In the given statement, Carl Sandburg shares a personal anecdote about his early attempts at poetry writing. He describes submitting poems he wrote at Brooks Street station to two editors who rejected them immediately. Years later, upon revisiting these rejection letters, Sandburg found himself in agreement with the opinions of those editors.
This quote delves into several aspects of the creative process and the development of an artist's self-assessment skills. It highlights the challenging reality that many aspiring writers face when their work is initially rejected by established authorities or gatekeepers in the literary world. Moreover, it underscores the importance of time and experience in shaping one’s perspective. Sandburg's later agreement with the initial rejections reveals his growth as a writer who has developed a more refined sense of quality and critique over the years.
Carl Sandburg was an American poet, novelist, journalist, and historian known for his vivid portrayals of American life. Born in 1878, he became one of the most prominent literary figures of the early twentieth century, celebrated for works like "Chicago Poems" and biographies such as "Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years." His candid reflections on the journey of a writer, including his own experiences with rejection, offer valuable insights into the process of becoming an artist.
