Poem Analysis - Happiness

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Happiness presents a straightforward yet profound exploration of the elusive nature of happiness. The poem begins with a tone of inquiry and slight frustration, as the speaker seeks answers from intellectuals and executives, only to be met with dismissive smiles. This initial mood shifts to one of discovery and contentment when the speaker finds a simple, joyful scene by the Desplaines River. The poem's form, with its conversational language and unrhymed lines, supports its themes of accessibility and the simplicity of happiness.

The Quest for Happiness

The poem's central theme is the quest for happiness. The speaker initially turns to professors and executives, figures of authority and success, expecting them to provide a definitive answer. However, their dismissive reactions suggest that happiness is not something that can be taught or achieved through conventional measures of success. This theme is developed through the use of imagery that contrasts the sterile, intellectual world of the professors and the corporate world of the executives with the natural, communal setting by the river.

The Simplicity of Joy

A related theme is the simplicity of joy. The speaker finds happiness not in grand theories or material success, but in a simple, communal gathering. The crowd of Hungarians, with their keg of beer and accordion, represent a joy that is accessible and universal. The river setting, with its natural beauty and tranquility, further emphasizes the simplicity and purity of this joy. The use of the word wandered suggests a sense of spontaneity and freedom, further underscoring the idea that happiness can be found in the simple, unplanned moments of life.

The Symbolism of the River and the Community

The Desplaines River serves as a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents a place of natural beauty and tranquility, in contrast to the artificial, stressful environments of the professors and executives. The river is also a place of community, where people come together to share in simple pleasures. The Hungarians, with their women and children, represent a close-knit community, enjoying each other's company and the simple pleasures of life. The keg of beer and accordion are symbols of communal joy, suggesting that happiness is found in shared experiences and connections with others.

Final Insights

In conclusion, Sandburg's Happiness offers a poignant reflection on the nature of happiness. Through its themes of the quest for happiness, the simplicity of joy, and the symbolism of the river and the community, the poem suggests that happiness is not something that can be taught or achieved through conventional measures of success. Instead, it is found in the simple, unplanned moments of life, in the beauty of nature, and in the joy of community. The poem's final image of the Hungarians by the river serves as a powerful reminder of the accessibility and universality of happiness, inviting readers to find joy in the simple, everyday moments of life.