Poem Analysis - Cool Tombs

Initial Impressions and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Cool Tombs" presents a reflective and somewhat somber tone, contemplating the finality of death and the insignificance of worldly concerns in the face of mortality. The poem shifts from historical figures to everyday people, suggesting a universal application of its themes. Sandburg's use of simple, direct language contrasts with the profound questions he raises about life and death. The repetition of the phrase "in the dust, in the cool tombs" creates a rhythmic, almost lulling effect, emphasizing the inevitability of death.

Historical and Biographical Context

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, was known for his accessible and colloquial style, often addressing themes of social justice and the human condition. His background as a laborer and his experiences during the Great Depression likely influenced his perspective on the struggles of everyday people. The poem references historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, and Pocahontas, placing their lives and legacies within the broader context of human mortality.

Themes of Mortality and Equality

The most prominent theme in "Cool Tombs" is mortality. Sandburg repeatedly returns to the idea of death, using the phrase "in the dust, in the cool tombs" to underscore the finality and equality of death. Historical figures and ordinary people alike are subject to the same fate, suggesting that death is the great equalizer. This theme is developed through the use of vivid imagery, such as the "copperheads and the assassin" that Lincoln forgets, and the "con men and Wall Street" that Grant loses thought of, highlighting how worldly concerns fade away in death.

Themes of Love and Loss

Another significant theme is love and loss. The poem asks, "tell me if the lovers are losers . . . tell me if any get more than the lovers," suggesting a contemplation of the fleeting nature of love and the pain of loss. The reference to "lovers" in the context of death implies that even the deepest emotions are subject to the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of people "cheering a hero or throwing confetti and blowing tin horns," which contrasts with the finality of death.

Themes of Memory and Forgetting

The theme of memory and forgetting is also explored. The poem suggests that in death, individuals forget their earthly concerns and struggles. For example, Lincoln forgets his enemies, and Grant loses thought of his financial dealings. This theme is developed through the use of questions, such as "did she wonder? does she remember?" regarding Pocahontas, which highlights the uncertainty of what remains in the afterlife. The repetition of the phrase "in the dust, in the cool tombs" reinforces the idea of forgetting, as the dust of the tombs symbolizes the erasure of memory.

Symbolism of the Cool Tombs

The recurring symbol of the "cool tombs" is central to the poem's meaning. The tombs represent the final resting place of all humans, regardless of their status or achievements in life. The coolness of the tombs suggests a sense of peace and finality, contrasting with the turmoil and struggles of life. The dust of the tombs symbolizes the erasure of memory and the insignificance of worldly concerns in the face of death. This symbolism contributes to the poem's overall message of the equality and inevitability of death.

Conclusion

"Cool Tombs" by Carl Sandburg is a poignant reflection on mortality, love, and the human condition. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and direct language, Sandburg explores the themes of death as the great equalizer, the fleeting nature of love, and the uncertainty of memory. The symbol of the "cool tombs" underscores the finality and peace of death, contrasting with the struggles and emotions of life. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to contemplate their own mortality and the significance of their actions and emotions in the face of the inevitable.