Poem Analysis - Curse Of A Rich Polish Peasant On His Sister Who Ran Away With A Wild Man

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem Curse Of A Rich Polish Peasant On His Sister Who Ran Away With A Wild Man by Carl Sandburg presents a narrative of betrayal and resentment. The speaker, a Polish peasant, expresses his anger and disappointment towards his sister, Feliksowa, who has run away with a wild man. The tone is bitter and accusatory, shifting slightly to a more reflective and resigned mood towards the end. The poem is written in free verse, which allows for a more conversational and direct tone, emphasizing the speaker's raw emotions.

Themes of Betrayal and Family

One of the main themes in this poem is betrayal. The speaker feels deeply betrayed by his sister's actions. He emphasizes her disrespect towards family traditions and expectations, stating she went like a swine, because she called neither on me, her brother, nor on her father, before leaving. This phrase highlights the speaker's sense of abandonment and disrespect. The theme of family is also central. The speaker's repeated references to his sister's actions as dishonorable and disrespectful to the family underscore the importance of familial bonds and expectations in his culture.

Themes of Greed and Moral Decay

Another prominent theme is greed and moral decay. The speaker accuses his sister and her husband of being driven by money, stating They think only about money; they let the church go if they can only live fat on their money. This critique suggests a moral judgment on materialism and the neglect of spiritual or communal values. The speaker's use of animal imagery, such as comparing his sister to a swine and an ape, reinforces the idea of moral degradation. The speaker's curse on his sister and her husband, May God not punish them for it, adds a layer of irony, as it reveals his own moral complexity and inner turmoil.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism. The forest, where the sister and her husband live, symbolizes a wild, untamed existence outside of societal norms. The speaker's reference to living with bears, not with men, underscores the idea of a primal, uncivilized life. The cow, which the sister and her husband sold, can be seen as a symbol of their betrayal of family and tradition. The cow was a gift from their father, representing the family's heritage and values. By selling it, they reject these values and the family's expectations. The speaker's use of animal imagery to describe his sister, such as a swine and an ape, further emphasizes his view of her as morally corrupt and disrespectful of family and tradition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Curse Of A Rich Polish Peasant On His Sister Who Ran Away With A Wild Man explores themes of betrayal, family, and moral decay through vivid imagery and a direct, conversational tone. The speaker's anger and disappointment towards his sister reveal deep-seated cultural values and expectations. The poem's use of animal imagery and symbolic references to the forest and the cow underscores the speaker's sense of betrayal and moral judgment. Ultimately, the poem offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of defying traditional values.