Poem Analysis - And They Obey

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem And They Obey presents a stark and commanding tone, shifting between destruction and reconstruction. The poem begins with a harsh, almost militaristic voice, demanding the demolition of cities and buildings. This tone then shifts to one of rebuilding and restoration, highlighting the dual nature of human endeavor. The poem's structure, with its repetitive commands, emphasizes the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, reflecting the relentless march of history and human activity.

Themes of Destruction and Rebirth

The primary theme of the poem is the cycle of destruction and rebirth. The opening lines Smash down the cities. Knock the walls to pieces. Break the factories and cathedrals, warehouses and homes emphasize the theme of destruction. The imagery of breaking down buildings into piles of stone and lumber conveys a sense of chaos and ruin. This theme is juxtaposed with the command to rebuild, highlighting the resilience and perseverance of humanity. The repetition of the phrase You are the soldiers and we command you and You are workmen and citizens all: We command you underscores the dual roles that people play in both destruction and construction.

The Role of Human Endeavor

Another significant theme is the role of human endeavor in shaping the world. The poem contrasts the destructive power of soldiers with the constructive power of workmen and citizens. The soldiers are commanded to destroy, while the workmen and citizens are commanded to build. This contrast highlights the different ways in which humans interact with their environment, whether through violence or creation. The poem suggests that both destruction and construction are necessary parts of human experience, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of human activity.

Symbols of Cities and Buildings

The poem uses vivid imagery of cities and buildings to symbolize human achievement and vulnerability. The factories and cathedrals, warehouses and homes represent the tangible results of human labor and ingenuity. The command to smash down these structures underscores their fragility and the ease with which they can be destroyed. Conversely, the command to build them up again emphasizes their enduring value and the importance of human effort in creating and maintaining them. The repetition of these images reinforces the theme of the cyclical nature of human endeavor, where destruction and reconstruction are inevitable parts of the human experience.

Final Insight

The poem And They Obey by Carl Sandburg offers a powerful meditation on the dual nature of human activity, highlighting the themes of destruction and rebirth, as well as the role of human endeavor in shaping the world. Through its stark imagery and commanding tone, the poem underscores the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, reflecting the resilience and perseverance of humanity in the face of chaos and ruin. The poem's final insight is that both destruction and construction are necessary parts of human experience, and that the true measure of human achievement lies in our ability to rebuild and restore in the face of adversity.