Poem Analysis - Graceland

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Graceland" presents a stark contrast between the opulence of the wealthy and the struggles of the working class. The poem begins with a somber tone, focusing on the extravagant tomb of a millionaire, but quickly shifts to a more urgent and critical mood as it describes the plight of ordinary people. This shift highlights the disparity between the lavish spending on the dead and the modest needs of the living. The poem's form, with its free verse and colloquial language, supports its themes of social commentary and critique.

Historical and Social Context

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, was known for his works that often reflected the struggles of the working class and the injustices of society. "Graceland" can be seen as a commentary on the economic inequalities of his time, particularly during the early 20th century when industrialization and capitalism were booming. The poem critiques the excessive spending on the dead while the living face financial hardships, reflecting Sandburg's social consciousness and his advocacy for the common people.

Themes of Wealth and Inequality

The primary theme of "Graceland" is the stark contrast between wealth and poverty. The poem juxtaposes the extravagant spending on the tomb of a millionaire with the modest needs of the working class. The merchant prince's command to spend twenty-five thousand dollars annually on flowers and upkeep is contrasted with the struggles of "a hundred cash girls" who need nickels to go to the movies. This contrast highlights the absurdity of wealth disparity and the callousness of the rich towards the poor.

Themes of Mortality and Remembrance

Another significant theme is mortality and remembrance. The poem delves into the idea of how the wealthy are remembered through extravagant tombs and flowers, while the ordinary people are forgotten. The merchant prince's desire for roses, lilacs, hydrangeas, and tulips to keep his memory fresh is a stark reminder of the transient nature of life and the futility of material wealth in the face of death. The poem questions the value of such remembrance when it comes at the expense of the living.

Themes of Social Critique

The poem also serves as a social critique, highlighting the indifference of the wealthy towards the struggles of the working class. The merchant prince's will, which prioritizes the upkeep of his tomb over the needs of the living, is a symbol of the callousness and selfishness of the rich. The poem's shift from the tomb to the struggles of the working class underscores the need for social justice and equality.

Symbols and Imagery

The tomb and the flowers are recurring symbols in the poem. The tomb represents the extravagance and vanity of the wealthy, while the flowers symbolize the transient nature of life and the futility of material wealth. The contrast between the tomb and the flowers also highlights the disparity between the rich and the poor. The imagery of the cash girls, women in saloons, and girls in furnished rooms further emphasizes the struggles of the working class and the indifference of society towards their plight.

Conclusion

"Graceland" by Carl Sandburg is a powerful critique of wealth disparity and social injustice. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, the poem highlights the absurdity of excessive spending on the dead while the living face financial hardships. The themes of wealth and inequality, mortality and remembrance, and social critique are interwoven to create a poignant commentary on society. The poem serves as a reminder of the need for social justice and equality, urging readers to question the values and priorities of a society that prioritizes the dead over the living.