Poem Analysis - Crabapple Blossoms

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Crabapple Blossoms" presents a poignant narrative about the passage of time and the transformation of a young girl into a showgirl. The poem begins with a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, shifting to a more vivid and bustling atmosphere as it describes the girl's current life. The final lines return to a nostalgic and wistful mood, suggesting a longing for the past.

Themes of Innocence and Loss

The poem explores the theme of innocence lost, contrasting the girl's childhood innocence with her adult life as a showgirl. The crabapple blossoms falling on her dark hair in June symbolize a moment of pure, unspoiled joy. This imagery is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of her current life, where she is one of forty girls performing in red tights, forming shapes like horseshoes and pyramids. The repetition of the phrase "somebody's little girl" emphasizes the loss of individuality and innocence as she becomes part of a larger, impersonal spectacle.

Themes of Nostalgia and Longing

Nostalgia is a central theme, as the poem repeatedly returns to the memory of the girl's childhood. The mention of specific places like Salamanca, Painted Post, or Horse's Head on the Erie line grounds the narrative in a particular time and place, making the nostalgia more tangible. The final lines, where the girls are allowed to dream of June and crabapple blossoms, highlight the enduring power of nostalgia and the longing for a simpler, more innocent time. This theme is reinforced by the contrast between the vibrant, artificial world of Broadway and the natural, serene world of the crabapple tree.

Themes of Transformation and Identity

The poem also delves into the theme of transformation and identity. The girl's journey from a carefree child to a showgirl represents a broader transformation from innocence to experience, from individuality to conformity. The crabapple blossoms falling on her hair symbolize a moment of pure identity, untainted by the expectations and demands of the world. In contrast, her life as a showgirl is marked by the loss of this pure identity, as she becomes part of a larger, impersonal spectacle. The final lines, where the girls are allowed to dream, suggest a longing for a return to this pure, untainted identity.

Symbolism of Crabapple Blossoms

The crabapple blossoms are a recurring symbol in the poem, representing innocence, purity, and the fleeting nature of childhood. They fall on the girl's dark hair in June, a moment of pure, unspoiled joy. This imagery is contrasted with the harsh reality of her current life, where she is one of forty girls performing in red tights. The blossoms also symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of change, as the girl's childhood innocence is replaced by the demands and expectations of the adult world. The final lines, where the girls are allowed to dream of June and crabapple blossoms, suggest a longing for a return to this pure, untainted time.

Conclusion

"Crabapple Blossoms" by Carl Sandburg is a poignant exploration of innocence lost, nostalgia, and the transformation of identity. Through vivid imagery and recurring symbols, the poem contrasts the girl's childhood innocence with her adult life as a showgirl, highlighting the enduring power of nostalgia and the longing for a simpler, more innocent time. The crabapple blossoms serve as a powerful symbol of this innocence and the fleeting nature of childhood, underscoring the poem's themes of transformation and loss. The final lines, where the girls are allowed to dream, offer a glimpse of hope and a longing for a return to this pure, untainted time.