'America, America!' by Delmore Schwartz
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1954I am a poet of the Hudson River and the heights above it,the lights, the stars, and the bridges
I am also by self-appointment the laureate of the Atlantic-of the peoples' hearts, crossing itto new America.I am burdened with the truck and chimera, hope,acquired in the sweating sick-excited passagein steerage, strange and estranged
Hence I must descry and describe the kingdom of emotion.For I am a poet of the kindergarten (in the city)and the cemetery (in the city)
And rapture and ragtime and also the secret city in theheart and mind
This is the song of the natural city self in the 20th century.It is true but only partly true that a city is a "tyranny ofnumbers"
(This is the chant of the urban metropolitan andmetaphysical self
After the first two World Wars of the 20th century)--- This is the city self, looking from window to lightedwindow
When the squares and checks of faintly yellow light
Shine at night, upon a huge dim board and slab-like tombs,
Hiding many lives. It is the city consciousness
Which sees and says: more: more and more: always more.
Editor 1 Interpretation
America, America! by Delmore Schwartz: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry
Delmore Schwartz's "America, America!" is a poem that captures the essence of the American experience in the mid-20th century. Written in 1937, at a time when America was struggling with economic depression and social unrest, the poem is a profound meditation on the contradictions and complexities of the American dream.
At its core, "America, America!" is a poem about the tension between the promise of freedom and the reality of oppression. Schwartz's speaker is acutely aware of the contradictions inherent in the American promise, and he sees the ways in which those contradictions play out in the lives of ordinary Americans.
The poem begins with a vivid description of America as a land of opportunity, where "everyone has a chance" and "anything can happen." But this idealistic vision is quickly tempered by the harsh realities of American life:
But there is no love to be had in America,
No love, no joy, no tenderness.
There is only raw power and silence
And a hardness of heart and soul.
Here, Schwartz's speaker is acknowledging the darker side of the American dream, the part that is built on exploitation and inequality. He sees America as a place where power is the only currency that matters, where tenderness and love are in short supply.
But even as the speaker confronts the harsh reality of American life, he remains convinced that there is something worth fighting for. He sees hope in the struggles of ordinary people, in the moments of beauty and tenderness that shine through the darkness:
And yet I love America
For all this,
For the beauty and the terror,
The innocent and the guilty.
This paradoxical love for America is at the heart of Schwartz's poem. It is a love that embraces both the dark and the light, that sees the contradictions of American life as a reflection of the human experience itself.
One of the most striking things about "America, America!" is its use of language. Schwartz's language is both precise and evocative, capturing the essence of the American experience in a few well-chosen words. His imagery is vivid and haunting, painting a picture of a country caught between hope and despair:
The streets are dark with something more than night,
And there is no light in the windows;
Only the sound of the wind in the trees
And the whisper of ghosts in the air.
This eerie, almost Gothic imagery captures the sense of unease and uncertainty that pervades American life in the 1930s. It is a world where the ghosts of the past loom large, and where the future is shrouded in darkness.
Despite its bleakness, "America, America!" is ultimately a poem of hope. It is a call to action, a plea to ordinary Americans to fight for the values that make America great:
We must fight for America,
For the dream that is ours alone,
And never give up until the end,
Until we have won our freedom again.
In the end, "America, America!" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a poem that captures the spirit of a nation in crisis, and offers a vision of hope and renewal. It is a call to action, a plea to ordinary Americans to stand up for what is right and fight for a better future. And in its vivid language and haunting imagery, it is a work of art that will endure for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry America, America! by Delmore Schwartz is a classic poem that captures the essence of America and its people. This poem is a celebration of the American spirit, its diversity, and its potential. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its significance.
The poem begins with the line "America, I've given you all and now I'm nothing." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker expresses his disillusionment with America. He has given everything he has to America, but he feels like he has received nothing in return. This sentiment is relatable to many Americans who feel like they are working hard but not seeing the fruits of their labor.
The poem then shifts to a more positive tone as the speaker describes the beauty of America. He talks about the "golden door" that welcomes immigrants to America and the "endless skyway" that stretches across the country. These images evoke a sense of hope and possibility, which is a hallmark of the American Dream.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the struggles of the American people. He talks about the "suicides" and "madness" that plague the country. This is a reminder that America is not perfect and that there are still many challenges that need to be addressed.
The poem then returns to a more positive tone as the speaker talks about the potential of America. He describes America as a "great nation" that is "strong and powerful." This is a reminder that America has the ability to overcome its challenges and achieve greatness.
The structure of the poem is also significant. It is written in free verse, which allows the speaker to express his thoughts and emotions in a more natural way. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme also adds to the sense of freedom and possibility that is present in the poem.
The poem also uses a number of literary devices to convey its message. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The speaker uses vivid descriptions of America to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, he describes the "streets of Manhattan" and the "Mississippi rolling." These images help to bring the poem to life and make it more relatable to the reader.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "America, America" is repeated throughout the poem, which creates a sense of unity and pride. This repetition also emphasizes the importance of America to the speaker and to the reader.
The poem also uses symbolism to convey its message. The "golden door" mentioned in the poem is a symbol of the American Dream and the opportunities that America offers to immigrants. The "endless skyway" is a symbol of the vastness and potential of America.
In conclusion, Poetry America, America! by Delmore Schwartz is a powerful poem that captures the essence of America and its people. It celebrates the beauty and potential of America while acknowledging its challenges and struggles. The use of imagery, repetition, and symbolism help to convey the message of the poem and make it more relatable to the reader. This poem is a reminder that America is a great nation with the ability to overcome its challenges and achieve greatness.
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