Poem Analysis - The Walking Man Of Rodin

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Walking Man Of Rodin by Carl Sandburg presents a vivid and somewhat reverent depiction of the human body, specifically focusing on the legs and their significance. The tone is both celebratory and contemplative, shifting from admiration of the body's capabilities to a reflective moment on its impermanence. Sandburg's language is straightforward yet poetic, using vivid imagery to convey his thoughts on the human form and its strengths.

Themes of Human Resilience and Mortality

The poem explores several themes, with human resilience and mortality being the most prominent. The legs are celebrated for their ability to support and elevate the body, symbolizing strength and endurance. The phrase "Powers of bone and cord raise a belly and lungs Out of ooze and over the loam" highlights the body's ability to rise above its earthly origins, emphasizing human resilience. This theme is further developed through the imagery of the legs as a "regular high poem," suggesting a poetic and almost divine quality to the human body's capabilities.

The theme of mortality is introduced subtly but powerfully with the line "And you left off the head here, The skull found always crumbling neighbor of the ankles." This line shifts the mood from celebration to reflection, acknowledging the inevitable decay of the human body. The head, often associated with the mind and consciousness, is left off, suggesting a focus on the physical rather than the intellectual or spiritual. This contrast between the enduring legs and the crumbling skull underscores the transient nature of human existence.

Symbolism of the Legs and the Head

The legs serve as a central symbol in the poem, representing strength, mobility, and the body's connection to the earth. They are described as holding the torso away from the earth, suggesting a defiance of gravity and a triumph over the earthly limitations. The legs are also associated with various human activities, such as hammering, shooting, and running motors, which further emphasize their role in human achievement and progress.

The head, on the other hand, is a symbol of mortality and the body's eventual decay. The phrase "The skull found always crumbling neighbor of the ankles" creates a stark contrast with the powerful imagery of the legs. The head, often seen as the seat of intelligence and consciousness, is depicted as fragile and transient, highlighting the body's vulnerability and the inevitability of death.

The omission of the head in the sculpture of the walking man can be interpreted as a focus on the physical and practical aspects of human existence, rather than the intellectual or spiritual. This interpretation is supported by the poem's emphasis on the legs' capabilities and their role in human achievement. However, the absence of the head also raises questions about the poem's perspective on the human experience, leaving room for further reflection and interpretation.

Conclusion

The Walking Man Of Rodin by Carl Sandburg is a powerful exploration of the human body's strengths and vulnerabilities. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Sandburg celebrates the resilience of the human form while acknowledging its mortality. The poem's themes of human resilience and mortality are developed through the contrasting symbols of the legs and the head, creating a thought-provoking reflection on the human experience. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to appreciate the body's capabilities while also contemplating its transient nature, offering a profound insight into the complexities of human existence.