Poem Analysis - Jaws

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Jaws presents a stark and somber reflection on the onset of World War I. The tone is initially somber and reflective, shifting to one of defiance and despair as the poem progresses. The poem captures a moment of global tension and the collective response to the impending conflict. Sandburg uses vivid imagery and stark language to convey the gravity of the situation and the futility of the nations' reactions.

Historical Context and Author's Background

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, wrote this poem in the context of the early 20th century, a time marked by significant global upheaval. The poem is set in August 1914, the month World War I began. This historical backdrop is crucial for understanding the poem's themes of mortality, conflict, and the human response to impending doom. Sandburg's background as a journalist and his experiences during this tumultuous period likely influenced his perspective on the events leading up to the war.

Themes of Mortality and Conflict

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the recurring image of the jaws of death. The phrase seven nations stood with their hands on the jaws of death suggests a collective awareness of the impending danger and the inevitability of conflict. The use of the phrase jaws of death is a powerful metaphor for the looming threat of war and the inevitability of death that comes with it. The nations' response, O Hell!, underscores their defiance and despair in the face of this inevitability. This theme is further developed through the contrast between the divine voice offering everlasting life and the nations' rejection of it, highlighting the stark reality of their situation.

The Voice and Divine Intervention

The Voice murmuring a biblical passage adds a layer of spiritual and moral complexity to the poem. The Voice represents a divine or spiritual intervention, offering a path to everlasting life. However, the nations' response, O Hell!, indicates their rejection of this offer, choosing instead to embrace the jaws of death. This rejection can be seen as a commentary on the human tendency to turn away from spiritual guidance in times of crisis, opting instead for defiance and self-destruction. The Voice serves as a symbol of hope and redemption, contrasting sharply with the nations' fateful decision.

The Symbolism of the Jaws of Death

The jaws of death is a vivid and recurring image in the poem, symbolizing the inescapable nature of conflict and mortality. The phrase begins clicking and they go on clicking suggests a relentless and unstoppable force, much like the march of war. This image underscores the theme of inevitability and the futility of resistance. The jaws of death can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the destructive power of human conflict, highlighting the self-destructive nature of war. The clicking sound adds a sense of urgency and inevitability, emphasizing the nations' inability to escape their fate.

Conclusion

Carl Sandburg's Jaws is a poignant reflection on the onset of World War I, exploring themes of mortality, conflict, and the human response to impending doom. Through vivid imagery and stark language, Sandburg captures the gravity of the situation and the futility of the nations' reactions. The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the destructive power of war and the human tendency to reject spiritual guidance in times of crisis. The jaws of death stand as a symbol of the inescapable nature of conflict and mortality, highlighting the self-destructive nature of human conflict.