'Choices' by Carl Sandburg
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They offer you many things,I a few.
Moonlight on the play of fountains at night
With water sparkling a drowsy monotone,
Bare-shouldered, smiling women and talk
And a cross-play of loves and adulteries
And a fear of death and a remembering of regrets:
All this they offer you.
I come with:salt and breada terrible job of workand tireless war;
Come and have now:hunger.dangerand hate.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Poetry is the art of expressing emotions, ideas, and experiences through the use of language. Carl Sandburg, an American poet, captured the essence of poetry in his poem "Choices." This poem is a masterpiece that explores the choices we make in life and the consequences that follow. Sandburg's use of imagery, tone, and metaphors makes this poem a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the meaning behind Sandburg's "Choices" and how it relates to our lives.
Imagery
Sandburg uses vivid imagery to convey his message in "Choices." He paints a picture of a person standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. The image of the crossroads is a powerful symbol of decision-making. It represents the moment in life when we must choose a path and commit to it. The image of the two roads diverging in a yellow wood is a classic example of this symbol, and Sandburg uses it effectively in his poem.
The image of the two roads diverging in a yellow wood is a powerful metaphor for the choices we make in life. Sandburg uses this image to show that each choice we make leads us down a different path. He describes one path as "grassy and wanton" and the other as "bare and grassless." These descriptions suggest that one path is easy and pleasurable, while the other is difficult and challenging.
Tone
The tone of "Choices" is contemplative and reflective. Sandburg's use of language is deliberate and measured, as if he is carefully choosing his words. The tone of the poem suggests that Sandburg is speaking to himself, as if he is trying to make a decision about his own life. He is not preaching or instructing, but rather he is exploring his own thoughts and feelings.
The tone of the poem is also melancholic. Sandburg seems to be lamenting the fact that we cannot go back and undo the choices we have made. He writes, "The past is a bucket of ashes," suggesting that the choices we have made are now set in stone. This tone adds weight to the poem and makes the message even more profound.
Metaphors
Sandburg uses several metaphors in "Choices" to convey his message. The most powerful metaphor in the poem is the crossroads, which we have already discussed. Another metaphor Sandburg uses is the metaphor of the bird. He writes, "I shall watch how you use your wings," suggesting that the choices we make determine how far we can fly. The metaphor of the bird is a powerful image of freedom and potential.
Sandburg also uses the metaphor of the ship. He writes, "I am the captain of my soul," suggesting that we are in control of our own lives. The ship is a powerful symbol of our journey through life, and Sandburg uses it effectively to show that we have the power to steer our own course.
Interpretation
"Choices" is a poem about the choices we make in life and the consequences that follow. Sandburg suggests that each choice we make leads us down a different path, and that we must be mindful of the choices we make. He suggests that some paths are easy and pleasurable, while others are difficult and challenging.
Sandburg also suggests that we cannot go back and undo the choices we have made. The past is a bucket of ashes, and we must live with the consequences of our choices. However, Sandburg also suggests that we are in control of our own lives. We are the captains of our own souls, and we have the power to steer our own course.
Conclusion
"Choices" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the choices we make in life. Sandburg's use of imagery, tone, and metaphor makes this poem a masterpiece of literature. The poem is a reminder that each choice we make leads us down a different path, and that we must be mindful of the choices we make. Sandburg suggests that we are in control of our own lives, and that we have the power to steer our own course. This message is as relevant today as it was when Sandburg wrote the poem, and it is a message we should all take to heart.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Choices: A Masterpiece by Carl Sandburg
Carl Sandburg, a renowned American poet, wrote a masterpiece called Poetry Choices. This poem is a reflection of the poet's thoughts on the various types of poetry and the choices that poets make when writing them. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and overall impact.
The poem begins with the line, "I have studied many times," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Sandburg is a seasoned poet who has studied and written many poems, and he is now reflecting on his experiences. He goes on to say, "The gravestones, withered leaves, and rain," which are all symbols of death and decay. This line suggests that Sandburg has seen and experienced a lot in his life, and he is now reflecting on the choices he has made in his poetry.
The next line, "On the way to the mission bells," is a reference to the Spanish missions in California. These missions were built by Spanish colonizers in the 18th and 19th centuries, and they played a significant role in the history of California. Sandburg's reference to the mission bells suggests that he is reflecting on the history and culture of California, and how it has influenced his poetry.
Sandburg then goes on to say, "Beside the Pacific Ocean," which is another reference to California. The Pacific Ocean is a significant feature of California's geography, and Sandburg's reference to it suggests that he is reflecting on the natural beauty of the state and how it has influenced his poetry.
The next line, "The wheelbarrows, chickens, and children," is a reference to everyday life. Sandburg is suggesting that poetry can be found in the most mundane things, and that poets have a choice in what they choose to write about. He goes on to say, "All the argot of the cities," which is a reference to the slang and jargon used in urban areas. Sandburg is suggesting that poets have a choice in the language they use in their poetry, and that they can choose to use everyday language or more formal language.
Sandburg then says, "Of myself forever reproaching myself," which suggests that he is reflecting on his own choices in his poetry. He goes on to say, "For who more foolish than I," which suggests that he has made mistakes in his poetry and is now reflecting on them.
The next line, "And who more faithless," suggests that Sandburg has not always been true to his own beliefs and values in his poetry. He goes on to say, "With all the manias, all the hells," which suggests that he has experienced many different emotions and states of mind in his poetry.
Sandburg then says, "I stand on the shore of the Mississippi," which is a reference to the river that runs through the United States. The Mississippi River is a significant feature of American geography, and Sandburg's reference to it suggests that he is reflecting on the history and culture of America and how it has influenced his poetry.
The next line, "A Negro boy is singing," is a reference to African American culture. Sandburg is suggesting that poetry can be found in the music and culture of African Americans, and that poets have a choice in what they choose to write about.
Sandburg then says, "I know what the caged bird feels," which is a reference to the poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou. This line suggests that Sandburg is reflecting on the experiences of African Americans and how they have influenced his poetry.
The next line, "Ah, me, I know not any," suggests that Sandburg is unsure of his own choices in his poetry. He goes on to say, "But I think it is not the stars," which suggests that he does not believe that poetry is only found in grand and lofty subjects.
Sandburg then says, "It is not the stars, nor the white moon," which suggests that he does not believe that poetry is only found in nature. He goes on to say, "Nor the old landscapes," which suggests that he does not believe that poetry is only found in history and tradition.
Sandburg then says, "Not the voice I hear this night," which suggests that he does not believe that poetry is only found in the present moment. He goes on to say, "O, I have not learned to read," which suggests that he is still learning and growing as a poet.
The final line of the poem, "I have not learned to read," is a powerful statement. Sandburg is suggesting that poetry is a lifelong journey of learning and growth, and that poets must always be open to new experiences and ideas.
In terms of literary devices, Sandburg uses a variety of techniques to convey his message. He uses symbolism, such as the gravestones, withered leaves, and rain, to suggest the themes of death and decay. He also uses alliteration, such as "wheelbarrows, chickens, and children," to create a musical quality to the poem. Sandburg also uses repetition, such as "It is not the stars," to emphasize his point.
Overall, Poetry Choices is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the choices that poets make in their writing. Sandburg's use of symbolism, alliteration, and repetition creates a musical quality to the poem, while his themes of reflection, growth, and choice make it a timeless masterpiece. As Sandburg himself suggests, poetry is a lifelong journey of learning and growth, and Poetry Choices is a testament to that journey.
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