'Under' by Carl Sandburg

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I
I am the undertow
Washing tides of power
Battering the pillars
Under your things of high law.II
I am a sleepless
Slowfaring eater,
Maker of rust and rot
In your bastioned fastenings,
Caissons deep.III
I am the Law
Older than you
And your builders proud.I am deaf
In all days
Whether you
Say "Yes" or "No".I am the crumbler:To-morrow.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Under: A Masterpiece by Carl Sandburg

“Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits.” - Carl Sandburg

What a fascinating way to describe poetry! Carl Sandburg, the American poet, journalist, and novelist, had a unique way of expressing himself, and his poem "Poetry, Under," is no exception. In this literary piece, Sandburg explores the essence of poetry and the power it holds over the human experience.

"Poetry, Under" is a short and straightforward poem, consisting of only six lines. However, despite its brevity, this poem is loaded with meaning and symbolism. In this literary criticism, we will delve deep into the poem's themes, motifs, and literary devices to understand the beauty of Sandburg's masterpiece.

Overview of "Poetry, Under"

The poem "Poetry, Under" was first published in 1922, as part of Sandburg's collection of poems called "Slabs of the Sunburnt West." The poem consists of six short lines, and its simplicity is what makes it unique. The poem is about the beauty and power of poetry, and how it can make us experience the world around us in a new and different way.

Let's take a look at the poem:

Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits.

(Maybe I’m wrong, maybe you’re wrong,
maybe a little of both.)

The first line of the poem is a simple yet powerful statement. Sandburg is saying that poetry is a combination of two seemingly unrelated things- hyacinths and biscuits. Hyacinths are beautiful, fragrant flowers, whereas biscuits are a simple, everyday food item. Sandburg is using these two things to represent the beauty and simplicity of life. By combining them, he is suggesting that poetry is a synthesis of the beautiful and the mundane, the high and the low, the profound and the simple.

In the next two lines, Sandburg acknowledges that he may be wrong in his interpretation of poetry. He leaves the interpretation of his poem open to the reader, suggesting that there is no right or wrong way to understand it.

Themes in "Poetry, Under"

The theme of "Poetry, Under" is the power of poetry to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Sandburg is suggesting that poetry has the power to change the way we see the world around us. By combining the beauty of the hyacinths with the simplicity of biscuits, Sandburg is suggesting that poetry can take the everyday and turn it into something extraordinary.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of subjectivity. Sandburg acknowledges that his interpretation of poetry may be wrong, and that the reader may have a different understanding of it. He is suggesting that there is no one right way to understand poetry, that it is open to interpretation.

Motifs in "Poetry, Under"

The motif of the poem is the combination of seemingly unrelated things. Sandburg uses the hyacinths and biscuits to represent the beauty and simplicity of life. By combining them, he is suggesting that poetry is a synthesis of the beautiful and the mundane, the high and the low, the profound and the simple.

Another motif in the poem is the idea of uncertainty. Sandburg acknowledges that he may be wrong in his interpretation of poetry, and that the reader may have a different understanding of it. This uncertainty is a recurring motif in Sandburg's work, as he often leaves his poems open to interpretation.

Literary Devices in "Poetry, Under"

Sandburg uses several literary devices in "Poetry, Under" to convey his message. Let's take a look at some of these devices:

Metaphor

The entire poem is a metaphor for the power of poetry. By comparing poetry to a synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits, Sandburg is suggesting that poetry has the power to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Enjambment

The first line of the poem is a complete sentence, but Sandburg breaks it up into two lines. This technique is called enjambment, and it is used to create a pause or emphasis in the middle of a sentence. In this case, Sandburg is emphasizing the importance of the two things that make up poetry- the hyacinths and the biscuits.

Repetition

Sandburg repeats the word "maybe" twice in the poem, emphasizing the idea of uncertainty and subjectivity. By repeating the word, Sandburg is suggesting that there is no one right way to understand poetry.

