Poem Analysis
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The poem Chicago, written by Carl Sandburg, reflects the ideals of many Chicago Renaissance poets. During the time period the poem was written, Chicago was the melting pot for all different types of crime. In his poem Sandburg expresses his disappointment in the corruption, crime, and demoralization that became commonplace in the urban city streets of Chicago; he also voices his admiration towards the people of Chicago for their commitment to their city. In his poem Sandburg agrees with every insult Chicago was branded with in the early 1900s. In lines 6 & 7 Sandburg shows the loss of innocence that comes with living in an urban environment. In the lines the, "painted women" represent the evils of an urban environment that await the unsuspecting "farm boys" who epitomize the diminishing of traditional rural values. While reading this poem I couldn't help but feel a since of pride in my city (seeing as I am a Chicagoan myself), a feeling I believe Sandburg was trying to convey. In lines 31-33 it states, "proud to be Hog Butcher, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and Freight Handler to the Nation." When I read the previous quote I thought Sandburg was trying to say that although the world may view Chicago as America's stain, the people that live there are honored to call Chicago their home. After reading Chicago felt empathetic, I understood Carl Sandburg's disappointment with the crime that ran through the streets of Chicago, but I am also privileged to say that I come from the "City of the Big Shoulders."
Literary Devices
- Assonance is used in lines 32 and 33 of Carl Sandburg's poem Chicago. In line 32 and 33 it states,
"to be Hog Butcher, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and Freight Handler to the Nation," the repeated vowel sound is the -er. In this poem assonance is used to specify the many occupations/names Chicago was known for. In his poem Sandburg list the names Chicago was known by, to show how important it is to the United States and to explain why the people of Chicago are proud of their city. - The device polysyndeton is used in lines 14 & 15 of Chicago. In the lines the word word and separates 4 qualities used to describe Chicago, "Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning." The use of this polysyndeton calls attention to each quality instead of grouping them all together. I believe Sandburg put emphasis on each adjective because he was stressing the fact that although Chicago was known foe its violence and corruption, it was a city that stood above all the rest.