Jazz Fantasia

"Fog" by Carl Sandburg (1916)

One of Sandburg’s most popular poems—which has become known as a quintessential modernist poem—this short, imagistic “American haiku” poem romanticizes the urban landscape in the same way that “Jazz Fantasia” romanticizes the city. Typical of a Sandburg poem, “Fog” is economical and uses simple language, strong imagery, and easy to follow yet effective figurative language. Another similarity to “Jazz Fantasia” is the juxtaposition of the natural and urban landscape. The fog comes in, the city supports it, and then the fog moves on as it does. The fog is personified in the same way “Jazz Fantasia” personifies the instruments.

"Chicago" by Carl Sandburg (1914)

Along with “Fog,” “Chicago” is Sandburg’s other best known poem and has become something of an anthem for the city of Chicago. The opening stanza stands out as another excellent example of Sandburg’s personification, imagery, and figurative language, all done with common language. The second half of the poem embodies Whitman’s influence with long, rhythmic lines. And as with “Fog” and “Jazz Fantasia,” the poem romanticizes urbanization, focusing on items like buildings and smog.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

F Scott Fitzgerald’s literary epic The Great Gatsby tells the tale of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious, wealthy bachelor in love with Daisy.