Poem Analysis - Films

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Films presents a speaker who is deeply attached to a collection of films, treating them with a reverence that suggests they hold significant personal value. The tone is initially nostalgic and protective, with the speaker insisting on keeping every film, regardless of its condition or color. There is a sense of urgency and determination in the speaker's voice, as if they are defending their collection from an unseen threat. The mood shifts slightly towards the end, becoming more reflective and hopeful, as the speaker anticipates a future where these films will be wanted again.

Themes of Nostalgia and Preservation

One of the main themes in Films is nostalgia. The speaker's insistence on keeping every film, even the seemingly insignificant ones, highlights a deep longing for the past. The films represent memories and experiences that the speaker cherishes, and they are unwilling to part with any of them. This theme is developed through the use of imagery related to the films themselves, with the speaker describing the red ones, the blue ones, and the little black and white checkered ones. The repetition of the phrase I have kept all emphasizes the speaker's determination to preserve these memories.

Themes of Hope and Anticipation

Another prominent theme is hope. The speaker expresses a belief that the films will be wanted again, suggesting a sense of anticipation for the future. This hope is contrasted with the speaker's current state of isolation and preservation, as they keep the films hidden away from the ragman. The use of the phrase they will be wanted again implies a future where the films will be appreciated and valued, perhaps by the speaker themselves or by others. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of the films coming like a first white flurry of snow in late October, suggesting a sense of renewal and rebirth.

Themes of Value and Worth

A third theme is the idea of value and worth. The speaker repeatedly emphasizes that the films are cheap at the price, suggesting that their value is not measured in monetary terms. Instead, the films hold a personal and emotional value that is priceless to the speaker. This theme is developed through the use of symbolism, with the films representing the speaker's memories and experiences. The speaker's insistence on keeping the films, even the seemingly worthless ones, highlights the idea that value is subjective and personal.

Symbolism of the Films

The films themselves serve as a powerful symbol in the poem. They represent the speaker's memories and experiences, as well as their hope for the future. The use of different colors and patterns to describe the films suggests a diversity of experiences and memories, each one unique and valuable in its own way. The speaker's insistence on keeping every film, regardless of its condition, emphasizes the idea that all memories and experiences have value. The films also symbolize the passage of time, with the speaker anticipating a future where they will be wanted again. This suggests a sense of cyclicality and renewal, as the speaker looks forward to a time when their memories and experiences will be appreciated and valued once again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Carl Sandburg's Films is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, hope, and the personal value of memories. Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem highlights the speaker's deep attachment to their collection of films, as well as their belief in the future value of these memories. The poem's themes of preservation, hope, and subjective value are interwoven to create a powerful meditation on the human experience. Ultimately, Films reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories and experiences, and of the hope that they will continue to hold value for us in the future.