Poem Analysis - Broken Tabernacles

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Broken Tabernacles" presents a reflective and somewhat somber tone, with a speaker questioning their actions and the consequences of their deeds. The poem begins with a sense of introspection and uncertainty, shifting to a more critical and accusatory mood as it progresses. The speaker's voice is one of both confession and defiance, creating a complex emotional landscape. The poem's form, with its irregular lines and stanzas, mirrors the fragmented thoughts and emotions of the speaker, enhancing the overall sense of turmoil and introspection.

Themes of Destruction and Hypocrisy

The poem explores several interconnected themes, including destruction, hypocrisy, and the search for meaning. The destruction of tabernacles serves as a central motif, representing the speaker's actions and their impact on the world. The tabernacles, which can be seen as symbols of tradition, faith, or societal structures, are torn down, suggesting a radical break from the past. The speaker's questioning of whether they have set up "greater and massive, the everlasting tabernacles" indicates a struggle to find purpose and meaning in their destructive actions.

The theme of hypocrisy is introduced through the speaker's critique of those who "carve their own names on the corner-stones" and sing their own names in church. This criticism suggests a disdain for self-aggrandizement and insincerity, particularly within religious or communal settings. The speaker's anger towards these hypocrites highlights their own desire for authenticity and integrity, even as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Symbolism of Tabernacles and Cornerstones

The tabernacles in the poem serve as a powerful symbol, representing both the structures the speaker has destroyed and the ideals or beliefs they once held. The fact that these tabernacles were "beautiful in a way" suggests that they had value, even if that value was tainted by hypocrisy. The speaker's questioning of why the hypocrites "carve their own names on the corner-stones" adds a layer of meaning to the symbol, implying that the true foundation of these structures was flawed.

The cornerstones themselves can be seen as symbols of stability and permanence, which are undermined by the actions of the hypocrites. The fact that the cornerstones are now "split" reflects the fragmentation and destruction that the speaker has wrought, as well as the internal conflict they experience. The question "Who lays any blame here among the split cornerstones?" leaves the issue of responsibility ambiguous, inviting readers to consider the complexities of blame and accountability.

Conclusion

"Broken Tabernacles" is a poem that delves into the complexities of personal actions, their consequences, and the search for meaning in a world marked by hypocrisy and destruction. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Sandburg explores the speaker's internal struggle and their critique of societal and religious institutions. The poem ultimately invites readers to reflect on the nature of destruction, the search for authenticity, and the enduring quest for meaning in a fragmented world. The speaker's journey, marked by introspection and defiance, serves as a poignant reminder of the human struggle to reconcile our actions with our ideals.