1. Satirical Commentary on Human Society:
* Irony: Sandburg might be using animal behavior to satirize human interactions. By making the animals incredibly polite and formal, he highlights the absurdity of rigid social rules and the artificiality of certain human conventions.
* Social Hierarchy: The animals' emphasis on formality and decorum might reflect the social hierarchy and rigid class structures that existed in early 20th-century America. By juxtaposing this with the natural world, Sandburg could be critiquing the artificiality of human society.
2. Exploring the Nature of Communication:
* Language and Meaning: Sandburg may be exploring the nuances of communication and the different ways in which meaning can be constructed. The animals' formal language and adherence to protocol offer a contrast to the directness and simplicity of animal communication in the real world.
* Symbolic Significance: The animals' politeness could symbolize the inherent ability of living beings to communicate, even when their methods and intentions are different.
3. Creating a Unique Literary Style:
* Humor: Sandburg's use of politeness creates a humorous and whimsical tone, adding an element of playfulness to his stories.
* Distancing and Objectivity: By using animals and their interactions as a lens, Sandburg creates a certain distance from the story, allowing him to offer a more objective commentary on human behavior.
Ultimately, Sandburg's use of politeness in his animal stories is likely a combination of these factors, contributing to a unique and engaging narrative style. He uses animal behavior to comment on human society, explore communication, and create a humorous and thought-provoking reading experience.