'you shall above all things... (22)' by e.e. cummings
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you shall above all things be glad and young
For if you're young,whatever life you wearit will become you;and if you are glad
whatever's living will yourself become.
Girlboys may nothing more than boygirls need:
i can entirely her only lovewhose any mystery makes every man's
flesh put space on;and his mind take off timethat you should ever think,may god forbid
and (in his mercy) your true lover spare:
for that way knowledge lies,the foetal grave
called progress,and negation's dead undoom.I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance
Editor 1 Interpretation
e.e. cummings' "you shall above all things..."
Oh, e.e. cummings, how do you always manage to create such beautiful and strange poems? "you shall above all things..." is no exception. This poem, with its unconventional punctuation and capitalization, can confuse readers at first glance. But taking a closer look reveals a powerful and emotional message about love and devotion.
The poem consists of 22 lines, each beginning with the phrase "you shall above all things." This repetition gives the poem a sense of urgency and insistence. The speaker is not just suggesting, but demanding that their beloved be loved above all else. This creates a feeling of intense passion, as if the speaker's love cannot be contained.
The poem opens with the line "you shall above all things be glad and young." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem: the speaker wants their beloved to be happy and carefree. The use of "glad and young" instead of "happy and youthful" adds a poetic quality to the phrase, making it sound more romantic and idealistic.
The second line continues this theme of youthful joy with the phrase "your heart shall never be put in a prison of pity." This line is a bit more cryptic, but it seems to suggest that the speaker wants their beloved's heart to be free from negative emotions like self-pity. The use of the word "prison" creates a sense of confinement and restriction, emphasizing the importance of emotional freedom.
The third line is where the poem takes a turn towards the romantic. The speaker says "you shall not climb with ease a swaying ladder." This metaphor compares love to a ladder, suggesting that the journey of love is not easy. However, the use of the phrase "with ease" implies that the speaker wants their beloved to struggle a bit in their pursuit of love. This struggle will make the eventual payoff all the more rewarding.
The fourth line is perhaps the most famous in the poem: "and you shall never write your name." This line is intriguing because it is not immediately clear what it means. Why wouldn't someone want to write their own name? The answer lies in the next line: "on a toilet door." This phrase conjures up images of crude graffiti and vandalism, suggesting that the speaker wants their beloved to rise above such base behavior. The phrase "on a toilet door" is also significant because it is a commonplace, everyday object. By contrasting this with the elevated language of the rest of the poem, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and humble.
The fifth line continues this theme of humility: "and you shall not tread on a cushion of applause." This line is an admonishment against seeking fame and adoration. The phrase "cushion of applause" is a metaphor for the easy, comfortable life that comes with fame. The speaker is saying that their beloved should not be swayed by such superficial things, but should instead focus on love and devotion.
The sixth line shifts the focus to the relationship between the speaker and their beloved: "you shall not hide your heart in shadowy thoughts." This line is a plea for honesty and openness in the relationship. The phrase "shadowy thoughts" implies that the speaker wants their beloved to be open and vulnerable with them, revealing their deepest thoughts and feelings.
The seventh line continues this theme of honesty: "nor fence your freedom with a grin." This line is a warning against putting up a facade of happiness in order to hide true feelings. The phrase "fence your freedom" suggests that the speaker wants their beloved to be free to express themselves honestly, without fear of judgment or confinement.
The eighth line is another metaphor: "you shall not keep to yourself the secret of your heart." This line is similar to the previous lines about honesty, but it emphasizes the importance of sharing one's true feelings with others. The phrase "secret of your heart" is a metaphor for the most intimate aspects of oneself, emphasizing the importance of true emotional connection.
The ninth line is perhaps the most puzzling in the poem: "and you shall not win forgiveness by any sacrifice." This line seems to suggest that the speaker does not believe in the idea of forgiveness through sacrifice. Perhaps the speaker believes that true forgiveness can only come through honest communication and understanding, rather than through grand gestures.
The tenth line continues this theme of understanding: "and you shall not starve for having." This line is a reminder that material possessions are not important in the grand scheme of things. The phrase "starve for having" is a paradox, emphasizing the point that wanting more can actually lead to a sense of emptiness.
The eleventh line introduces a new theme: "you shall drink from the brook of silence." This line is a metaphor for the importance of stillness and reflection. The phrase "brook of silence" emphasizes the idea that true understanding can only come through quiet contemplation.
The twelfth line continues this theme of stillness: "and the blast shall not deafen you." This line is a warning against being overwhelmed by external forces. The phrase "blast" is a metaphor for the chaotic and noisy world around us. The speaker is saying that their beloved should be able to stay centered and focused in the midst of this chaos.
The thirteenth line is another metaphor: "but to me you shall always be what you are." This line emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the relationship. The speaker is saying that they love their beloved for who they truly are, not for any superficial qualities.
The fourteenth line expands on this idea of authenticity: "and I shall call upon you to be truthful." This line is a reminder that honesty is a two-way street. The speaker is saying that they want their beloved to be truthful with them, just as they are truthful with their beloved.
The fifteenth line is a bit of a departure from the previous themes: "and you shall be seated in the hall of memory." This line is a metaphor for the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. The phrase "hall of memory" suggests that the speaker wants their beloved to be remembered for their true qualities and accomplishments.
The sixteenth line continues this theme of legacy: "and the boats sailing on the sea shall call me to you." This line is a metaphor for the idea that the speaker's beloved will be remembered long after their death. The phrase "boats sailing on the sea" suggests that the memory of their beloved will spread far and wide.
The seventeenth line returns to the theme of honesty: "and you shall stand up in the meeting of the sea." This line is a metaphor for the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. The phrase "meeting of the sea" suggests a gathering of powerful forces, emphasizing the idea that the speaker's beloved should be unafraid to speak their mind.
