Carl Sandburg Poem Chicago Critique

This poem has a rather complex scheme due to the ever changing tone of the work. At the beginning of the poem an iambic pattern is used. This gives the poem a conversational aspect. The rest of the poem uses repetition to give rhythm. Throughout the poem the formations of the stanzas change. This is meant to symbolize the change in Sandburg's mood throughout the poem. Overall, the poem shows the assumptions of Chicago and Sandburg's realization of the truths of those assumptions. Sandburg also expresses his belief that in many ways Chicago is no different than any other city.

I appreciate the truth of this poem. I like that he begins by agreeing with some of the things people say about the city. He tells why those things may be true from his point of view. On the other hand, towards the mid-late of the poem he says that you would be hard pressed to find a city without such problems such as hunger and unjust punishment due to a limited justice system. The fact that he does take up for his city shows a type of home pride. This poem speaks to people regardless of the time period in which they live in. Obviously, this poem has withstood the test of time. I also find it interesting that the poem is not uniform throughout. I like that there in no solid rhyme scheme the entire time yet the poem still flows naturally.