Poem Analysis - And So To Day

Overall Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "And So To-day" is a poignant and somber reflection on the sacrifice of an unknown soldier. The poem's tone shifts between reverence and critique, moving from solemn remembrance to a stark, almost cynical examination of the rituals surrounding war and death. The language is vivid and evocative, using stark imagery to convey the gravity of the soldier's sacrifice and the emptiness of the official tributes. The poem's repetitive structure and haunting imagery underscore the themes of loss, memory, and the dehumanizing effects of war.

Historical and Authorial Context

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, was deeply influenced by the experiences of World War I. His work often reflects the disillusionment and trauma of that era. The poem likely draws on the widespread sentiment of the time, where the horrors of war were juxtaposed with the patriotic rhetoric and official ceremonies that often seemed hollow in comparison to the actual sacrifices made by soldiers. This context adds layers of meaning to the poem, highlighting the tension between public honor and private grief.

Themes of Sacrifice and Memory

The central theme of "And So To-day" is the sacrifice of the unknown soldier, a figure who represents all those who died in service. The poem repeatedly refers to the "buck private" and the "unknown soldier," emphasizing the anonymity and universality of his sacrifice. This theme is developed through the imagery of the funeral procession and the official tributes, which contrast sharply with the stark reality of the soldier's death. The repetition of the phrase "And so to-day they lay him away" underscores the inevitability and finality of his sacrifice, while also questioning the true meaning of these rituals.

Themes of Critique and Disillusionment

The poem also explores the theme of critique and disillusionment, particularly in its portrayal of the official ceremonies and speeches. The "honorable orators" and their "proclamations" are depicted as empty and insincere, a stark contrast to the genuine sacrifice of the soldier. The imagery of the "skeleton men and boys riding skeleton horses" suggests a haunting, almost ghostly presence, highlighting the disconnect between the public display and the private reality of war. This theme is further developed through the cynical voices of various characters, who question the sincerity and value of the tributes.

Themes of the Dehumanizing Effects of War

The poem delves into the dehumanizing effects of war, portraying the soldier as a nameless, faceless figure. The repeated references to the "buck private" and the "unknown soldier" underscore this theme, as does the imagery of the "skeleton men and boys" and the "boney battalions." These images suggest a reduction of human beings to mere symbols, highlighting the dehumanizing impact of war. The poem questions whether the soldier's sacrifice is truly honored or merely used as a tool for political and patriotic rhetoric.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid imagery. The "skeleton men and boys riding skeleton horses" is a powerful and haunting image, symbolizing the emptiness and futility of war. The roses, which are repeatedly mentioned, can be seen as a symbol of both honor and decay, reflecting the transient nature of human life and the fleeting glory of war. The "Capitol Dome" and other government buildings represent the official, public face of the nation, contrasting with the private, personal sacrifice of the soldier. The "skeleton riders" and their "horse laugh question" add a layer of ambiguity, suggesting a critique of the rituals surrounding war and death.

Conclusion

"And So To-day" is a profound meditation on the sacrifice of the unknown soldier, exploring themes of memory, critique, and the dehumanizing effects of war. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, Sandburg questions the true meaning of official tributes and the sincerity of public honor. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, urging readers to look beyond the rituals and rhetoric to the personal sacrifices that lie beneath. The final lines, with their reference to the "sky of promises," suggest a lingering hope and a call for genuine remembrance and understanding.