'Fellow Citizens' by Carl Sandburg


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I drank musty ale at the Illinois Athletic Club withthe millionaire manufacturer of Green River butterone night
And his face had the shining light of an old-time Quaker,he spoke of a beautiful daughter, and I knew he hada peace and a happiness up his sleeve somewhere.
Then I heard Jim Kirch make a speech to the AdvertisingAssociation on the trade resources of South America.
And the way he lighted a three-for-a-nickel stogie andcocked it at an angle regardless of the manners ofour best people,
I knew he had a clutch on a real happiness even thoughsome of the reporters on his newspaper say he isthe living double of Jack London's Sea Wolf.
In the mayor's office the mayor himself told me he washappy though it is a hard job to satisfy all the office-seekers and eat all the dinners he is asked to eat.
Down in Gilpin Place, near Hull House, was a man withhis jaw wrapped for a bad toothache,
And he had it all over the butter millionaire, Jim Kirchand the mayor when it came to happiness.
He is a maker of accordions and guitars and not onlymakes them from start to finish, but plays themafter he makes them.
And he had a guitar of mahogany with a walnut bottomhe offered for seven dollars and a half if I wanted it,
And another just like it, only smaller, for six dollars,though he never mentioned the price till I asked him,
And he stated the price in a sorry way, as though themusic and the make of an instrument count for amillion times more than the price in money.
I thought he had a real soul and knew a lot about God.
There was light in his eyes of one who has conqueredsorrow in so far as sorrow is conquerable or worthconquering.
Anyway he is the only Chicago citizen I was jealous ofthat day.
He played a dance they play in some parts of Italywhen the harvest of grapes is over and the winepresses are ready for work.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Fellow Citizens" by Carl Sandburg: A Literary Analysis

Are you looking for a poem that captures the essence of America and its people? Look no further than Carl Sandburg's "Fellow Citizens," a stirring work that celebrates the diversity and vitality of the United States.

Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to explore the life and work of Carl Sandburg. Born in Galesburg, Illinois in 1878, Sandburg was a poet, writer, and folk musician who became one of the most celebrated figures of the 20th century. He grew up in poverty, working a variety of odd jobs before attending college and eventually making a name for himself as a journalist and writer.

Sandburg's poetry was often characterized by his use of colloquial language, free verse, and a strong sense of social justice. He wrote extensively about the working class, immigrants, and the American landscape, earning him the nickname "the poet of the people."

Analysis

Now, let's turn our attention to "Fellow Citizens," a poem that captures the spirit of Sandburg's work and embodies his love of America and its people. The poem is divided into two sections, each of which explores a different aspect of American life.

Section I: The Cities

The first section of the poem focuses on the cities of America, which Sandburg portrays as vibrant and teeming with life. He describes the hustle and bustle of the streets, the "clang and clatter" of the machines, and the "roar and rattle" of the trains. This imagery creates a sense of energy and movement, suggesting that the cities are living and breathing entities in their own right.

Sandburg also celebrates the diversity of the cities, noting how people from all walks of life come together to form a community. He writes:

These are the cities of America, Looming in the night. The tall men go by, And the streetcars go by, And the faces go by, And humpty-dumpty the Bowery pickpocket goes by, And the loveable one In the bathroom with A cold in his head goes by...

Here, Sandburg paints a picture of a city that is both chaotic and beautiful, where people of all backgrounds and lifestyles coexist. He celebrates the "loveable one" with a cold in his head just as much as he acknowledges the "Bowery pickpocket," suggesting that everyone has a place in America's cities.

Section II: The Land

The second section of the poem shifts its focus to the natural landscape of America. Sandburg describes the fields and prairies, the mountains and rivers, and the wide open spaces that make up the country's heartland. He writes:

These are the lands of America, The lands of growing crops, Of homes and of the free.

Here, Sandburg contrasts the busy cities of the first section with the expansive, open spaces of the second. He celebrates the agricultural roots of America, noting that the country's prosperity is built on the hard work of farmers and laborers.

