Poem Analysis - The Right To Grief

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Right To Grief by Carl Sandburg presents a stark contrast between the grief experienced by different social classes. The tone shifts from a critical and almost mocking attitude towards the grief of the wealthy to a somber and empathetic portrayal of the working class's sorrow. Sandburg uses vivid imagery and direct language to highlight the disparities in how grief is experienced and expressed. The poem's form, with its free verse and colloquial language, supports its raw and unfiltered exploration of these themes.

Historical and Social Context

Carl Sandburg, an American poet, was known for his works that often reflected the struggles of the working class. The poem is set in the early 20th century, a time of significant industrial growth and social inequality in the United States. The reference to the stockyards and the "hunky" (a derogatory term for an Eastern European immigrant) reflects the harsh realities of immigrant labor in places like Chicago, where Sandburg lived. The poem critiques the societal structures that devalue the lives and grief of the working poor.

Themes of Inequality and Grief

The poem explores the theme of inequality through the contrasting experiences of grief. The millionaire's grief is portrayed as superficial and transactional, with the line "Death refusing any check on the bank" suggesting that wealth cannot buy immunity from death or alleviate grief. In contrast, the grief of the working-class family is raw and deeply felt, as they mourn their child who was a financial burden. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, highlighting how death affects people differently based on their social status. The working-class family's relief that the child is gone, juxtaposed with their profound sorrow, underscores the harsh realities of their lives.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem uses vivid imagery to drive home its points. The "blood" that the hunky sweeps off the floor symbolizes the brutal and grueling nature of his work, as well as the sacrifices he makes for his family. The "white coffin" that costs a week's wages represents the financial strain and the value placed on the life of the child. The "red bandannas" used to wipe tears symbolize the hard, laborious lives of the working class, contrasting with the perfumed sorrow of the wealthy. The repetition of the hunky's daily routine, "shoving hog blood ahead of him with a broom," emphasizes the monotonous and unending nature of his work, reinforcing the theme of inequality.

Conclusion

The Right To Grief by Carl Sandburg is a powerful critique of social inequality and the differing experiences of grief. Through stark imagery and direct language, Sandburg highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy and the working class, emphasizing that grief is a universal experience that should be respected regardless of social status. The poem serves as a reminder of the human cost of inequality and the importance of empathy and understanding across different social strata. The final lines, where the hunky returns to his job, underscore the enduring nature of his struggles and the societal structures that perpetuate them.