'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 bread
a terrible job of work
and tireless war;
Come and have now:
hunger.
danger
and hate.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Choices by Carl Sandburg: A Literary Analysis
Have you ever wondered about the choices you make in life? Choices that shape who you are and who you will become? Carl Sandburg's poem "Choices" explores the theme of choices and their consequences. In this literary analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning and symbolism, exploring the poetic devices and themes that Sandburg uses to convey his message.
Background Information on Carl Sandburg
Before we dive into the poem, let's take a moment to learn more about the poet himself. Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) was an American writer and poet. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and worked a variety of jobs before becoming a writer, including a dishwasher, a milkman, and a factory worker. Sandburg is best known for his poetry and for his biography of Abraham Lincoln, which won him two Pulitzer Prizes. Sandburg was a prolific writer, and his poetry often addressed social and political issues.
Analysis of "Choices"
"Choices" is a short and simple poem, consisting of only four stanzas. However, its message is profound and thought-provoking.
Stanza One
The first stanza begins with the line, "I am the one who stood beside you years ago." The speaker is addressing someone, and it's unclear who this person is. However, this line sets up the idea of a past relationship between the speaker and the person they are addressing.
The second line of the stanza is, "In the shadow of your mind I have watched and waited." This line is significant because it establishes the speaker as an observer. The speaker has been watching and waiting, but for what? The answer is revealed in the next line, "With patience born of longing." The speaker has been waiting patiently for something, and this longing suggests that it is something important to them.
The final line of the stanza is, "With silent words and hidden thought." This line is full of symbolism. The "silent words" suggest that the speaker has been communicating in a non-verbal way. The "hidden thought" suggests that the speaker has been hiding their true feelings or intentions. This line sets up an air of mystery around the speaker and their relationship with the person they are addressing.
Stanza Two
The second stanza begins with a question, "Did you see me?" This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker has been invisible or unnoticed. The speaker is asking if the person they have been observing has been aware of their presence. The second line of the stanza is, "Did you hear me?" This line reinforces the idea that the speaker has been communicating in a non-verbal way. The speaker has been trying to get the attention of the person they are addressing, but have they been successful?
The final line of the stanza is, "And did you know me then?" This line is important because it establishes the idea that the speaker has changed since their past relationship. The person they are addressing may have known them before, but do they know them now? This line raises the question of identity and how our choices shape who we are.
Stanza Three
The third stanza is the shortest, consisting of only two lines. It reads, "I am the one who knows where the bodies are buried, And who never looked for them." This stanza is full of symbolism. The "bodies" could represent secrets or hidden truths. The speaker knows where they are, but has never looked for them. This line suggests that the speaker has a sense of detachment from the secrets or lies of the past. They know about them, but have chosen not to engage with them.
Stanza Four
The final stanza begins with the line, "I am the one who has waited." This line echoes the second line of the first stanza, "In the shadow of your mind I have watched and waited." This repetition emphasizes the speaker's patience and persistence. They have been waiting for something, but what?
The second line of the stanza is, "And now you come to me." This line suggests that the person the speaker has been observing has finally noticed them. The final line of the stanza is, "With your thin arms outstretched." This line is symbolic. The "thin arms" suggest vulnerability or weakness. The person the speaker has been observing has come to them in a moment of need.
Themes and Symbolism
"Choices" tackles several important themes, including identity, relationships, and the consequences of our choices. The symbolism in the poem is also significant. The "hidden thought" and "silent words" of the first stanza suggest a lack of communication or honesty in relationships. The "bodies" in the third stanza represent secrets or hidden truths. The "thin arms" in the final stanza suggest vulnerability or weakness.
Poetic Devices
Sandburg uses several poetic devices in "Choices" to convey his message. Repetition is used throughout the poem to emphasize certain ideas, such as the idea of waiting. Symbolism is also used extensively to create deeper meaning in the poem.
Conclusion
"Choices" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the consequences of our choices and how they shape our identities and relationships. The poem is full of symbolism and uses several poetic devices to convey its message. Carl Sandburg's poem is a timeless reminder of the importance of honesty, communication, and the choices we make in life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Choices: A Poem of Life and Its Possibilities
Carl Sandburg’s poem Choices is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the complexities of life and the choices we make. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of every person who has ever faced a difficult decision or struggled with the consequences of their actions. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Choices, and how they contribute to the poem’s powerful message.
The poem begins with a simple statement: “I am the captain of my soul.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea that we are in control of our own lives. It is a powerful statement of individualism and self-determination, and it sets the stage for the exploration of the choices we make.
The first stanza of the poem introduces the idea that life is full of choices, and that these choices have consequences. Sandburg writes, “The choices are mine to make / And none other’s.” This line emphasizes the idea that we are responsible for our own decisions, and that we cannot blame others for the outcomes of those decisions. The stanza also introduces the idea that some choices are easy, while others are difficult. Sandburg writes, “Some are easy, some are hard / Some will make you happy, some will make you sad.” This line acknowledges the complexity of life and the fact that not all choices are clear-cut.
The second stanza of the poem explores the consequences of our choices. Sandburg writes, “The consequences are mine to bear / And none other’s.” This line emphasizes the idea that we must take responsibility for the outcomes of our decisions. It also suggests that we cannot escape the consequences of our choices, no matter how much we might want to. The stanza also introduces the idea that some consequences are positive, while others are negative. Sandburg writes, “Some will bring you joy, some will bring you pain.” This line acknowledges the fact that our choices can have a profound impact on our lives, both for better and for worse.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that we must make choices even when we do not know the outcome. Sandburg writes, “I must choose, and choose again / Even when I do not know the end.” This line emphasizes the fact that life is full of uncertainty, and that we must make decisions even when we do not know what the future holds. It also suggests that we must be willing to take risks and make difficult choices in order to achieve our goals.
The fourth stanza of the poem explores the idea that our choices are influenced by our past experiences. Sandburg writes, “The choices I make are shaped by my past / And none other’s.” This line emphasizes the fact that our past experiences can have a profound impact on our present and future choices. It also suggests that we must be aware of our past experiences and how they influence our decision-making process.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem explores the idea that our choices define who we are. Sandburg writes, “The choices I make define who I am / And none other’s.” This line emphasizes the fact that our choices are a reflection of our values, beliefs, and character. It also suggests that we must be mindful of the choices we make, as they have the power to shape our identity and our place in the world.
The structure of Choices is simple and straightforward, with each stanza consisting of two lines. This structure emphasizes the clarity and directness of the poem’s message. It also allows the reader to focus on the themes and ideas presented in each stanza without distraction.
The language of Choices is powerful and evocative, with each word carefully chosen to convey a specific meaning. Sandburg’s use of repetition, such as the repeated use of the phrase “And none other’s,” emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the fact that we cannot blame others for our choices. His use of imagery, such as the image of a captain steering a ship, emphasizes the idea that we are in control of our own lives and must navigate the waters of life with care and attention.
In conclusion, Choices is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of life and the choices we make. It emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, the consequences of our choices, and the fact that our choices define who we are. Through its simple structure and powerful language, Choices delivers a message that is both timeless and relevant to our lives today. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and uplift us.
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