Poem Analysis - Cumulatives

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Cumulatives presents a series of vignettes that evoke a sense of enduring hardship and public scrutiny. The tone is reflective and somewhat melancholic, with a hint of resignation. The poem shifts from the natural world to the human realm, maintaining a consistent mood of endurance and remembrance. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery and straightforward language creates a poignant atmosphere that lingers with the reader.

Themes of Endurance and Public Scrutiny

The poem explores several themes, with endurance and public scrutiny being the most prominent. The first stanza introduces the theme of endurance through the image of a storm-beaten point of land. The land has withstood storms and shipwrecks, much like the old prize-fighter who has endured countless battles. This imagery suggests a resilience that comes from facing and surviving hardships. The second stanza delves into the theme of public scrutiny, as the old prize-fighter is recognized and remembered by passersby. Similarly, the third stanza portrays a man who has been the subject of numerous stories and rumors, highlighting the public's fascination with his personal life. The repeated phrase there he goes emphasizes the constant observation and judgment he faces.

Symbolism of the Land, the Fighter, and the Man

The poem employs recurring symbols to convey its themes. The storm-beaten land symbolizes endurance and the passage of time. It has weathered storms and shipwrecks, much like the old prize-fighter who has endured physical battles. The fighter himself is a symbol of resilience and the price of fame, as he is recognized and remembered for his past glory. The tall dark man represents the burden of public scrutiny and the consequences of personal choices. The fact that he has divorced two women and married a third who resembles them adds a layer of complexity to his story, suggesting a pattern or cycle that the public is eager to dissect. The use of the phrase there he goes reinforces the idea of constant observation and judgment.

The Significance of Public Memory and Judgment

The poem concludes with a reflection on the significance of public memory and judgment. The passers-by, the sporting pages, and the city streets all serve as reminders of how individuals are remembered and judged by society. The poem suggests that while some may endure hardships and rise above them, others may be forever marked by the public's scrutiny. The final stanza leaves the reader with a sense of the enduring power of public memory and the weight of judgment. The poem's cumulative effect is to highlight the enduring nature of both hardship and public scrutiny, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of human experience and the enduring power of public memory.