Poem Analysis - Aprons Of Silence

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Aprons Of Silence" presents a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, exploring the speaker's decision to remain silent in the face of societal expectations. The poem begins with a sense of restraint and introspection, shifting to a more isolated and contemplative mood as it progresses. The speaker's internal struggle and eventual retreat into silence are central to the poem's emotional landscape.

Themes of Silence and Isolation

The poem delves into the themes of silence and isolation, highlighting the speaker's choice to withdraw from societal chatter and conformity. The repetition of phrases like "yes-yes, yes-yes" and "me-too, me-too" underscores the monotony and lack of individuality in societal discourse. The speaker's decision to "keep my mouth shut" and "shut off the gable of Jones, Johnson, Smith" signifies a rejection of the mundane and a desire for solitude. This theme is further emphasized by the speaker's creation of a "padded cell" and the act of "lugging it around," symbolizing the speaker's self-imposed isolation.

Symbolism of the Aprons of Silence

The "aprons of silence" serve as a powerful symbol in the poem, representing the speaker's protective barrier against the noise and expectations of the world. The imagery of being covered by these aprons suggests a form of self-preservation and a need for quietude. The "wire and hatch" that hold the speaker's tongue further emphasize the deliberate choice to remain silent. The speaker's act of "spitting nails into an abyss" can be interpreted as a release of pent-up frustration or a form of defiance against the societal norms that the speaker has chosen to reject. The "abyss" here might represent the void of unspoken words or the depth of the speaker's internal thoughts.

The Padded Cell and Self-Imposed Isolation

The "padded cell" is another vivid image that underscores the speaker's isolation. The act of "lugging it around" and "locking myself in" indicates a deliberate and continuous choice to retreat from the world. The speaker's statement, "Only the keeper and the kept in the hoosegow knew it," suggests a sense of secrecy and a hidden life, further emphasizing the theme of isolation. The "hoosegow" or jail cell imagery reinforces the idea of self-imprisonment, highlighting the speaker's voluntary withdrawal from societal interactions. The speaker's decision to "do business with my own thoughts" in this isolated state underscores the introspective nature of the poem and the speaker's focus on internal reflection.

Conclusion

"Aprons Of Silence" by Carl Sandburg explores the speaker's journey into silence and isolation as a means of self-preservation and introspection. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem delves into the themes of silence, isolation, and the rejection of societal conformity. The "aprons of silence" and the "padded cell" serve as powerful symbols of the speaker's protective barriers and self-imposed isolation. The poem ultimately invites readers to consider the value of silence and the importance of internal reflection in a world filled with noise and expectations.