Poem Analysis - Finish

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem "Finish" presents a straightforward and contemplative reflection on death. The tone is calm and almost conversational, inviting the reader to consider the inevitability of death with a sense of acceptance and simplicity. The poem's repetition and direct language create a meditative atmosphere, emphasizing the speaker's desire for a peaceful and unceremonious end. There is a subtle shift in mood from the initial acceptance of death to a preference for silence and simplicity, suggesting a deeper contemplation of the final moments of life.

Themes of Mortality and Simplicity

The primary theme of "Finish" is mortality. The poem repeatedly mentions death, framing it as a singular, inevitable event. The speaker's wish for death to be "easy" underscores a desire for a peaceful transition, free from unnecessary fanfare. This theme is developed through the use of simple, direct language and the repetition of the phrase "Death comes once, let it be easy." The repetition serves to reinforce the idea that death is a natural and inevitable part of life, and that it should be approached with calm acceptance.

Another significant theme is simplicity. The speaker expresses a preference for minimalism in the rituals surrounding death. The mention of "ring one bell" and "sing one song" suggests a desire for a quiet, unobtrusive farewell. The speaker's preference for "nothing at all" further emphasizes this theme, indicating a wish for a life and death that are unburdened by excess. This theme is reinforced by the poem's straightforward language and lack of elaborate imagery, creating a sense of unadorned truth.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem employs several symbols to convey its themes. The bell and the song are significant symbols. The bell, traditionally used to announce or mark significant events, is mentioned in the context of death, suggesting a desire for a simple, unobtrusive announcement of one's passing. The song, specifically "John Brown's Body" or "Shout All Over God's Heaven," represents a choice between a historical, revolutionary song and a more spiritual, heavenly hymn. The speaker's preference for "nothing at all" indicates a desire for a death that is free from any symbolic or ritualistic significance, reinforcing the theme of simplicity.

The imagery in the poem is sparse but powerful. The repetition of the phrase "Death comes once, let it be easy" creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic effect, drawing the reader into a meditative state. This imagery of simplicity and repetition underscores the poem's themes of mortality and simplicity, inviting the reader to contemplate the natural and inevitable aspects of life and death.

Conclusion

"Finish" by Carl Sandburg offers a profound and accessible meditation on death and simplicity. Through its direct language, repetition, and symbolic imagery, the poem invites the reader to consider the inevitability of death with a sense of calm acceptance. The themes of mortality and simplicity are developed through the speaker's desire for a peaceful, unceremonious end, reinforcing the idea that life and death should be approached with simplicity and truth. The poem's final insight is a reminder of the natural and inevitable aspects of life, encouraging the reader to embrace simplicity and acceptance in the face of mortality.