Poem Analysis - Out Of White Lips

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Out Of White Lips" is a poignant and somber reflection on the aftermath of war, particularly focusing on the plight of the fallen soldiers and the land they fought for. The poem's tone is somber and questioning, with a sense of urgency and injustice. The mood shifts from a plea for justice to a stark, almost accusatory, examination of the value of land and the cost of war. The repetitive use of "Out of white lips" creates a haunting, almost ghostly, atmosphere, emphasizing the voices of the dead speaking from beyond the grave.

Historical and Authorial Context

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, was deeply influenced by the social and political climate of his time, particularly the aftermath of World War I. This poem likely reflects the widespread disillusionment and grief that followed the war, as well as the political debates surrounding territorial claims and the treatment of veterans. The "seven million dead" mentioned in the poem is a stark reminder of the immense human cost of the war, a figure that would have been deeply resonant with Sandburg's contemporary audience.

Themes of Sacrifice and Justice

The central theme of the poem is the sacrifice of soldiers and the injustice of their deaths. The repeated question "Shall they have only air" underscores the idea that the soldiers fought and died for something more tangible than just the air they breathed. The phrase "battle-drabbed, battle-soaked shoes" vividly illustrates the grim reality of war, emphasizing the soldiers' physical and emotional toll. The poem questions whether the land they fought for is truly theirs, or if it is merely a symbol of power and control.

The Value of Land and Freedom

Another prominent theme is the value of land and freedom. The poem contrasts the "red in the flag" as either the blood of a free man on his own land or the blood of a sheep slaughtered for meat. This stark imagery highlights the difference between a land fought for and a land taken without struggle. The question "Who shall have land?" is a call to consider who truly deserves the land and who has paid the ultimate price for it. The "red trenches dug in the land" symbolize the bloodshed and sacrifice that have taken place on the battlefield, making the land sacred ground.

Symbolism of White Lips and Blood

The recurring image of "white lips" is a powerful symbol of the dead soldiers, their voices speaking from beyond the grave. The whiteness of the lips contrasts with the "red" of the blood and the flag, emphasizing the stark difference between life and death. The blood, whether it is the blood of a free man or a slaughtered sheep, is a symbol of sacrifice and the cost of war. The "battle-drabbed, battle-sooked shoes" further emphasize the physical toll of war, highlighting the soldiers' endurance and suffering.

Conclusion

"Out Of White Lips" is a powerful meditation on the cost of war and the value of land. Through vivid imagery and haunting questions, Sandburg explores the themes of sacrifice, justice, and the true meaning of freedom. The poem serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and a call to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought and died. The voices of the dead, speaking through the "white lips," demand justice and recognition, urging us to consider the true value of the land they fought for and the freedom they sought to preserve.