"Chicago" by Sandburg

Analytical Essay # 59584

English > Analysis
Literature > Poetry

An analysis of Carl Sandburg's poem, "Chicago".

812 words () | 0 sources | 2003 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explores Carl Sandburg's use of literary tools in "Chicago" to emphasize the emotions of the poem. The use of diction to support the portrayal of Chicago as a city of laughter and pride is one of several aspects of the poem discussed in this paper.

From the Paper:

"Throughout the poem, Sandburg makes use of diction to support the portrayal of Chicago as a city of laughter and pride. He also uses diction to describe Chicago's downfalls, which later seem trivial compared to the city's tremendous merits. In the line "Stormy, husky, brawling" the poet uses word that are generally used to describe large, sturdy men, making Chicago appear not only stable, but more human. This sturdy humanlike figure created by the poet's diction comforts the reader, making he or she feel as if Chicago is watching out for them. Next, the poet goes on to answer the questions of Chicago's critics, admitting faults where they exist."