'Aztec' by Carl Sandburg

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You came from the Aztecs
With a copper on your fore-arms
Tawnier than a sunset
Saying good-by to an even river.And I said, you remember,
Those fore-arms of yours
Were finer than bronzes
And you were glad.It was tears
And a path westand a home-goingwhen I asked
Why there were scars of worn gold
Where a man's ring was fixed once
On your third finger.And I call you
To come backbefore the days are longer.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Aztec: A Deep Dive into Carl Sandburg's Poetic Masterpiece

Are you ready to explore one of the literary gems of the 20th century? Carl Sandburg's poem "Aztec" is a breathtaking piece of art that showcases the author's mastery of language, imagery, and symbolism. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the nuances of this poem and shed light on its historical, cultural, and artistic significance.

Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to contextualize it. "Aztec" was first published in Sandburg's collection of poems titled "Chicago Poems" in 1916. This collection marked Sandburg's emergence as a leading voice in American poetry, with its themes of urban life, labor struggles, and social injustice resonating with readers across the country. "Aztec" stands out from the other poems in the collection, however, with its exotic imagery and mythical allusions.

The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct mood and tone. The first section depicts the arrival of the Aztecs in Mexico, the second section focuses on the Aztec civilization at its peak, and the third section mourns the downfall of the Aztecs and their tragic end.

Section One: Arrival

The poem begins with a vivid description of the Aztec's arrival in Mexico:

Smoke blue as the corn flowers, 
Smoke and the stars 
Above the castle, 
Turrets, stone, 
A gray king waking 
To dawn in the door-ways, 
Moths, 
And a green stone 
Reeking with dew.

The opening lines are a feast for the senses, with their evocative imagery of smoke, stars, castle, turrets, etc. The use of color is particularly striking, with the smoke described as "blue as the corn flowers" and the stone as "green...reeking with dew." This attention to detail and sensory experience is a hallmark of Sandburg's poetry, and it helps to create a rich and immersive world for the reader.

The phrase "a gray king waking" is also significant, as it suggests that the Aztecs were not conquerors but rather peaceful migrants seeking a new home. The image of moths adds to this sense of fragility and vulnerability, as moths are delicate creatures that are easily crushed. This contrasts with the looming presence of the castle and the turrets, which suggest power and control.

Section Two: Civilization

The second section of the poem shifts gears, focusing on the Aztec civilization at its peak:

Caltrops and spears 
And the hummingbird singing 
Over the gardens of Tenochtitlan.

The use of military imagery, such as "caltrops and spears," suggests that the Aztecs were a formidable force that could defend their territory against any enemy. However, this is balanced by the image of the hummingbird, a delicate and beautiful creature that represents the arts and culture of the Aztecs. The fact that the hummingbird is "singing" over the gardens of Tenochtitlan suggests that the Aztec civilization was not just about war and conquest but also about beauty and creativity.

Sandburg's use of the word "Tenochtitlan" is also significant, as it was the capital city of the Aztec empire and a center of art, architecture, and religion. By naming the city, Sandburg is drawing attention to the grandeur and sophistication of the Aztec civilization, which is often overlooked or misunderstood in Western historiography.

Section Three: Downfall

The final section of the poem is the most poignant and heartbreaking, as it depicts the downfall of the Aztecs:

The gray king died 
And the Moors came, 
Blue turbaned with long knives, 
And the city went down.

The death of the "gray king" is a metaphor for the decline of the Aztec empire, which was weakened by internal conflicts and external threats. The arrival of the Moors, who represent the Spanish conquistadors, marks the beginning of the end for the Aztecs. The image of the Moors wearing blue turbans and carrying long knives is a powerful one, as it suggests both the exoticism and the violence of the Spanish invaders.

The final line of the poem, "And the city went down," is a simple and devastating statement that captures the destruction and loss of the Aztec civilization. Sandburg's use of the word "city" instead of "empire" or "civilization" is significant, as it emphasizes the human cost of the conquest. The Aztecs were not just a collection of buildings and monuments, but a vibrant and diverse community of people who were brutally subjugated and destroyed.

