Denotation Of Words In The Poem Chicago, By Carl Sandburg

In the English language, society has accepted connotations of words which outweigh the actual denotation of the very same words, deciding whether the meaning is negative or positive. In Carl Sandburg’s poem, “Chicago,” Sandburg creates a visage of Chicago, illustrating both the squalor and pride of the city that remains vivid despite brutal living situations. Sandburg strategically manipulates the connotation and denotation of words to create opposing perceptions of phrases portraying the relationship between wretchedness and livelihood.
Sandburg’s use of denotation and mutated connotation constructs phrases that contrast themselves, ultimately changing the original meaning. Boasting pride for the “brutal” (12) city, he illustrates Chicago “singing… proud to be alive” (18-19),

Not only does the “terrible burden of destiny” (32) present as a standalone phrase with linguistic manipulation, but the phrase also contributes to Sandburg’s theme in which the worst and best of situations peacefully coexist. Surrounding the “terrible burden of destiny” is a “young man… Bragging and laughing” (32-36), a city with a “pulse” (36), and “the heart of the people” (37). Intertwining the vivid language of life with a dark “burden” exemplifies that the darkness of the city exists within the lightness of the city. Illustrating an animated city despite the “painted women” (7) and “gunm[e]n” (10) Sandburg shows the city “building, breaking, [and] rebuilding” (29) displaying action coinciding with destruction by necessity. Sandburg shows that growth comes as a result of death through the “rebuilding” of Chicago shortly after “breaking.” Whether through growth and power or horror and gloom, Sandburg thoughtfully alters the connotation of words using denotation to express a major theme within his