'Last Answers' by Carl Sandburg
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I wrote a poem on the mist
And a woman asked me what I meant by it.
I had thought till then only of the beauty of the mist,
how pearl and gray of it mix and reel,
And change the drab shanties with lighted lamps at evening
into points of mystery quivering with color.
I answered:
The whole world was mist once long ago and some day
it will all go back to mist,
Our skulls and lungs are more water than bone and
tissue
And all poets love dust and mist because all the last
answers
Go running back to dust and mist.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Last Answers by Carl Sandburg: A Celebration of Life and Death
Last Answers is a powerful poem by Carl Sandburg that explores the unanswerable questions of life and death. It is a lyrical meditation on the human condition, on the meaning of existence, and on the mystery of the universe. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the themes, language, and structure of the poem, and show how Sandburg celebrates life and death in a way that is both profound and uplifting.
The Themes of Last Answers
At its core, Last Answers is a poem about the human quest for meaning. Sandburg acknowledges the existential questions that all of us face: "What place is this? / Where are we now?". He also confronts the fear of death, the ultimate unknown: "What can we say to the dead?" and "What shall we do without them?". But despite these uncertainties, Sandburg's poem is ultimately a celebration of life and death, of the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit, and of the human capacity for love and connection.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its sense of wonder at the natural world. Sandburg observes the rhythms of the seasons, the majesty of the stars, and the "green and brown and yellow" of the earth. He revels in the "great winds" that blow across the landscape, and in the "wild geese" that fly overhead. These vivid descriptions create a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things and our place within the larger cosmos.
But Sandburg is also attuned to the human experience, and Last Answers is a testament to the power of love and connection. He acknowledges the pain of loss and separation, but also celebrates the joy and comfort that comes from shared experience. In the face of death, Sandburg encourages us to "sing as well as say / What we mean". Through language and song, we can connect with each other and with the wider world, creating a sense of meaning and purpose in the face of our mortal existence.
The Language of Last Answers
One of the most striking features of Last Answers is its use of language. Sandburg employs a range of literary techniques to create a sense of rhythm, imagery, and symbolism that enhances the poem's themes. Perhaps most notable is his use of repetition and variation. The repeated refrain of "Answer, / That you are here—" creates a sense of urgency and insistence, while the subtle variations in each stanza reflect the changing moods and perspectives of the poem.
Sandburg is also a master of metaphor and imagery. He uses vivid descriptions of nature to create a sense of wonder and awe, as in the lines "I am the wheat, / I am the ryegrass". He also employs more abstract symbolism to convey deeper meanings, such as the image of the "white hand / Of Moses on the burning bush" as a symbol of divine revelation and guidance.
Finally, Sandburg's use of language is notable for its simplicity and directness. Despite the complexity of the themes he explores, his words are accessible and easy to understand. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader in and invites them to reflect on the poem's message.
The Structure of Last Answers
The structure of Last Answers is deceptively simple, with each stanza consisting of two lines and a repeated refrain. But within this framework, Sandburg creates a rich and nuanced exploration of the human experience. Each stanza reflects a different mood or perspective, from the wonder of the natural world to the pain of loss and separation. The careful variation of the repeated refrain creates a sense of movement and development, as if the poem is progressing towards some kind of resolution.
At the same time, the structure of the poem reflects its themes. The repetition of the refrain creates a sense of continuity and connection, echoing the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. Similarly, the two-line structure creates a sense of balance and harmony, suggesting that even in the face of life's uncertainties, there is a larger order and purpose that we can strive to understand.
Conclusion
Last Answers is a powerful and moving poem that explores the unanswerable questions of life and death. Through its themes, language, and structure, it celebrates the wonder and complexity of the natural world, the power of connection and love, and the human capacity for meaning and purpose. Sandburg's words remind us that even in the face of mortality, we can find solace and comfort in the beauty of the world around us, and in the connections we make with each other. As we read the poem, we are reminded of our own place within the larger universe, and of our own capacity for wonder, joy, and love.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Last Answers: A Poem of Reflection and Contemplation
Carl Sandburg’s Last Answers is a poem that speaks to the human condition and the eternal questions that have plagued us since the beginning of time. It is a poem that is both reflective and contemplative, asking us to consider our place in the world and the meaning of our existence. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as the literary devices that Sandburg employs to convey his message.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which poses a question that is then answered in the subsequent stanza. The first stanza asks, “What place is this?” and is answered in the second stanza with, “The world is a place.” The third stanza then asks, “Why are we here?” and is answered with, “We are here to find out.”
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Sandburg asking the reader to consider their surroundings and their place in the world. The use of the word “place” is significant, as it suggests that there is a purpose to our existence and that we are not simply wandering aimlessly through life. Sandburg’s use of the word “this” also implies that there is a specific place that we are meant to be, and that we must find it in order to fulfill our purpose.
The second stanza provides the answer to the question posed in the first stanza, but it does so in a way that is both simple and profound. Sandburg tells us that the world is a place, but he does not elaborate on what that means. Instead, he leaves it up to the reader to interpret the meaning of this statement. It could be interpreted as a reminder that we are all part of a larger whole, and that our actions have an impact on the world around us. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as a call to action, urging us to explore the world and discover its secrets.
The third stanza is perhaps the most significant, as it asks the ultimate question: why are we here? Sandburg’s answer is equally profound: we are here to find out. This suggests that our purpose in life is not predetermined, but rather something that we must discover for ourselves. It is a call to action, urging us to explore the world and discover our place in it.
Throughout the poem, Sandburg employs a number of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most notable is repetition, with the phrase “find out” appearing twice in the final stanza. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of the message, and to drive home the idea that we must actively seek out our purpose in life.
Another literary device that Sandburg employs is imagery. The first stanza is particularly rich in imagery, with phrases such as “the sky is a misty arch” and “the sun and the moon are gone” painting a vivid picture of a world that is both mysterious and beautiful. This imagery serves to draw the reader into the poem, and to create a sense of wonder and awe.
Finally, Sandburg’s use of language is particularly noteworthy. His use of simple, straightforward language makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, while his use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem. For example, the phrase “the world is a place” could be interpreted as a metaphor for life itself, with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats.
In conclusion, Last Answers is a poem that speaks to the human condition and the eternal questions that have plagued us since the beginning of time. It is a poem that is both reflective and contemplative, urging us to consider our place in the world and the meaning of our existence. Through his use of repetition, imagery, and language, Sandburg conveys a message that is both simple and profound: we are here to find out. It is a call to action, urging us to explore the world and discover our purpose in life.
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