Poem Analysis - Knucks

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Knucks presents a stark and reflective tone, blending nostalgia with a sense of disillusionment. The poem begins with a reverent tone, recalling the legacy of Abraham Lincoln in his hometown, but quickly shifts to a more cynical and critical mood. This shift is marked by the introduction of a mundane yet violent object, knucks, and the casual commercialism surrounding them. The poem's form, with its conversational language and abrupt transitions, supports its themes of contrast and disillusionment.

Historical and Social Context

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, was known for his works that often reflected the social and political issues of his time. The poem Knucks was written in the early 20th century, a period marked by labor strikes, industrialization, and social unrest. The mention of streetcar strikers and strike-breakers, along with the casual sale of knucks, reflects the violent labor disputes and the harsh realities of urban life during this era. Sandburg's background as a journalist and his commitment to social justice are evident in the poem's critique of societal violence and hypocrisy.

Themes of Hypocrisy and Violence

The poem explores the theme of hypocrisy, highlighting the contrast between the revered ideals of Abraham Lincoln and the brutal realities of contemporary society. The knucks, a symbol of violence, are sold casually in a second-hand store, juxtaposed with the memory of Lincoln's tomb. This contrast underscores the hypocrisy of a society that claims to uphold Lincoln's principles of malice to none while engaging in violent and exploitative practices. The repetition of the phrase wrapped in battle flags, wrapped in the smoke of memories emphasizes the enduring legacy of violence and the failure to live up to Lincoln's ideals.

Themes of Commercialism and Dehumanization

The theme of commercialism is evident in the casual sale of knucks and the business-like demeanor of Mister Fischman. The knucks are sold in bulk, with Fischman mentioning that he sells a carload a month, highlighting the dehumanizing effect of commercialism. The poem suggests that violence has become a commodity, reduced to a mere transaction. This commercialization of violence dehumanizes both the buyers and the sellers, reducing human interactions to economic exchanges. The poem's tone becomes increasingly cynical as it reveals the extent to which violence has been normalized and commodified.

Themes of Memory and Disillusionment

The poem also delves into the theme of memory and disillusionment. The memories of Abraham Lincoln and the ideals he stood for are contrasted with the present reality of violence and commercialism. The speaker's thoughts, as he handles the knucks, reveal a sense of disillusionment with the society that claims to honor Lincoln's legacy. The repetition of the phrase this is the place they brought him, this is Abraham Lincoln's home town underscores the disillusionment, suggesting that the ideals of the past have been betrayed by the present. The poem's tone becomes reflective and melancholic as it grapples with the gap between memory and reality.

Symbolism of Knucks and the Store

The knucks serve as a powerful symbol of violence and the dehumanizing effects of commercialism. Their presence in the second-hand store, sold casually by Mister Fischman, highlights the normalization of violence in society. The store itself can be seen as a symbol of the market-driven values that prioritize profit over human dignity. The knucks, with their cast-iron construction and foundry pattern, represent the industrialization of violence, reducing it to a mass-produced commodity. The speaker's interaction with the knucks and his thoughts about the society that sells them underscore the poem's critique of a violent and commercialized world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Knucks by Carl Sandburg is a poignant critique of a society that claims to uphold noble ideals while engaging in violent and exploitative practices. Through its exploration of hypocrisy, commercialism, and disillusionment, the poem reveals the stark contrast between the remembered legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the brutal realities of contemporary life. The knucks, as a symbol of violence and dehumanization, serve as a powerful reminder of the ways in which society has betrayed its own ideals. The poem's reflective and cynical tone underscores the need for a more honest and compassionate engagement with the world, one that honors the true spirit of Lincoln's legacy.