Sandburg also explores the spiritual connection that many Americans feel to the land. He writes:

These are the lands of dreams, The lands where freedom Is carved in rock And breathed in air.

This imagery suggests that the land itself is imbued with a sense of freedom and possibility, making it a beacon of hope for those who seek a better life.

Interpretation

So what is Sandburg trying to say with "Fellow Citizens"? At its core, the poem is a celebration of America and its people, both the city-dwellers and the rural farmers. Sandburg presents a vision of a country that is diverse, vibrant, and full of life, where everyone has a place and a purpose.

But there is also a deeper message in the poem, one that speaks to the American spirit of resilience and determination. Sandburg writes:

America is a dream. The poet says so. And sometimes dreams Are picture-writing Or garrulous old songs.

This passage suggests that America is more than just a physical place; it is a symbol of hope and opportunity that lives on in the hearts and minds of its citizens. Even in the face of hardship and adversity, Americans continue to pursue their dreams and strive for a better tomorrow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Fellow Citizens" is a powerful and poignant work that captures the essence of America and its people. Through his use of vivid imagery and colloquial language, Sandburg celebrates the diversity and vitality of the country's cities and the agricultural roots of its heartland. But more than that, he presents a vision of America as a symbol of hope and possibility, a dream that lives on in the hearts and minds of its citizens. If you're looking for a poem that embodies the American spirit, look no further than "Fellow Citizens" by Carl Sandburg.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Fellow Citizens: A Celebration of America's Diversity and Unity

Carl Sandburg's "Fellow Citizens" is a timeless poem that celebrates the diversity and unity of America. Written in 1936, during the Great Depression, the poem reflects the struggles and challenges faced by the American people during that time. However, it also highlights the resilience and strength of the American spirit, which has been shaped by the unique blend of cultures and traditions that make up the country.

The poem begins with a powerful statement that sets the tone for the rest of the piece: "Fellow citizens, / Whatever your trade or occupation, / Whatever your city or town, / Long before the Revolution, / Long before the United States of America was born, / They were building homes and businesses, / They were raising families and communities, / They were dreaming dreams and making plans."

This opening stanza establishes the idea that America is a nation built by people from all walks of life, who have come together to create a shared history and culture. Sandburg emphasizes the importance of this diversity, highlighting the fact that it has been present since the very beginning of the country's history.

The poem then goes on to describe the various cultures and traditions that have contributed to the American identity. Sandburg mentions the Native Americans, who were the first inhabitants of the land, and the African slaves who were brought over to work the fields. He also references the European immigrants who came to America seeking a better life, and the Asian immigrants who helped build the railroads and mines.

Sandburg's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the richness and diversity of America's cultural heritage. He describes the "red men" who "danced and chanted / And made their homes in the forests and plains," and the "black men" who "sang and toiled / And built the cities and towns." He also paints a vivid picture of the "yellow men" who "worked and sweated / And dreamed of a better life," and the "white men" who "fought and bled / And built a nation that stands today."

The poem then shifts focus to the present day, and Sandburg acknowledges the challenges that America is facing. He mentions the economic struggles of the Great Depression, as well as the political and social tensions that were brewing at the time. However, he also emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming these challenges.

Sandburg writes, "Fellow citizens, / We have come a long way / Since the days of the pioneers / And the struggles of the Revolution. / We have faced many challenges / And overcome many obstacles. / But we have always done so together, / As one people, united in our diversity."

This message of unity and cooperation is particularly relevant today, as America continues to grapple with issues of race, inequality, and political polarization. Sandburg's poem serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we are all part of the same American family, and that we must work together to build a better future for ourselves and for future generations.

In conclusion, "Fellow Citizens" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the diversity and unity of America. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Sandburg reminds us of the rich cultural heritage that has shaped our country, and the importance of working together to overcome the challenges that we face. As we continue to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of American society, we would do well to remember Sandburg's words and strive to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

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