rg was just as much a fundamental part of the same patchwork. Sandburgs writing addresses many of the same concepts as does Twains with regard to the human condition, even encouraging people to recognize themselves within his prose. Characteristic of Sandburgs style is his approach to everyday existence as though it were a matter of life and death. In a way it was just that, as the astute author wrote of lifes battles and the difficulties surrounding just staying alive. His works reflects compassion and empathy that easily translates from the written page in such a way that clearly associates him with the foundation of American literature. They tell me you were 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. (Sandburg 44)Sandburgs recognition of working girls, hungry men and wondering children represent a staple in the American literary diet. The authors calculated ability to assess the human condition is integral to his overall importance in American literature; to be sure, there have been many more explosive writers who have helped shape Americas literary landscape, but few have truly captured the essence as well as Sandburg. His talent to make the most simplistic and mundane stand out as extraordinary is indicative of his inherent contribution to American literature. A man saw the whole world as a grinning skull and cross-bones. The rose flesh of life shriveled from all faces. Nothing counts. Everything is fake. Dust to dust and ashes to ashes and then an old darkness and a useless silence. So he saw it all. (Sandburg 110)In spite of their success, men have not been the only ones who have helped influence American literature. The famo...
