In Carl Sandburg’s poem “The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It,” he uses symbolism to convey a deeper meaning. This literary analysis will explore the various symbols used in the poem and their significance in understanding the themes and messages conveyed by Sandburg.
Historical Context
To fully understand the significance of Carl Sandburg’s poem, The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It, it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. Sandburg was a prominent figure in the literary and cultural movements of the early 20th century, a time of great social and political change in the United States. The poem was published in 1916, just a few years before the country entered World War I and during a period of heightened tensions surrounding issues of race, gender, and class. Sandburg’s use of symbolism and allegory in the poem can be seen as a reflection of these larger societal concerns, as well as his own personal experiences and beliefs. By examining the historical context in which the poem was written, readers can gain a deeper understanding of its themes and message.
The Title
The title of a literary work is often the first thing that readers encounter, and it can set the tone for the entire piece. In the case of Carl Sandburg’s poem “The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It,” the title is both whimsical and enigmatic. What does it mean for a rag doll and a broom handle to get married, and who are the mysterious figures in the procession? This article will delve into the symbolism of Sandburg’s title and explore its significance within the poem as a whole.
The Rag Doll
The rag doll in Carl Sandburg’s “The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It” is a symbol of innocence and vulnerability. The doll is described as “limp and floppy” and “without a backbone,” emphasizing its lack of agency and power. The fact that the doll is being married off to a broom handle, an inanimate object, further emphasizes its powerlessness and lack of autonomy.
However, the rag doll also represents the purity and simplicity of childhood. It is a reminder of a time when life was uncomplicated and carefree, before the complexities and responsibilities of adulthood set in. The doll’s innocence is contrasted with the more adult themes of marriage and societal expectations, highlighting the loss of innocence that comes with growing up.
Overall, the rag doll serves as a poignant symbol in Sandburg’s poem, representing both the vulnerability and purity of childhood. Its inclusion in the wedding procession adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a powerful commentary on the human experience.
The Broom Handle
The broom handle in Carl Sandburg’s The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. At first glance, the broom handle may seem like a simple object, but upon closer examination, it represents much more. The broom handle is a phallic symbol, representing masculinity and power. It is also a symbol of domesticity and the traditional gender roles that were prevalent during the time the poem was written. The broom handle is wielded by the groom, who is portrayed as the dominant figure in the wedding procession. However, the broom handle also has a darker side, representing violence and aggression. This is seen in the line “the broom handle was the judge and the jury,” which suggests that the groom has the power to mete out punishment. Overall, the broom handle is a complex symbol that adds depth and meaning to Sandburg’s poem.
The Wedding Procession
The wedding procession is a significant event in Carl Sandburg’s poem, “The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It.” The procession is a symbol of the union between the rag doll and the broom handle, which represents the coming together of two different worlds. The procession is also a representation of the different characters in the poem, each with their own unique traits and personalities. The procession is a celebration of love and unity, and it is a reminder that even the most unlikely of pairs can find happiness together. As the procession moves forward, it symbolizes the journey of life, with all its ups and downs, and the importance of staying together through it all. The wedding procession is a powerful symbol in Sandburg’s poem, and it serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of love.
The Characters
The characters in Carl Sandburg’s The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It are not your typical protagonists. In fact, they are not even human. The rag doll and the broom handle are the main characters of the story, and they are joined by a cast of other inanimate objects such as a toy dog, a tin trumpet, and a wooden soldier.
Despite their lack of human qualities, these characters are imbued with symbolism that speaks to the larger themes of the story. The rag doll, for example, represents the innocence and vulnerability of childhood, while the broom handle symbolizes the harsh realities of adulthood. The toy dog, with its constant barking, represents the noise and chaos of the world, while the tin trumpet represents the call to action and the need for change.
Through these characters, Sandburg is able to explore complex ideas about the human experience and the passage of time. The wedding procession itself is a metaphor for the journey of life, with each character representing a different stage or aspect of that journey. By unpacking the symbolism of these characters, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages of the story.
The Setting
The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It by Carl Sandburg is a poem that takes place in a dreamlike setting. The poem is set in a world where inanimate objects come to life and participate in a wedding procession. The setting is described as a “street of a forgotten city” which adds to the dreamlike quality of the poem. The street is described as being “narrow” and “dark” which creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. The setting is also important because it sets the stage for the symbolism that is present throughout the poem. The forgotten city represents a forgotten time and the inanimate objects coming to life represents the power of imagination and creativity. The setting of the poem is essential to understanding the deeper meaning behind the symbolism and the themes that are present in the poem.
The Theme of Love
The theme of love is a prominent one in Carl Sandburg’s The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It. The poem explores the idea of love in various forms, from the love between the rag doll and the broom handle to the love between the moon and the stars. Sandburg uses symbolism to convey the different types of love and their significance. The love between the rag doll and the broom handle, for example, represents the union of two seemingly different entities, while the love between the moon and the stars symbolizes the beauty of a harmonious relationship. Through his use of symbolism, Sandburg highlights the importance of love in our lives and the different ways in which it can manifest.
The Theme of Social Class
In Carl Sandburg’s The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It, the theme of social class is prevalent throughout the poem. The rag doll and the broom handle, who are the main characters of the poem, come from different social classes. The rag doll is a representation of the lower class, while the broom handle represents the upper class. The poem highlights the differences between the two classes and how they interact with each other. The rag doll is described as “ragged and torn,” while the broom handle is “straight and tall.” This contrast emphasizes the social divide between the two characters. The poem also touches on the idea of social mobility, as the rag doll dreams of marrying the broom handle and moving up in social class. Overall, Sandburg’s use of symbolism effectively conveys the theme of social class in the poem.
