Poem Analysis - I Am The People The Mob

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "I Am The People, The Mob" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the collective voice of the common people. The tone is initially assertive and proud, celebrating the contributions of the masses to society. However, it shifts to a more somber and reflective mood, acknowledging the struggles and exploitation faced by the people. The poem concludes with a call to action, urging the people to remember their past and stand united.

Themes of Collective Power and Exploitation

The poem explores several key themes, with collective power and exploitation being the most prominent. Sandburg emphasizes the idea that the great works of the world are accomplished through the efforts of the common people. The speaker declares, "I am the workingman, the inventor, the maker of the world's food and clothes," highlighting the essential role of the masses in society. This theme is developed through the use of vivid imagery, such as the "seed ground" and the "prairie," which symbolize the fertile potential and resilience of the people.

Exploitation is another central theme, as the poem acknowledges the suffering and hardship endured by the people. The lines "The best of me is sucked out and wasted" and "Everything but death comes to me and makes me work and give up what I have" illustrate the exploitation and oppression faced by the masses. The use of the word "sucked" is particularly striking, as it conveys a sense of violence and force. This theme is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "I forget," which suggests a cycle of exploitation and amnesia, where the people are repeatedly taken advantage of and then forget their suffering.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem employs several recurring symbols and vivid images to convey its message. The "seed ground" and the "prairie" are powerful symbols of the people's potential and resilience. They represent the fertile ground from which great leaders and achievements emerge, as well as the ability of the people to endure and recover from hardship. The "terrible storms" that pass over the prairie symbolize the challenges and struggles faced by the people, while the act of forgetting represents the cycle of exploitation and amnesia.

The image of the people "growl, shake [themselves], and spatter a few red drops" is a striking and violent metaphor for rebellion and resistance. The "red drops" likely symbolize blood, suggesting that the people's struggles and resistance are often met with violence. This image is particularly powerful because it contrasts with the otherwise passive and forgetful nature of the people, highlighting the rare moments of defiance and resistance.

Call to Remember and Unite

The final section of the poem serves as a call to action, urging the people to remember their past and stand united. The speaker declares, "When I, the People, learn to remember, when I, the People, use the lessons of yesterday and no longer forget who robbed me last year, who played me for a fool—then there will be no speaker in all the world that can say the name: 'The People,' with any fleck of a sneer in his voice or any far-off smile of derision." This passage emphasizes the importance of collective memory and unity in resisting exploitation and oppression. The use of the word "then" suggests a turning point, where the people will no longer be passive and forgetful, but instead will stand together and demand respect and justice.

The poem concludes with the powerful image of the "mob—the crowd—the mass" arriving, symbolizing the united and empowered people. This final image underscores the poem's message of collective power and the potential for the people to overcome their struggles and achieve greatness. The repetition of the phrase "The People" throughout the poem serves to emphasize the importance of collective identity and unity in resisting exploitation and oppression.