Poem Analysis - Proud And Beautiful

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Proud And Beautiful" presents a stark and somewhat cynical view of beauty and societal expectations. The poem's tone is initially detached and almost clinical, as it describes the meticulous process of transforming someone into an ideal of beauty. However, there is a subtle shift in mood towards the end, where the poem takes on a more contemplative and almost melancholic tone. The poem's form, with its repetitive structure and straightforward language, supports its message of the repetitive and formulaic nature of societal beauty standards.

Themes of Artificiality and Conformity

The poem explores the theme of artificiality, highlighting how beauty is often a constructed and superficial concept. The use of terms like "modistes," "manicures," and "mannikins" emphasizes the artificial processes involved in achieving beauty. These elements are personified and given agency, suggesting that they are the true architects of the subject's appearance. The repetition of the phrase "proud and beautiful" underscores the formulaic nature of societal beauty standards, implying that true beauty is not innate but rather a product of conformity.

The Illusion of Perfection

Another prominent theme is the illusion of perfection. The poem describes the subject as being "fixed and formulated" into an ideal, suggesting that this perfection is an illusion. The use of the phrase "great enigmatic bird of paradise" adds to this theme, as the bird of paradise is known for its elaborate and often deceptive plumage. This imagery suggests that the subject's beauty is similarly deceptive and not a true reflection of their inner self. The final lines, where the subject is declared "proud and beautiful," reinforce this theme, as the declaration is made by "voices and eyes" rather than the subject themselves, further emphasizing the artificiality of the perception.

Symbolism of the Bird of Paradise

The "great enigmatic bird of paradise" is a vivid and recurring symbol in the poem. This bird is known for its elaborate and often deceptive plumage, which it uses to attract mates. In the context of the poem, the bird symbolizes the subject's constructed beauty, which is similarly deceptive and designed to attract admiration. The bird's enigmatic nature also suggests that the subject's true self is hidden beneath their beautiful exterior, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the poem. The bird's symbolism contributes to the poem's overall message about the artificiality and illusion of societal beauty standards.

Final Insights

In conclusion, "Proud And Beautiful" offers a critical commentary on the artificiality and conformity of societal beauty standards. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetitive structure, and symbolic language, the poem challenges the notion of beauty as a natural and innate quality. Instead, it presents beauty as a constructed and often deceptive illusion, designed to conform to societal expectations. The poem's final lines, where the subject is declared "proud and beautiful" by external voices, reinforce this message, suggesting that true beauty is not something that can be achieved through external means, but rather something that comes from within.