Poem Analysis - The Skyscraper Loves Night

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Skyscraper Loves Night by Carl Sandburg presents a vivid and somewhat surreal image of a skyscraper interacting with the night. The tone is initially romantic and almost whimsical, as the skyscraper is personified and described as loving the night. However, there is a shift towards a more introspective and almost melancholic mood as the skyscraper waits in the dark, suggesting a sense of longing or isolation.

Themes of Love and Longing

The primary theme of the poem is love, but it is presented in an unconventional way. The skyscraper is described as loving the night, which is personified as a woman. This love is expressed through the skyscraper's lights, which are described as playthings given to the night. The skyscraper's love is intense and almost possessive, as it loves the white of the night's shoulders hidden under her dark gown. This theme of love is intertwined with longing, as the skyscraper waits in the dark, suggesting a sense of anticipation or unfulfilled desire.

Themes of Isolation and Longing

Another theme is isolation. The skyscraper is described as looking to the night for somebody it loves, suggesting a sense of loneliness or isolation. The skyscraper's dizziness and near-dance in the dark further emphasize this sense of isolation, as it seems to be alone in its longing. The use of the word masonry to describe the skyscraper also contributes to this theme, as masonry is often associated with solidity and isolation.

Symbolism of the Skyscraper and the Night

The skyscraper and the night are the two main symbols in the poem. The skyscraper is a symbol of modernity and progress, while the night is a symbol of mystery and the unknown. The skyscraper's love for the night can be seen as a metaphor for the tension between modernity and tradition, or between progress and the unknown. The skyscraper's lights, which are described as playthings given to the night, can be seen as a symbol of the skyscraper's attempt to illuminate or control the night, and thus the unknown. The night's velvet gown can be seen as a symbol of the night's mystery and allure, which the skyscraper is drawn to despite its isolation.

Conclusion

The Skyscraper Loves Night is a poem that explores themes of love, longing, and isolation through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism. The skyscraper and the night are used as symbols to represent the tension between modernity and tradition, and the skyscraper's love for the night can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire to understand and control the unknown. The poem's final image of the skyscraper waiting in the dark suggests a sense of longing or unfulfilled desire, which is a central theme of the poem. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of these themes through the use of unconventional imagery and symbolism, which invites the reader to consider the complexities of love, longing, and isolation in a modern context.