Chicago Poems and American Realism

These readings were interesting. "Under the Lion's Paw" communicated a message of hierarchy, where the poor man makes himself rich, and then uses this power he created for himself to keep down the poor. More importantly, I felt it emphasized how easy it is to be the rich guy or the poor guy- though the rich guy is the villain, he came from the same place the poor guy is, and any other man in his position would not necessarily make any different choices.
"Curious Shifts of the Poor" has an interesting concept- not just begging, which some of the poor population is forced to do, but others donating to their needs through a man who sounds like he's an auctioneer- "That... pays for two beds for two men and leaves five for the next one. Who will give seven more?" But the auctioneer himself is not a rich man, out to the theatre, he is helping get beds for the homeless. And the way that the rich folk stare at these poor men as if they really are the "curious" part of the story, staring at them as if they're just another attraction on Broadway.
"The Law of Life" seems wise and resigned at the same time. However, it also communicates a fleeting thought that, perhaps, this isn't the way things need to be. The young do not need to abandon the old because they've done their part of reproducing, they could take care of all because the value of a life, of a person, is equal.
"A Deal in Wheat" is confusing in and of itself, but the message is clear- in the interest of screwing each other, the Bulls and the Bears screw themselves. In the process of trying to outwit one, they themselves are outwitted; but the real question is, did they truly learn their lesson? If they had, wouldn't then they work together?
"The Lynching of Jube Benson" was one of the more unfortunate stories in this series. The fact that there could be so little trust for a man who has only been loyal and kind is disheartening.
"A Church Mouse" was interesting. The woman, who only wanted a place to stay and was willing to work for it, was not welcome. Why it took so long to be reasonable to her simple desires, and to accommodate a person who only asked a place to sleep and eat, all while making a public House of God a pleasant place to be- seems anti-Christian of those who claim to be on the holier half of men.
Sandburg's Chicago Poems were great. There were some I really enjoyed, especially with the images that accompanied my reading. Each piece had a personality, in which the different walks of life were embodied through words- one of my favorites was Sketch, the piece about the water and ships. Others I really enjoyed were Harbor, Passers-by, Graceland and Right to Grief.
Each was captivating in its own way, and scenes passed through my mind so vivid that I felt like I could see what Sandburg was talking about.