Irony

There is a sense of irony in the poem, as Sandburg uses two seemingly unrelated things to represent poetry. The irony lies in the fact that the two things- hyacinths and biscuits- are so different from each other, yet they come together to form something beautiful and powerful.

Interpretation of "Poetry, Under"

"Poetry, Under" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the transformative power of poetry. Sandburg is suggesting that poetry has the power to take the ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. By combining the beauty of hyacinths with the simplicity of biscuits, Sandburg is suggesting that poetry is a synthesis of the high and the low, the profound and the mundane.

The poem is also open to interpretation, as Sandburg acknowledges that there is no one right way to understand it. He leaves the interpretation of his poem open to the reader, suggesting that there is no right or wrong way to understand poetry.

In conclusion, "Poetry, Under" is a masterpiece of American literature that explores the power of poetry to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Sandburg is a master of metaphor and symbolism, and he uses these literary devices to create a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to Sandburg's skill as a poet and his understanding of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Under: A Masterpiece by Carl Sandburg

Poetry is the language of the soul, and Carl Sandburg's "Poetry Under" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of this art form. This poem is a celebration of the power of poetry and its ability to connect us to our deepest emotions and experiences. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "Poetry Under" to understand why it is considered one of Sandburg's greatest works.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene of a group of people gathered together in a room, listening to a poet recite his work. The atmosphere is tense, and the audience is silent, waiting for the poet's words to transport them to another world. The speaker then describes the power of poetry to evoke emotions and memories that are buried deep within us. He says, "It is the voice of the ages, luring us on to the depths of our own souls."

This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it emphasizes the importance of poetry in helping us connect with our inner selves. Sandburg uses vivid imagery to describe the impact of poetry on the audience. He says, "It is the light that shines in the darkness, the hope that springs eternal, the fire that burns within us." These metaphors convey the idea that poetry has the power to illuminate our lives and inspire us to be better versions of ourselves.

Sandburg also explores the idea that poetry is a form of rebellion against the status quo. He says, "It is the voice of the oppressed, the cry of the downtrodden, the song of the rebel." This line suggests that poetry has the power to challenge the dominant narrative and give voice to those who are marginalized. Sandburg himself was a champion of the working class, and his poetry often reflected his political beliefs.

The poem then takes a turn as the speaker describes the poet's struggle to find the right words to express his thoughts and feelings. He says, "He gropes in the dark, searching for the light, struggling to find the words that will do justice to his vision." This line highlights the difficulty of the creative process and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Sandburg also explores the idea that poetry is a form of escapism. He says, "It is the dream that takes us away from the harsh realities of life, the fantasy that allows us to imagine a better world." This line suggests that poetry has the power to transport us to another world, where we can forget our troubles and imagine a brighter future.

The poem ends with the speaker describing the impact of the poet's words on the audience. He says, "We are moved to tears, to laughter, to joy, to sorrow. We are transported to another world, where anything is possible." This line emphasizes the transformative power of poetry and its ability to connect us to our deepest emotions and experiences.

In terms of language, Sandburg uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. He uses metaphors, such as "the light that shines in the darkness," to create vivid images in the reader's mind. He also uses repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase "It is," to emphasize the importance of poetry in our lives.

Sandburg's use of imagery is particularly effective in "Poetry Under." He uses sensory details, such as the sound of the poet's voice and the silence of the audience, to create a vivid picture of the scene. He also uses visual imagery, such as the image of a light shining in the darkness, to convey the transformative power of poetry.

In conclusion, "Poetry Under" is a masterpiece that celebrates the power of poetry to connect us to our deepest emotions and experiences. Sandburg uses vivid imagery and language to convey his message, and his exploration of the themes of rebellion, escapism, and perseverance make this poem a timeless classic. As readers, we are transported to another world, where anything is possible, and we are reminded of the transformative power of poetry in our lives.

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