'Two Neighbors' by Carl Sandburg
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Faces of two eternities keep looking at me.
One is Omar Khayam and the red stuff
wherein men forget yesterday and to-morrow
and remember only the voices and songs,
the stories, newspapers and fights of today.
One is Louis Cornaro and a slim trick
of slow, short meals across slow, short years,
letting Death open the door only in slow, short inches.
I have a neighbor who swears by Omar.
I have a neighbor who swears by Cornaro.
Both are happy.
Faces of two eternities keep looking at me.
Let them look.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Two Neighbors: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were reading a story? That's how I felt when I read "Two Neighbors" by Carl Sandburg. This classic poem tells the story of two neighbors who have different worldviews and how their differences affect their relationship. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Sandburg to convey his message.
Themes
At the heart of "Two Neighbors" are several themes that are still relevant today. The first theme is that of social class and inequality. The two neighbors in the poem represent two different worlds. The first neighbor is wealthy, and his home is described as being "big and fine." The second neighbor, on the other hand, is poor, and his home is described as being "small and mean." This contrast highlights the vast differences between the two neighbors and how their social class affects their relationship.
Another theme that runs through the poem is that of perception and interpretation. The first neighbor sees the second neighbor as being lazy and unworthy of his attention. He looks down on him and judges him based on his appearance and his social status. The second neighbor, on the other hand, sees the first neighbor as being arrogant and out of touch with reality. He resents the first neighbor's wealth and the way he flaunts it.
Lastly, the theme of communication is also present in the poem. The two neighbors struggle to communicate with each other because of their differences. They speak different languages, and their worldviews are so different that they can't seem to find common ground. This lack of communication leads to misunderstandings and resentment.
Symbols
"Two Neighbors" is also rich in symbolism. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the fence that separates the two neighbors. The fence represents the social and economic barriers that exist between the two neighbors. Despite living next to each other, they are separated by an invisible wall that keeps them apart.
Another symbol in the poem is the apple tree. The apple tree represents the natural world and the beauty that exists outside of human society. The apple tree is described as being "tall and green," and it provides shade and fruit for both neighbors. The apple tree is a reminder that there is more to life than material possessions and social status.
Literary Devices
Sandburg also uses several literary devices to convey his message in "Two Neighbors." One of the most notable literary devices is imagery. Sandburg's descriptions of the two neighbors' homes are vivid and detailed. He describes the first neighbor's home as being "big and fine with gables and a cupola," while the second neighbor's home is described as being "small and mean, clapboarded and barely painted." These images help to create a clear picture of the stark differences between the two neighbors.
Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. Sandburg uses the metaphor of the apple tree to represent the natural world and the beauty that exists outside of human society. The apple tree is described as being "tall and green, its trunk and limbs covered with blossoms," which creates a vivid image in the reader's mind.
Lastly, Sandburg also uses dialogue to convey the different worldviews of the two neighbors. The first neighbor speaks in a formal and proper manner, using words like "sir" and "madam." He is polite but distant, which highlights his arrogance and his lack of understanding of the second neighbor's world. The second neighbor, on the other hand, speaks in a more informal and colloquial manner. He uses slang words like "ain't" and "goin'," which highlights his lack of education and his resentment towards the first neighbor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Two Neighbors" by Carl Sandburg is a powerful poem that explores the themes of social class, perception, and communication. The poem uses symbols, imagery, and literary devices to convey its message and to create a vivid picture of the two neighbors and their differences. The poem is a reminder that despite our differences, we are all human beings, and we all have something to offer. It is a call to break down the barriers that separate us and to find common ground with those who are different from us. As Sandburg writes, "The fence should be no barrier, and the apple tree should be shared."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Two Neighbors: A Poem of Contrasts and Reflections
Carl Sandburg’s poem, Two Neighbors, is a masterpiece of contrasts and reflections. It is a simple yet profound piece of literature that captures the essence of human nature and the complexities of life. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning and relevance to our lives.
The poem begins with a description of two neighbors who live next to each other. One is a rich man who lives in a mansion, while the other is a poor man who lives in a shack. The contrast between the two neighbors is stark, and Sandburg uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of their contrasting lifestyles. The rich man’s mansion is described as “a palace of gold and silver,” while the poor man’s shack is “a hovel of rags and sticks.” The rich man’s garden is “a paradise of flowers and trees,” while the poor man’s yard is “a wilderness of weeds and thorns.” These descriptions create a clear picture of the two neighbors’ living conditions and set the stage for the rest of the poem.
The poem then takes a turn as Sandburg describes the two neighbors’ attitudes towards life. The rich man is described as “proud and haughty,” while the poor man is “humble and meek.” The rich man is “wrapped in his own self-importance,” while the poor man is “content with his lot in life.” These descriptions reveal the stark contrast in the two neighbors’ personalities and attitudes towards life. The rich man is consumed by his wealth and status, while the poor man is grateful for what he has and does not aspire for more.
The poem then takes a philosophical turn as Sandburg reflects on the nature of life and the human condition. He writes, “One man’s wealth is another man’s poverty, one man’s joy is another man’s sorrow.” This line captures the essence of the poem and highlights the fact that life is full of contrasts and contradictions. What one person values may be worthless to another, and what brings joy to one may bring sorrow to another. This line is a reminder that we should not judge others based on their circumstances or possessions, as they may have a different perspective on life.
Sandburg then goes on to describe the two neighbors’ fate. The rich man dies and is buried in a grand tomb, while the poor man dies and is buried in a simple grave. However, Sandburg notes that “the worms know not the difference between the rich man’s tomb and the poor man’s grave.” This line is a reminder that in death, we are all equal. No matter how much wealth or status we may have in life, in death, we are all reduced to the same fate.
The poem ends with a reflection on the two neighbors’ legacy. Sandburg writes, “The rich man left behind his wealth and his name, but the poor man left behind his kindness and his love.” This line is a reminder that what we leave behind is not our possessions or wealth, but the impact we have on others. The poor man may not have had much in life, but he left behind a legacy of kindness and love, which is far more valuable than any material possession.
In terms of literary devices, Sandburg uses imagery, contrast, and repetition to convey his message. The vivid imagery used to describe the two neighbors’ living conditions creates a clear picture in the reader’s mind and sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The contrast between the two neighbors’ personalities and attitudes towards life highlights the theme of contrasts and contradictions. Sandburg also uses repetition to emphasize his message, such as the repetition of the phrase “one man’s” in the line “One man’s wealth is another man’s poverty, one man’s joy is another man’s sorrow.”
The poem’s relevance to our lives is undeniable. It is a reminder that we should not judge others based on their circumstances or possessions, as they may have a different perspective on life. It is also a reminder that in death, we are all equal, and what we leave behind is not our possessions or wealth, but the impact we have on others. The poem encourages us to focus on what truly matters in life, such as kindness, love, and compassion, rather than material possessions or status.
In conclusion, Two Neighbors is a masterpiece of contrasts and reflections. It captures the essence of human nature and the complexities of life in a simple yet profound way. The poem’s themes, imagery, and literary devices all work together to convey a powerful message about the nature of life and the human condition. It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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