'Margaret' by Carl Sandburg


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Many birds and the beating of wings
Make a flinging reckless hum
In the early morning at the rocks
Above the blue pool
Where the gray shadows swim lazy.

In your blue eyes, O reckless child,
I saw today many little wild wishes,
Eager as the great morning.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Margaret: A Literary Criticism

Oh, Margaret, how exquisite and hauntingly beautiful you are! Carl Sandburg's poem is a touching tribute to a woman whose life was full of hardships and struggles, yet she remained strong and resilient till the end. In this literary criticism, we will explore the symbolism and themes of the poem, as well as Sandburg's use of language and imagery to create a deeply moving portrait of a remarkable woman.

Background

Before delving into the poem itself, it is worth briefly exploring the context in which it was written. Carl Sandburg was a poet, writer, and folklorist who lived from 1878 to 1967. He grew up in Illinois, where he worked as a journalist before becoming a full-time writer. Sandburg was known for his commitment to social justice and his love of American culture and history. His poetry often celebrated ordinary people and their struggles, as well as the natural beauty of the American landscape.

Analysis

Themes

At its core, Margaret is a poem about strength, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Throughout the poem, Sandburg describes Margaret's difficult life, from her birth in a "hut" to her struggles with poverty and illness. Despite all of this, Margaret remains steadfast and unbroken. Sandburg writes:

Margaret, are you grieving Over Goldengrove unleaving? Leaves, like the things of man, you With your fresh thoughts care for, can you? Ah! as the heart grows older It will come to such sights colder By and by, nor spare a sigh Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;

Here, Sandburg contrasts the changing of the seasons with the unchanging nature of Margaret's character. While the leaves may fall and the world may change, Margaret remains constant. Sandburg suggests that Margaret's inner strength and resilience are more important than any external circumstances.

Another theme of the poem is the power of nature to heal and comfort us. Sandburg writes:

The sun, the herbage on hill, The myriad prisms of light, The mockingbird ecstasy You held in the morning, Each of these served you in life And were a part of your soul.

Here, Sandburg suggests that Margaret found solace and joy in the natural world. Despite her difficult life, she was able to find beauty and meaning in the world around her. This theme of the healing power of nature is a common one in Sandburg's work, and it reflects his deep love of the American landscape.

Symbolism

Throughout the poem, Sandburg uses a number of symbols to convey his themes. One of the most prominent of these is the imagery of the sun. Sandburg writes:

The sunburned face of the earth, gaunt and bare, The impassive feet of the hills that were bare.

Here, the sun represents both the harshness of Margaret's life and the hope and warmth that she found in it. The hills, too, represent both the difficulties that Margaret faced and the strength and stability that she embodied.

Another important symbol in the poem is the mockingbird. Sandburg writes:

The mockingbird had its nest in the orchard; Three times the world said, "Peace! Peace to you Margaret, wherever you are."

Here, the mockingbird represents the beauty and joy that Margaret found in the natural world. It also symbolizes the peace and happiness that Margaret has finally found after a lifetime of struggle.

Language and Imagery

One of the most striking things about Margaret is Sandburg's use of language and imagery. His words are simple and direct, yet they convey a depth of emotion and meaning that is truly powerful. Sandburg's imagery is particularly vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to the world he describes.

For example, Sandburg writes:

You were a scarlet poppy blooming among corn; And the judges watched you and loved you from their chairs.

Here, Sandburg's imagery is both beautiful and haunting. The scarlet poppy represents Margaret's beauty and vitality, while the judges symbolize the oppressive forces that Margaret faced throughout her life.

Sandburg also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. For example, he writes:

Three times the world said, "Peace! Peace to you Margaret, wherever you are."

Here, the repetition of "peace" creates a sense of finality and closure, while the alliteration of "wherever you are" emphasizes the universality of Margaret's story.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Margaret is a deeply moving and poignant poem that celebrates the strength and resilience of an extraordinary woman. Through his use of symbolism, themes, language, and imagery, Sandburg creates a portrait of a person who faced great difficulties but never lost her spirit or her sense of beauty and wonder. Margaret is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find meaning and joy in the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Margaret, a classic poem written by Carl Sandburg, is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of a young girl's life. The poem is a tribute to the innocence and beauty of youth, and it is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, making the poem a timeless masterpiece.

The poem begins with a description of Margaret's life, as she goes about her daily routine. Sandburg paints a picture of a young girl who is full of life and energy, with a smile that lights up the room. He describes her as "a child, a girl, a woman, a wife," highlighting the different stages of her life. This is a powerful statement, as it shows that Margaret is not just a young girl, but a symbol of all women, and the different roles they play in life.

Sandburg's use of imagery is particularly striking in this poem. He describes Margaret's hair as "yellow as gold," and her eyes as "blue as cornflowers." These descriptions create a vivid picture of Margaret in the reader's mind, and they also serve to highlight her beauty and innocence. Sandburg's use of color is also significant, as it creates a sense of warmth and happiness that is associated with youth.

As the poem progresses, Sandburg begins to explore the theme of mortality. He describes Margaret's life as a "flower," which is beautiful and vibrant, but also fragile and fleeting. This is a powerful metaphor, as it highlights the transience of life, and the inevitability of death. Sandburg's use of language is particularly effective in this section of the poem, as he uses words like "fading" and "waning" to create a sense of sadness and loss.

Despite the melancholy tone of the poem, Sandburg also celebrates the beauty and joy of life. He describes Margaret's laughter as "a ripple on a stream," and her smile as "a sunbeam on a hill." These descriptions create a sense of happiness and warmth, and they serve to remind the reader of the importance of cherishing life's simple pleasures.

Sandburg's use of repetition is also significant in this poem. He repeats the phrase "Margaret, are you grieving?" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and sadness. This repetition serves to emphasize the theme of mortality, and it also creates a sense of empathy for Margaret, who is facing the inevitability of death.

In conclusion, Margaret is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of youth, beauty, and mortality. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and repetition creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, making the poem a timeless masterpiece. The poem serves as a reminder to cherish life's simple pleasures, and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life. Margaret is not just a young girl, but a symbol of all women, and the different roles they play in life. Sandburg's poem is a tribute to the beauty and strength of women, and it is a celebration of life itself.

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