What is the main theme of the poem Fog?
What is the main theme of the poem Fog?
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The poem Fog by Carl Sandburg is very short but deep and profound. It was written by the poet while he was on his way to take interview of a judge. On the way, he saw fog. He had Japanese Haiku (poetry) with him. He decided to write an English Haiku.
In the poem, the poet compares fog with cat. According to him, fog comes slowly and silently like a cat, sits quietly and watches the surroundings and finally goes away silently. Each line is followed by mystery. It looks like something will happen but nothing happens and the poem ends. There can be many themes in the poem which we will discuss below.
Theme of Nature
The first and foremost theme reflected in the poem is the theme of nature. The poet is describing the independent and patient nature of fog as well as cat. According to him, the fog as well as cat creeps into the humans world without any warning or notice. Like the cat, fog is patient and silent. It stands still at one place and finally goes away.
We can notice how nature is a part of our lives and can dominate us. e.g. when the fog comes, everything comes to a halt. We cannot travel or see each other. It does not have any physical force yet it affects us.
Theme of Change
Another important theme reflected in the poem is the theme of change. Change is inevitable. The city and the harbour was calm and quiet. But soon fog appears which dominates the whole city, bringing change. However it also does not remain there forever and goes away.
The poet is suggesting that change is a part and parcel of our lives. We should learn to live with change and never think that anything good or bad will remain for eternity.
Theme of Hope
Another theme in the poem is the theme of hope and betterment. The problems are in our lives. They come like fog or like cat i.e. without warning and occupy our head. However they do not remain there forever and go away. Hence we should be hopeful and never think that our problems will always remain with us.
Read summary of this poem.