What Is The Mood Of The Poem Chicago

Carl Sandburg makes a profuse amount of points about his city in his poem, “Chicago”. He shows that although his city is known for being a rough city, there are still positive aspects of Chicago. He brings to mind the murders, and prostitution, and poverty of the city, but he also reminds his readers of the arts and the sports and how strong his city is. Carl Sandburg’s city is “alive and coarse and strong and cunning” (line 10). Carl Sandburg shows different aspects about his city and he uses literary devices to help do so. Chicago is a “city of big shoulders” (line 4). Carl personifies Chicago by giving the city big shoulders. This image symbolises that the city is strong, that it carries a lot, and that it can stand up for itself. Similes
are another literary device Carl Sandburg uses in his thought provoking poem. A simile is used in line 12 when Sandburg says that Chicago is as fierce as a dog. This comparison reveals that Chicago is powerful and that it can fight for itself; the city is not scared to intimidate others to keep it safer. The author uses many literary devices throughout his poem to help amplify his words and meaning. Chicago is commonly known for being a rough and cruel city. Carl Sandburg did not like the image being the representation of “his city” (line 9). He uses this poem to remind people of the good that resides in the city. He shows that there is good amongst the evil. Carl Sandburg makes the point that Chicago is still good, that his city is an amazing city to live in. He shows that Chicago has appealing aspects like the arts and the work force and the industry. Carl Sandburg revives hope for his city by contrasting the positive and negative aspects of his city.