Interpretation

So what does all of this mean? What is Sandburg trying to say with this poem? There are many possible interpretations, but I will offer a few that I find particularly compelling.

First and foremost, "Aztec" can be read as a critique of imperialism and colonialism. Sandburg is highlighting the violence and injustice that were inherent in the conquest of the Americas by European powers. By portraying the Aztecs as noble and sophisticated people who were destroyed by a rapacious and ruthless enemy, Sandburg is challenging the prevailing narrative that the Europeans were somehow superior or justified in their actions.

At the same time, "Aztec" can also be read as a celebration of indigenous cultures and traditions. Sandburg is showcasing the beauty and complexity of Aztec civilization, which was often dismissed or demonized by Europeans. By using vivid and evocative imagery, Sandburg is inviting the reader to appreciate and honor the Aztecs' art, architecture, and spirituality.

Finally, "Aztec" can be read as a meditation on the fragility of human existence. The Aztecs were a powerful and influential civilization, yet they were ultimately unable to withstand the forces of history and conquest. Sandburg is reminding us that no culture or society is immune to the ravages of time and violence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Aztec" is a masterpiece of American poetry that deserves to be studied and appreciated by readers of all backgrounds. Through its vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and poignant themes, the poem offers a window into the complex history and culture of the Americas. Whether you read it as a critique of imperialism, a celebration of indigenous cultures, or a meditation on the human condition, "Aztec" is a work of art that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Aztec: An Ode to the Ancient Civilization

Carl Sandburg's Poetry Aztec is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the ancient Aztec civilization. The poem is a tribute to the Aztecs, who were known for their rich culture, art, and architecture. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery and metaphors paints a picture of the Aztec world, and the poem's structure and rhythm reflect the Aztec's own poetry.

The poem begins with the line, "I shall gather myself into myself again," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Sandburg is suggesting that he is going to immerse himself in the Aztec world and become one with their culture. He then goes on to describe the Aztec's art and architecture, saying, "I shall take the swaying mounds of gold and the fruit/Of many an avocado tree, the wheaten gold/Of the spiked lances, and the shielded tortoise." Sandburg is describing the Aztec's gold and avocado trees, as well as their weapons and shields. He is painting a picture of the Aztec's wealth and military might.

Sandburg then moves on to describe the Aztec's religion, saying, "I shall take the skulls/And the writhing hide of the snake/And the scarlet circles/And the ochre triangles/Of my mother's body/And the torn shrine of my sister's breasts." Sandburg is describing the Aztec's practice of human sacrifice, which was a central part of their religion. The skulls and snake hide represent the sacrifices that were made to the gods, while the scarlet circles and ochre triangles represent the Aztec's religious symbols.

Sandburg then moves on to describe the Aztec's poetry, saying, "I shall take the shape of the greenstone god/Who was the south of their world,/And I shall balance on the singing wire/That stretches between two graves." Sandburg is describing the Aztec's poetry, which was often sung or chanted. The greenstone god was a central figure in Aztec mythology, and Sandburg is suggesting that he will take on the shape of this god in order to understand the Aztec's poetry. The singing wire represents the rhythm and structure of the Aztec's poetry.

Sandburg then concludes the poem by saying, "I shall be the corn and the honeycomb,/And the roots and the branches." Sandburg is suggesting that he will become one with the Aztec world, and that he will embody all aspects of their culture. He is suggesting that he will become the corn and the honeycomb, which were important sources of food for the Aztecs, as well as the roots and branches, which represent the Aztec's connection to the earth.

Overall, Poetry Aztec is a powerful tribute to the ancient Aztec civilization. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery and metaphors paints a picture of the Aztec world, and the poem's structure and rhythm reflect the Aztec's own poetry. Sandburg's poem is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Aztecs, and it is a testament to the enduring power of their art and architecture.

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