'Subway' by Carl Sandburg


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Down between the walls of shadow
Where the iron laws insist,
The hunger voices mock.

The worn wayfaring men
With the hunched and humble shoulders,
Throw their laughter into toil.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Subway: Carl Sandburg's Masterpiece

As I read Carl Sandburg's poem, Subway, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer brilliance of his work. The way he effortlessly captures the hustle and bustle of the New York subway system is simply amazing. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'd like to delve deeper into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and literary devices.

Themes

At its core, Subway is a poem about human nature. It's a vivid portrayal of the daily struggles, joys, and sorrows of the working class. Through his words, Sandburg captures the essence of the subway system - a place where people from all walks of life come together, united in their struggles and hopes.

One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of anonymity. Sandburg describes the subway as a place where people "move like shadows / under the great archway of the city." This imagery highlights the fact that, in the subway, individuals become anonymous. They become a part of a larger collective, losing their individuality in the process.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of alienation. Sandburg describes the subway as a place where people are "squeezed together / like a sandwich in a can." This imagery highlights the claustrophobic nature of the subway system, where people are forced to interact with others even if they don't want to. This sense of alienation is further reinforced by the fact that people wear "hats and coats / against the cold and storm." This suggests that people are trying to protect themselves from the harshness of the outside world, further distancing themselves from each other.

Imagery

One of the things that sets Subway apart is its vivid imagery. Sandburg's use of descriptive language is masterful, painting a picture of the subway that is both vivid and poignant.

For instance, Sandburg describes the subway as a "snake that thrusts and withdraws / into its den." This metaphor is particularly powerful because it captures the sense of danger and unpredictability that characterizes the subway system. It also conjures up images of a snake, a creature that is often feared and reviled.

Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the subway as a "wild, dark, terrifying bird that hovers over the tumult / of the flooded city." This image captures the sense of chaos and danger that pervades the subway system. It also creates a sense of foreboding, suggesting that something terrible could happen at any moment.

Literary Devices

In addition to its powerful imagery, Subway also makes use of several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact.

One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is repetition. Sandburg repeats the phrase "in the subway" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and emphasizing the ubiquity of the subway system in New York City.

Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. Sandburg uses several metaphors throughout the poem, such as the subway being compared to a snake and a bird. These metaphors not only create powerful images, but they also help to reinforce the themes of the poem.

Finally, Sandburg also makes use of personification in the poem. He describes the subway as having a "voice" and being "alive." This personification not only makes the subway seem more real and tangible, but it also reinforces the sense of danger and unpredictability that pervades the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Subway is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Through its vivid imagery, powerful themes, and effective use of literary devices, Carl Sandburg has created a portrait of the New York subway system that is both haunting and beautiful. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and it will continue to resonate with readers for many years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Subway by Carl Sandburg: A Poetic Journey into the Heart of the City

If you have ever ridden the subway, you know that it is a unique experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of the underground world are unlike anything else. In his classic poem Subway, Carl Sandburg captures the essence of this urban adventure in a way that is both vivid and haunting. In this article, we will explore the poem in detail, examining its themes, imagery, and language, and uncovering the deeper meanings that lie beneath the surface.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "The faces in the subway are stone." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of cold, hard surfaces and unfeeling people. Sandburg describes the subway as a "long, black tunnel," and the people inside as "gray ghosts." This creates a sense of isolation and anonymity, as if the individuals are all part of a larger, impersonal machine.

As the poem progresses, Sandburg introduces a series of images that are both beautiful and unsettling. He describes the "jewels" of the subway, which are the lights that flicker and dance along the walls. These lights are like stars in the darkness, providing a glimmer of hope and beauty in an otherwise bleak environment. However, Sandburg also notes that these lights are "cold and blue," which suggests a sense of artificiality and detachment.

Sandburg also describes the sounds of the subway, which are a mix of mechanical noises and human voices. He notes that the subway is "a roar and a rattle," and that the people inside are "mumbling, bumbling, stumbling." These sounds create a sense of chaos and confusion, as if the individuals are lost in a sea of noise and movement.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the subway as a "snake." Sandburg writes, "The subway is a long, steel snake / Sliding under my feet." This image is both powerful and unsettling, as it suggests a sense of danger and unpredictability. The subway is like a living creature, moving and breathing beneath the city streets.

Throughout the poem, Sandburg uses language that is both simple and evocative. He describes the subway as a "black, bat-breath" and the people inside as "gray, tombstone faces." These phrases create a sense of darkness and death, as if the subway is a place where life goes to die. However, Sandburg also uses language that is beautiful and poetic, such as when he describes the "jewels" of the subway or the "long, steel snake" that slides beneath our feet.

At its core, Subway is a poem about the human experience in the modern city. It is a reflection on the isolation and anonymity that can come with living in a crowded, bustling metropolis. Sandburg captures the sense of disconnection that many people feel in the subway, as if they are all part of a larger, impersonal machine. However, he also suggests that there is beauty and wonder to be found in this environment, if we are willing to look for it.

In conclusion, Subway is a classic poem that captures the essence of the urban experience. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, it paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and unsettling. Sandburg's words remind us that even in the midst of chaos and confusion, there is still beauty to be found. The subway may be a long, steel snake, but it is also a place where we can find jewels in the darkness.

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