Explanation:
In “Chicago” the poet uses free verse. This structure helps the narrator express his thoughts and emotions about the city and its people. Free verse also helps the poet organize the narrator’s thoughts about his city. For example, he begins his poem with short, brief lines to describe the economic importance of the city and then uses longer lines to describe everyday life in the city:
Hog Butcher for the World,
Tool maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling,
City of the Big Shoulders:
They tell me you are wicked and I believe them, for I have seen your
painted women under the gas lamps luring the farm boys.
And they tell me you are crooked and I answer: yes, it is true I have seen
the gunman kill and go free to kill again.
This kind of structure allows the narrator to express his emotions about this place in the way he wants. This approach helps reveal how his identity is influenced by the city of Chicago.
The positive and respectful tone of the poem shows the effect the city has on the narrator. He is in awe of the success of the city and celebrates its determined spirit. He shows how proud he is of the city and how motivated he feels by its vibrant attitude.
Have a nice day!!!
