'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 Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Carl Sandburg's poem "Broadway" is considered one of his most famous works. It was published in 1916 in his collection "Chicago Poems". The poem is a celebration of the streets of New York City, specifically Broadway, which is a major thoroughfare running through Manhattan. The poem is a tribute to the energy, diversity, and excitement of the city.
The Poem's Structure and Style
"Broadway" is a free-verse poem, meaning that it does not have a regular rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which presents a different aspect of Broadway. The first stanza is a description of the street itself, while the second and third stanzas focus on the people who inhabit it. The poem is written in a conversational tone, with short, choppy phrases that mimic the rhythm of the city.
Analysis of "Broadway"
The First Stanza
The poem opens with a description of the street itself, using vivid and sensory language to convey the energy and vibrancy of Broadway. Sandburg writes,
Under the terrible burden of destiny
Laughing as a young man laughs,
Laughing even as an ignorant fighter laughs
Who has never lost a battle,
Bragging and laughing that under his wrist is the pulse.
The use of the metaphor "terrible burden of destiny" suggests that Broadway is a place of great importance, where the fate of the city is played out. The young man who laughs, unaware of the dangers around him, represents the spirit of the city, always moving forward, always optimistic. The phrase "under his wrist is the pulse" suggests that Broadway is the heartbeat of the city, the place where everything begins.
The Second Stanza
The second stanza focuses on the people who inhabit Broadway, describing them as "a woman who hurries by, / A child who peeps in at the door, / A drunkard in the street." Sandburg uses these images to convey the diversity of the city, its different classes and races all mingling together on the same street. The woman who hurries by represents the working class, always on the move, while the child peeping in at the door represents innocence and curiosity. The drunkard in the street represents the seedier side of the city, the dark underbelly that coexists with the glamour and excitement.
The Third Stanza
The third stanza is a celebration of the energy and vitality of the city. Sandburg writes,
The rhythm of life is a jazz rhythm,
Honey,
The gods are laughing at us,
The broken-hearted lovers,
Laughing at us,
The clothes that are out of fashion,
Laughing at us.
The phrase "jazz rhythm" suggests that the city is always moving, always improvising, always creating something new. The line "the gods are laughing at us" reinforces the idea that Broadway is a place of great importance, where the fate of the city is played out. The broken-hearted lovers and the clothes that are out of fashion represent the transience of the city, the constant change and renewal that is also one of its defining features.
Interpretation of "Broadway"
"Broadway" can be interpreted as a celebration of the energy and diversity of the city, but it can also be seen as a commentary on the darker aspects of urban life. The poem presents a vision of the city that is both glamorous and dangerous, both exciting and terrifying. It suggests that the fate of the city is played out on the streets of Broadway, where everything is at once possible and impossible.
At the same time, "Broadway" can also be seen as a celebration of the power of poetry itself. Sandburg's use of vivid, sensory language, his ability to capture the rhythm and energy of the city, and his ability to convey the complexity and diversity of urban life all demonstrate the power of the poetic form. In this sense, "Broadway" is not just a celebration of the city, but also a celebration of the art of poetry itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Broadway" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures both the glamour and the danger of the city. Sandburg's use of vivid sensory language, his ability to capture the rhythm and energy of the city, and his ability to convey the diversity of urban life all demonstrate the power of the poetic form. "Broadway" is not just a celebration of the city, but also a celebration of the art of poetry itself, demonstrating the power of language to capture the complexity and beauty of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Broadway: A Masterpiece of American Literature
Carl Sandburg, one of America's most celebrated poets, wrote Poetry Broadway in 1926. This poem is a masterpiece of American literature, and it captures the essence of the American spirit. The poem is a tribute to the city of New York, and it celebrates the diversity, energy, and creativity of the city.
The poem begins with a description of the city's skyline, which is "a jagged saw-edge of roofs and spires." Sandburg's use of the word "jagged" suggests that the city is rough and uneven, but it is also full of character and personality. The "saw-edge" of the skyline implies that the city is constantly changing and evolving, just like a saw blade that is always cutting and shaping.
Sandburg then goes on to describe the people of the city, who are "builders, reapers, and singers." This line captures the diversity of the city's population, which includes people from all walks of life. The city is a place where people come to build their dreams, reap the rewards of their hard work, and sing their songs of triumph.
The poem also celebrates the energy and vitality of the city. Sandburg writes, "The sun strikes down with a golden grin, / And the moon comes up with a purple grin." This line suggests that the city is alive and pulsing with energy, even at night. The sun and moon are personified as grinning, which implies that they are happy to be shining down on the city.
Sandburg also pays tribute to the creativity of the city. He writes, "The streets are alive with a thousand feet, / And the pulse of the city is a drumbeat." This line suggests that the city is a place where creativity thrives. The streets are alive with people who are constantly moving and creating, and the pulse of the city is like a drumbeat that drives them forward.
The poem also captures the grit and determination of the city. Sandburg writes, "The city is a fighter, / And rugged are its streets." This line suggests that the city is a place where people have to fight to survive. The streets are rugged and tough, just like the people who live there.
Sandburg also pays tribute to the history of the city. He writes, "The city is old, / And new, / And always changing." This line suggests that the city has a rich history, but it is also constantly evolving and changing. The city is a place where the past and present collide, and where the future is always uncertain.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the city's skyline. Sandburg writes, "The city is a tall, proud city, / Built on rocks stronger than oceans, / Windswept, / And salted with dreams." This image suggests that the city is a place of strength and resilience. It is built on rocks that are stronger than the oceans, which implies that the city is able to withstand any challenge that comes its way. The city is windswept, which suggests that it is constantly changing and evolving. And it is salted with dreams, which implies that the city is a place where people come to pursue their dreams and make them a reality.
In conclusion, Poetry Broadway is a masterpiece of American literature. It captures the essence of the American spirit, and it celebrates the diversity, energy, and creativity of the city of New York. The poem is a tribute to the people who live in the city, and it pays homage to the city's history, grit, and determination. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery and powerful language makes this poem a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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