Poem Analysis - Pals

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Pals" is a poignant and somber reflection on death and the final journey of a deceased individual. The poem's tone is somber and reflective, with a sense of finality and inevitability. The mood shifts from a practical, almost mechanical description of the funeral process to a more contemplative and mysterious tone when considering the silence of the dead. The poem's straightforward language and imagery create a stark and unadorned picture of death, emphasizing its universality and inescapability.

Themes of Mortality and Silence

The primary theme of the poem is mortality. The poem describes the final journey of a deceased person, emphasizing the cold, mechanical process of moving the body. The repeated use of the word "last" in lines such as "Take him on the last haul" and "To the last house of all" underscores the finality of death. The imagery of the "cold straight house" and the "level even house" suggests a place of rest and finality, reinforcing the theme of mortality.

Another significant theme is silence. The dead are described as saying nothing, yet knowing much. This silence is both literal and metaphorical, representing the mystery and unknowability of death. The dead are said to hold a "locked-up story" under their tongues, suggesting that they possess knowledge that they cannot or will not share. This theme of silence adds a layer of mystery and contemplation to the poem, inviting readers to reflect on the unknown aspects of death.

Symbolism of the Silver Handles and the Hearses

The silver handles mentioned in the poem are a recurring symbol. They represent the tools used to carry the deceased, but they also symbolize the connections between the living and the dead. The fact that there are "six silver handles, one for each of his old pals" suggests a communal effort and a shared experience of loss. The silver handles also evoke a sense of dignity and respect, highlighting the solemnity of the occasion.

The hearse and the "rollers over the floor" are vivid images that contribute to the poem's overall message. The hearse is a symbol of the journey to the afterlife, while the rollers represent the mechanical and inevitable nature of death. These images underscore the poem's themes of mortality and the finality of death, creating a stark and unadorned picture of the funeral process.

Final Reflections on the Poem's Significance

In conclusion, "Pals" by Carl Sandburg is a powerful meditation on death and the silence that follows. Through its stark imagery and somber tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on the inevitability of mortality and the mysteries that surround death. The silver handles and the hearse serve as potent symbols of the communal experience of loss and the mechanical nature of death. The poem's final lines, which emphasize the silence of the dead, leave readers with a sense of contemplation and wonder, highlighting the unknowable aspects of the afterlife. Ultimately, "Pals" serves as a reminder of the finality of death and the shared human experience of loss and reflection.