Poem Analysis - Iron

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Iron presents a stark contrast between the tools of war and the tools of labor, using vivid imagery and a shifting tone to convey its message. The poem begins with a sense of bravado and excitement, describing the gleaming guns and the sailors who man them, but quickly shifts to a more somber and reflective mood when it turns to the shovels used for digging graves. This contrast highlights the poem's central themes and its critique of war.

Historical and Authorial Context

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, was known for his works that often addressed social issues and the experiences of the working class. His background as a laborer and his involvement in social justice movements likely influenced his perspective on war and labor. The poem was written during a time when the United States was involved in various conflicts, and Sandburg's anti-war sentiments are evident in his portrayal of the guns and the sailors.

Themes of War and Labor

The poem explores the themes of war and labor through the contrasting images of guns and shovels. The guns, described as long, steel, and polished, symbolize the machinery of war and the glory associated with it. The sailors, or jackies, are depicted as laughing and singing, embodying the excitement and bravado of war. In contrast, the shovels represent the grim reality of death and the labor involved in burying the fallen. The shovels are described as broad and iron, scooping out oblong vaults, which are graves. This stark contrast highlights the poem's critique of war and its celebration of the labor that follows.

The Brotherhood of Guns and Shovels

The poem's most striking image is the assertion that the shovel is brother to the gun. This metaphor underscores the inseparable connection between war and death, suggesting that every gun inevitably leads to the need for a shovel. The phrase brother to the gun emphasizes the familial and inevitable relationship between the tools of war and the tools of burial. This image serves as a powerful critique of war, suggesting that the glory of battle is always followed by the grim task of burying the dead.

Final Insight

In conclusion, Carl Sandburg's Iron uses vivid imagery and a shifting tone to explore the themes of war and labor. The poem's contrast between the gleaming guns and the grim shovels highlights the inevitable connection between war and death. The assertion that the shovel is brother to the gun serves as a powerful critique of war, suggesting that the glory of battle is always followed by the grim task of burying the dead. This poem serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the labor that follows in its wake.