Poem Analysis - Horses And Men In Rain

Carl Sandburg's poem Horses And Men In Rain invites readers into a cozy, reflective scene while juxtaposing it with images of hard work and historical romance. The poem's tone is initially warm and nostalgic, shifting to a more contemplative and somewhat melancholic mood as it delves into the past. The speaker's invitation to sit by a radiator and discuss everyday workers contrasts with the romanticized tales of knights and heroes, creating a blend of the mundane and the heroic.

Themes of Nostalgia and Contrast

The poem explores the theme of nostalgia, evident in the speaker's desire to reminisce about olden, golden days and heroic figures. This longing for the past is contrasted with the present, where the speaker and the listener are comfortably seated by a radiator, discussing everyday workers. The use of the phrase olden, golden days suggests a romanticized view of the past, while the mention of milk wagon drivers and grocery delivery boys grounds the poem in the present. This contrast highlights the speaker's longing for a past that may be more romanticized than real, while also acknowledging the value of the present.

Themes of Heroism and Everyday Life

Another prominent theme is the juxtaposition of heroism and everyday life. The poem shifts from discussing humble workers like mail carriers and messenger boys to writing about legendary heroes like Launcelot and Roland. This contrast suggests that heroism is not confined to the past or to legendary figures but can also be found in the everyday lives of ordinary people. The speaker's invitation to write poems of these heroes while sitting by a radiator underscores this theme, as it blends the heroic with the mundane.

Themes of Isolation and Connection

The theme of isolation and connection is also present in the poem. The speaker's invitation to sit by a radiator and talk about everyday workers suggests a desire for connection, despite the isolation implied by the winter's day and the gray wind. The mention of a roustabout hunched on a coal wagon adds to this sense of isolation, as the worker is depicted as alone and exposed to the elements. However, the speaker's act of writing poems about these workers suggests a desire to connect with them and to honor their experiences, even if from a distance.

Recurring Symbols and Images

The poem is rich with vivid imagery, particularly the recurring symbol of rain. The rain is described as frozen, cold, and slanting, creating a sense of harshness and isolation. However, it also serves as a connecting thread between the past and the present, as it is mentioned in the context of both the knights riding horses and the roustabout on the coal wagon. The steam radiator is another significant symbol, representing warmth, comfort, and a sense of security amidst the cold and rain. It also serves as a contrast to the harshness of the outside world, highlighting the speaker's desire for connection and comfort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Horses And Men In Rain is a poem that invites readers to reflect on the past and the present, the heroic and the mundane, and the isolated and the connected. Through its vivid imagery and contrasting themes, the poem offers a nuanced exploration of nostalgia, heroism, and connection. The poem's final lines, with their emphasis on writing poems of heroes who rode horses in the rain, underscore the speaker's desire to find meaning and connection in both the past and the present, even amidst the harshness of the world.