The Theme of Identity
The theme of identity is a prominent one in Carl Sandburg’s The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It. Throughout the poem, the characters struggle with their sense of self and their place in the world. The rag doll, for example, is described as “a little lost thing” who is “tossed about by the wind.” She is searching for her identity and her purpose, and she finds it in the love of the broom handle. Similarly, the broom handle is searching for his own identity, and he finds it in his love for the rag doll. Together, they create a new identity as a couple, and they are able to find happiness and fulfillment in each other. This theme of identity is a powerful one, and it speaks to the human need for connection and belonging. Sandburg’s poem reminds us that we are all searching for our place in the world, and that we can find it through love and connection with others.
The Use of Imagery
The use of imagery is a crucial element in Carl Sandburg’s poem, The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It. Throughout the poem, Sandburg employs vivid and striking imagery to convey his message and create a powerful visual experience for the reader. From the opening lines, the reader is transported to a fantastical world where inanimate objects come to life and take on human qualities. The rag doll and the broom handle are not just objects, but characters with personalities and emotions. Sandburg’s use of imagery is particularly effective in creating a sense of whimsy and playfulness, which is a hallmark of the poem. The imagery also serves to underscore the poem’s themes of love, marriage, and the human condition. Overall, Sandburg’s use of imagery is a masterful example of how a skilled writer can use language to create a rich and engaging literary experience.
The Use of Repetition
Repetition is a powerful literary device that can be used to emphasize a particular idea or theme. In Carl Sandburg’s The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It, repetition is used to highlight the absurdity of the situation. The phrase “rag doll and the broom handle” is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasizing the strangeness of the wedding procession. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase “who was in it” underscores the mystery surrounding the identity of the wedding guests. By using repetition in this way, Sandburg is able to create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that adds to the overall symbolism of the poem.
The Use of Metaphor
Metaphors are a powerful tool in literature, allowing writers to convey complex ideas and emotions through comparisons to more familiar objects or concepts. In Carl Sandburg’s poem “The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It,” metaphors are used extensively to create a vivid and surreal world. The rag doll and broom handle, for example, represent the bride and groom, while the procession itself is a metaphor for the journey of life and the inevitability of change. By unpacking these metaphors and exploring their deeper meanings, we can gain a greater understanding of Sandburg’s themes and the ways in which he uses language to convey them.
The Use of Personification
Personification is a literary device that is used to give human qualities to non-human objects or animals. In Carl Sandburg’s poem, The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It, personification is used extensively to create a vivid and imaginative world. The rag doll and the broom handle are given human-like qualities, such as the ability to dance and sing, which makes them relatable and endearing to the reader. The use of personification also adds depth to the symbolism in the poem, as it allows the objects to represent larger ideas and themes. For example, the rag doll can be seen as a representation of innocence and vulnerability, while the broom handle represents strength and stability. Overall, the use of personification in Sandburg’s poem adds a layer of complexity and richness to the text, making it a powerful piece of literature.
The Use of Symbolism
Symbolism is a powerful tool used by writers to convey deeper meanings and themes in their works. In Carl Sandburg’s poem, The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It, symbolism is used extensively to explore the complexities of human relationships and the nature of love. The poem is a rich tapestry of symbols, each one carefully chosen to represent a particular aspect of the human experience. From the rag doll and the broom handle to the wedding procession itself, every element of the poem is imbued with meaning and significance. By unpacking the symbolism in this poem, we can gain a deeper understanding of its themes and the message that Sandburg is trying to convey.
The Author’s Purpose
The author’s purpose in writing The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It is to use symbolism to comment on societal issues. Carl Sandburg uses the characters of the rag doll and the broom handle to represent the lower and upper classes, respectively. The wedding procession symbolizes the societal expectation for the two classes to marry and merge, but Sandburg ultimately critiques this expectation by showing the unequal power dynamic between the two classes. Through his use of symbolism, Sandburg is able to convey a deeper message about the flaws in societal expectations and the need for equality.
The Author’s Style
Carl Sandburg’s writing style in The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It is characterized by his use of vivid imagery and symbolism. Throughout the poem, Sandburg employs a variety of metaphors and similes to create a dreamlike atmosphere that transports the reader to a world of fantasy and whimsy. His use of repetition and alliteration also adds to the musicality of the poem, making it a joy to read aloud. Overall, Sandburg’s unique style is what makes The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.
The Reception of the Poem
The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It by Carl Sandburg is a poem that has been widely received by readers and critics alike. The poem’s use of symbolism and imagery has been praised for its ability to convey complex themes and emotions. Many readers have found the poem to be a powerful commentary on the nature of love and relationships, as well as a reflection on the human condition. The poem’s unique style and structure have also been noted, with some critics describing it as a modernist masterpiece. Overall, The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It has been celebrated as a work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Legacy of the Poem
The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It by Carl Sandburg is a poem that has left a lasting legacy in the world of literature. The poem, which was first published in 1916, has been studied and analyzed by scholars and students alike for its use of symbolism and its commentary on society. The legacy of the poem lies in its ability to continue to resonate with readers even after a century has passed since its publication. The themes of love, loss, and the struggle for identity are universal and timeless, making the poem relevant to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience and to inspire generations of readers.