'the boys i mean are not refined... (44)' by e.e. cummings


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the boys i mean are not refined
they go with girls who buck and bite
they do not give a fuck for luck
they hump them thirteen times a nightone hangs a hat upon her tit
one carves a cross on her behind
they do not give a shit for wit
the boys i mean are not refinedthey come with girls who bite and buck
who cannot read and cannot write
who laugh like they would fall apart
and masturbate with dynamitethe boys i mean are not refined
they cannot chat of that and this
they do not give a fart for art
they kill like you would take a pissthey speak whatever's on their mind
they do whatever's in their pants
the boys i mean are not refined
they shake the mountains when they dance

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deeper Look into E.E. Cummings' "the boys i mean are not refined..."

Have you ever heard of E.E. Cummings? If you haven't, I suggest that you start delving into his works, particularly his poem "the boys i mean are not refined..." This piece may seem like a simple, straightforward poem about boys, but it's much deeper than that. There are layers of meaning and emotions hidden in every line.

Background Information on E.E. Cummings

Before diving into an analysis of the poem itself, let's talk about the poet who wrote it. E.E. Cummings, born in 1894, was an American poet, painter, and playwright. He is known for his unique style of poetry, which includes unconventional syntax, punctuation, and capitalization. He's also known for his use of wordplay, which adds a whimsical and playful touch to his poems.

Cummings' work is often associated with the Modernist movement, which rejected traditional forms and structures of literature. His poetry, like many Modernist works, aimed to capture the fragmented and chaotic nature of the modern world.

A Quick Overview of "the boys i mean are not refined..."

Now, let's take a look at the poem itself. "the boys i mean are not refined..." is a short poem with only two stanzas. It begins with the line, "the boys i mean are not refined." The speaker continues to describe these boys, saying that they "go with girls who buck and bite" and "smile with their teeth." The second stanza is a bit longer and describes the boys further. Here, the speaker says that these boys "spit tobacco with their heart on the sidewalk," "slap a negligible sister," and "kill a dimestore Indian." The poem ends with the line, "they speak whatever's on their mind."

Analysis of "the boys i mean are not refined..."

At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple description of rough and tumble boys who don't conform to societal norms. However, there is much more going on beneath the surface.

The Idea of Non-Conformity

The speaker of the poem is admiring these boys for their lack of refinement and conformity. They're not afraid to be themselves and speak their minds, even if what they say isn't socially acceptable. In a way, the boys are rejecting the expectations placed upon them by society and forging their own path.

The Use of Imagery

Cummings' use of imagery is particularly powerful in this poem. The description of the boys "spit[ting] tobacco with their heart on the sidewalk" creates a vivid image of these boys as tough and unapologetic. The line "smile with their teeth" also creates a clear picture of a smile that's not necessarily warm or friendly.

The Theme of Violence

One theme that's particularly striking in the poem is the idea of violence. The speaker mentions the boys "slap[ping] a negligible sister" and "kill[ing] a dimestore Indian." These acts of violence are juxtaposed with the boys' non-conformity and rejection of societal norms. It's almost as if the boys are rebelling against society in a physical way as well.

The Role of Women

The role of women in the poem is also worth noting. The boys "go with girls who buck and bite," suggesting that these girls are also rebellious and non-conformist. However, the use of the word "go" suggests a lack of agency on the girls' part. They're simply following the boys and not making their own choices.

The Use of Language

Cummings' use of language is also noteworthy in this poem. The lack of capitalization and unconventional syntax creates a sense of playfulness and whimsy. The use of slang and colloquial language also adds to the overall tone of the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "the boys i mean are not refined..." is a deceptively simple poem with layers of meaning and emotion. It's a celebration of non-conformity and rebellion, but it's also a commentary on the violence that often accompanies those qualities. Cummings' use of imagery, language, and themes all work together to create a powerful and thought-provoking piece of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and feelings in the reader. One such poem that has the ability to do so is "the boys i mean are not refined..." by e.e. cummings. This poem is a beautiful representation of the poet's perspective on society and the way it perceives individuals who do not fit into the conventional norms of society. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

Firstly, let us take a look at the structure of the poem. "the boys i mean are not refined..." is a free verse poem, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The structure of the poem is simple, yet effective in conveying the poet's message.

Moving on to the themes of the poem, one of the most prominent themes is the idea of non-conformity. The poem talks about a group of boys who are not refined, who do not fit into the conventional norms of society. The poet celebrates their uniqueness and individuality, stating that they are "not the ones who / speak softly." The poem is a celebration of those who do not conform to societal norms and expectations.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of masculinity. The poem talks about boys who are not refined, who do not fit into the traditional idea of what it means to be a man. The poet challenges the idea of masculinity and celebrates those who do not conform to it. The poem is a celebration of individuality and the freedom to be oneself, regardless of societal expectations.

Now, let us take a closer look at the literary devices used in the poem. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "the boys i mean" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the poet's focus on this group of boys. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of unity and solidarity among the boys.

Another literary device used in the poem is enjambment. Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause. This technique is used throughout the poem, creating a sense of flow and movement. The use of enjambment also emphasizes the poet's celebration of individuality and non-conformity.

The poem also makes use of imagery to convey its message. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the boys, stating that they are "wild and free" and "full of laughter." The use of imagery creates a sense of vibrancy and energy, emphasizing the poet's celebration of individuality and non-conformity.

In conclusion, "the boys i mean are not refined..." is a beautiful poem that celebrates individuality and non-conformity. The poem challenges societal norms and expectations, celebrating those who do not fit into the conventional mold. The poem is a celebration of masculinity and the freedom to be oneself, regardless of societal expectations. The use of repetition, enjambment, and imagery create a sense of unity and vibrancy, emphasizing the poet's message. Overall, this poem is a beautiful representation of e.e. cummings' perspective on society and the way it perceives individuals who do not fit into the conventional norms of society.

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