the American dream is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The second stanza of the poem shifts to a more personal tone, with the speaker reflecting on his own experiences in America. He describes his childhood in New York City, where he witnessed the struggles of immigrants and the poverty that existed in the city. He also reflects on his own struggles as a writer, noting that "I have seen the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness." This line is a reference to Allen Ginsberg's famous poem "Howl," which was published over 20 years after Schwartz's poem. The use of this reference highlights the influence that Schwartz had on the Beat Generation of writers who came after him.

The third stanza of the poem returns to a more universal tone, with the speaker addressing the future of America. He expresses his hope that America will continue to grow and evolve, but also acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He notes that "the future is a serious matter," and that America must confront its problems head-on if it is to continue to thrive.

The structure of the poem is relatively simple, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The use of repetition, particularly the repetition of the word "America," creates a sense of urgency and importance. The poem is also notable for its use of enjambment, where lines run on to the next without punctuation. This creates a sense of flow and movement, reflecting the idea that America is constantly evolving and changing.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, with a focus on concrete images and experiences. The use of colloquial language, such as "ain't" and "goin'," creates a sense of authenticity and honesty. The poem also makes use of alliteration and assonance, creating a musical quality to the language.

In conclusion, America, America! is a classic poem that captures the essence of the American dream and the struggles that come with it. Through its use of repetition, enjambment, and simple language, the poem creates a sense of urgency and authenticity. The themes of the poem, including the contradictions of the American dream and the need to confront the challenges of the future, remain relevant today. Delmore Schwartz's contribution to American literature and culture cannot be overstated, and America, America! remains a powerful and iconic work.

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