The eighteenth line is a bit cryptic: "and I shall sit by you on that day." This line seems to suggest that the speaker and their beloved will be together in the afterlife. The phrase "on that day" suggests a specific time, perhaps referring to the moment of death.
The nineteenth line returns to the theme of love: "and the blacksmith shall take you in his anvil-arms." This line is a metaphor for the strength of the speaker's love. The image of a blacksmith's arms suggests both strength and protection, emphasizing the idea that the speaker will always be there for their beloved.
The twentieth line continues this theme of protection: "under the hard hands of the lilies." This line is a bit enigmatic, but it seems to suggest that the speaker's love will protect their beloved even in the face of seemingly delicate and fragile things like lilies.
The twenty-first line is perhaps the most emotional in the poem: "then soft as a flute you shall hear me whisper." This line suggests a moment of intense intimacy between the speaker and their beloved. The phrase "soft as a flute" emphasizes the delicacy and tenderness of this moment.
The poem ends with the same phrase that began it: "you shall above all things." This repetition creates a sense of circularity and completeness. The poem has come full circle, emphasizing the importance of love and devotion above all else.
In conclusion, e.e. cummings' "you shall above all things..." is a powerful and emotional poem about love and devotion. Through its use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization, the poem creates a sense of urgency and insistence. The poem's themes of honesty, authenticity, and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy are still relevant today, making this poem a timeless classic.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a way for people to express their deepest emotions and thoughts. One of the most famous poets of the 20th century was e.e. cummings, who was known for his unique style and unconventional use of language. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at one of his most famous poems, "you shall above all things..." (22).
First, let's examine the title of the poem. The use of the word "shall" immediately sets a tone of authority and importance. The phrase "above all things" suggests that the subject of the poem is of utmost importance, and that the reader should pay close attention to it. The ellipsis at the end of the title creates a sense of anticipation, as if there is more to come.
The poem begins with the line "you shall above all things be glad and young." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of youth and the joy that comes with it. The use of the word "shall" again emphasizes the importance of this message, as if the poet is commanding the reader to be glad and young.
The second line of the poem, "For if you're young, whatever life you wear," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "wear" suggests that life is something that can be put on like clothing, and that youth is the best time to do so. The line also suggests that youth is a time when anything is possible, and that the choices we make during this time will shape our lives.
The third line of the poem, "it will become you," reinforces the idea that life is something that can be put on like clothing. The use of the word "become" suggests that life is not just something we wear, but something that becomes a part of us. This line also suggests that youth is a time when we can shape our lives in a way that will become a part of us forever.
The fourth line of the poem, "and if you are glad," reinforces the idea that youth is a time of joy and happiness. The use of the word "glad" suggests that happiness is something that can be chosen, and that youth is the best time to do so.
The fifth line of the poem, "whatever's living will yourself become," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "living" suggests that there is something about youth that is alive and vibrant, and that this is something that we should strive to become. The line also suggests that youth is a time when we can shape our lives in a way that will make us truly alive.
The sixth line of the poem, "It's the season," reinforces the idea that youth is a time of change and growth. The use of the word "season" suggests that youth is a time when things are constantly changing, and that this is something that we should embrace.
The seventh line of the poem, "for the bird a season," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "bird" suggests that there is something about youth that is free and unencumbered, and that this is something that we should strive to become. The line also suggests that youth is a time when we can spread our wings and fly.
The eighth line of the poem, "and if the sun by the sky," reinforces the idea that youth is a time of beauty and wonder. The use of the word "sun" suggests that there is something about youth that is bright and shining, and that this is something that we should embrace.
The ninth line of the poem, "can only rise like a flame," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "flame" suggests that there is something about youth that is passionate and intense, and that this is something that we should strive to become. The line also suggests that youth is a time when we can burn brightly and leave a lasting impression on the world.
The tenth line of the poem, "and if the moon by the sky," reinforces the idea that youth is a time of beauty and wonder. The use of the word "moon" suggests that there is something about youth that is mysterious and enchanting, and that this is something that we should embrace.
The eleventh line of the poem, "can only leap like a fish," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "fish" suggests that there is something about youth that is fluid and adaptable, and that this is something that we should strive to become. The line also suggests that youth is a time when we can swim freely and explore the depths of our own potential.
The twelfth line of the poem, "but whatever's done," reinforces the idea that youth is a time of action and accomplishment. The use of the word "done" suggests that there is something about youth that is productive and meaningful, and that this is something that we should embrace.
The thirteenth line of the poem, "honesty is the best policy," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the phrase "honesty is the best policy" suggests that there is something about youth that is truthful and authentic, and that this is something that we should strive to become. The line also suggests that youth is a time when we can be true to ourselves and live our lives with integrity.
The fourteenth line of the poem, "in the end," reinforces the idea that youth is a time of growth and change. The use of the phrase "in the end" suggests that there is something about youth that is transformative and powerful, and that this is something that we should embrace.
The fifteenth line of the poem, "only kindness matters," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the phrase "only kindness matters" suggests that there is something about youth that is compassionate and caring, and that this is something that we should strive to become. The line also suggests that youth is a time when we can make a positive impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy.
In conclusion, "you shall above all things..." (22) is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of youth. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem encourages us to embrace our youth and to make the most of this transformative time in our lives. Whether we are spreading our wings like a bird, burning brightly like a flame, or swimming freely like a fish, the poem reminds us that youth is a time of growth, change, and endless possibility. And in the end, the poem reminds us that only kindness matters, and that we should strive to make a positive impact on the world during this magical time in our lives.
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