Chicago by Carl Sandburg Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a type of poem that has few rhymes in no particular pattern/order?

Type of Poem

What is the theme of the poem?

The theme of the poem is how strong and brutal Chicago is and how it defines its citizens.

What kind of strategies does the author use to point out the theme?

The author uses a conversation between himself and people who do not like Chicago.

What is the mood of the poem?

The mood of the poem is proud, a little dark and sad, confident, fierce. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of strategies does the author use to make the mood clear?

The author shows the mood through a conversation with critics of Chicago. Signup and view all the answers

How does figurative language impact the poem as a whole?

It helps the reader understand what people think of Chicago and what it's really like. Signup and view all the answers

How does punctuation, number of syllables, and rhyme scheme impact the poem as a whole?

The punctuation shows that Chicago is a little chaotic and makes the rhymes catchy. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the poem set?

Chicago Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the lines in the poem?

Most of the lines are a little long, and few are short. Signup and view all the answers

How many stanzas are in the poem?

7 stanzas Signup and view all the answers

What is the poem about?

The author talks about Chicago and how its citizens are proud despite its flaws. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'Hog Butcher for the World'?

It lists industries in Chicago and signifies pride in the city. Signup and view all the answers

What does the line describing 'painted women under the gas lamps' imply?

It is false advertising that suggests a misleading beautiful depiction of Chicago. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author agree with in the line about being crooked?

The author agrees that Chicago is not as good as it is made out to be. Signup and view all the answers

In the line about women and children, what is the author's implication?

The author implies that even women and children in Chicago can be cruel. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poetic Structure

The poem consists of free verse with few rhymes and no specific pattern, allowing for a more conversational tone.

Theme Exploration

The poem juxtaposes public perception of Chicago with its harsh realities, emphasizing the pride and resilience of its citizens amid adversity.
Themes include the inherent brutality of the city and its impact on the identity of Chicagoans.
Citizens are depicted as unaware of the inevitability of struggles; their acceptance of the city's flaws is part of their identity.

Authorial Strategies

Sandburg employs dialogue between himself and critics of Chicago to highlight contrasting views and defenses of the city.
The city is metaphorically described as a young, ignorant fighter, symbolizing both its naivety and strength.

Mood and Atmosphere

The poem conveys an emotional tone that is ignorant, proud, dark, and fierce, reflecting the duality of resilience and despair among Chicagoans.
The conversational element creates a sense of indifference and defiance among its people.

Figurative Language Impact

Uses similes and metaphors to paint a harsh picture of Chicago, reinforcing the complex image of the city and its residents.
The figurative language clarifies the conflicted feelings Chicagoans harbor toward their environment, illustrating pride and protective instincts.

Punctuation and Form

Significant punctuation contributes to a chaotic feeling; frequent use of dashes emphasizes the abruptness of thoughts.
The rhyme scheme, while not prominent, adds a degree of memorability and rhythm to the poem.

Setting

The entire poem is set in Chicago, reflecting its gritty, urban landscape.

Line Length and Structure

The poem features a mix of longer lines with occasional short ones, creating a dynamic pacing.

Stanzas

The poem consists of seven stanzas, each contributing to the overall narrative of the city's identity.

General Overview

Focuses on the dichotomy between Chicago's perceived allure and its underlying truths, with an overarching message of loyalty from its citizens.

Industrial Imagery

The opening lines list various industries, portraying Chicago as a dynamic, hardworking city.
The phrase "City of the Big Shoulders" symbolizes the strength and toughness of both the city and its people.

Critique of Public Perception

References to "painted women" illustrate the seductive yet misleading allure of the city, suggesting a false promise of beauty and opportunity.
Farm boys are used as a metaphor for those who are naive about the realities of Chicago.

Acknowledgment of Crime

Acknowledges the criminality within the city, as exemplified by the statement about gunmen who kill without consequence, revealing a grim truth about its safety.

Depiction of Vulnerability

References to women and children show that even the innocent are affected by the city's harshness, contradicting typical images of childhood innocence.