'next to of course god america i... (III)' by e.e. cummings
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"next to of course god america i
love you land of the pilgrims' and so forth oh
say can you see by the dawn's early my
country tis of centuries come and go
and are no more what of it we should worry
in every language even deafanddumb
thy sons acclaim your glorious name by gorry
by jingo by gee by gosh by gum
why talk of beauty what could be more beaut-
iful than these heroic happy dead
who rushed like lions to the roaring slaughter
they did not stop to think they died instead
then shall the voice of liberty be mute?"He spoke.And drank rapidly a glass of water
Editor 1 Interpretation
"next to of course god america i..." - An Exploration of e.e. cummings' Poetic Brilliance
Have you ever read a poem that left you speechless? A poem that made you pause and take a deep breath, as if the words had taken physical form and were pressing against your chest? "next to of course god america i..." by e.e. cummings is such a poem.
At first glance, the poem seems like a simple critique of American patriotism. The lower-case letters and unconventional syntax that cummings is so famous for are present throughout, making the poem difficult to read and understand. However, a closer look reveals a complex layering of themes that explore the nature of power, identity, and the human condition.
Form and Structure
Before we dive into the themes of the poem, let's take a moment to examine its form and structure. "next to of course god america i..." is a sonnet, a form that is traditionally used to explore themes of love and romance. However, cummings subverts this form by using it to critique American patriotism instead.
The poem is divided into two stanzas of equal length, with a volta or turn between them. The first stanza is written in the second person, addressing the reader directly and challenging their beliefs. The second stanza shifts to the third person, distancing the speaker from the subject matter and allowing for a more objective exploration of the themes.
The rhyme scheme is irregular, with some lines rhyming and others not. This further emphasizes the unconventional nature of the poem and underscores cummings' desire to break free from traditional forms and structures.
Themes
Now that we have examined the form and structure of the poem, let's turn our attention to its themes. At its core, "next to of course god america i..." is an exploration of power and the abuse of power. The poem begins with a critique of American patriotism and the way that it is used to justify violence and oppression:
next to of course god america i
love you land of the pilgrims' and so forth oh
say can you see by the dawn's early my
country 'tis of centuries come and go
and are no more what of it we should worry
in every language even deafanddumb
thy sons acclaim your glorious name by gorry
by jingo by gee by gosh by gum
The speaker is mocking the way that Americans blindly follow their country without questioning the actions of those in power. The use of lower-case letters and unconventional syntax serves to strip away the veneer of respectability and reveal the underlying violence and aggression that is often present in patriotic rhetoric.
The second stanza shifts to a more objective perspective and explores the way that power is used to create and maintain identity:
of course god america i
with the statue of liberty
(always bigger than yourself through the medium of
persons little people bigger
than stars
(and without mercy
every man is
a
piece of this continent
a part of the main
(included in it
(and so you trash then)
any man's death diminishes me
because I am involved in mankind
(and therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls
(it tolls for thee
Here, the speaker is arguing that identity is not something that we are born with, but something that is constructed through power relationships. The Statue of Liberty is used as a symbol of American identity, but the speaker argues that this identity is not based on individuality or freedom, but on a collective construction of power.
The final lines of the poem, "any man's death diminishes me / because I am involved in mankind," underscore the importance of empathy and connection. The bell that tolls for one person tolls for all of us, and the poem is a call to recognize our interconnectedness and to work towards a more just and equitable world.
Conclusion
"next to of course god america i..." is a masterpiece of poetic subversion and critique. Through its unconventional form and syntax, cummings challenges the reader to question their assumptions about identity and power. The poem is a call to recognize our interconnectedness and to work towards a more just and equitable world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Next to of course god america i... (III) by e.e. cummings is a classic poem that has been widely studied and analyzed by literary scholars. This poem is a satirical commentary on the American culture and its obsession with patriotism. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall meaning of this poem.
The poem begins with the phrase "next to of course god america i" which is a reference to the American pledge of allegiance. The phrase "next to of course god" implies that America is second only to God in importance. This phrase sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the idea of American exceptionalism.
The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This allows the poet to express his ideas freely and creatively. The lack of structure in the poem also reflects the chaos and confusion that the poet sees in American society.
The first stanza of the poem is a celebration of America's greatness. The poet uses hyperbole to exaggerate America's achievements. He says that America is "the land of the pilgrims' pride" and "the home of the brave." These phrases are taken from the American national anthem and are used to emphasize America's greatness.
However, the second stanza of the poem takes a darker turn. The poet begins to criticize the blind patriotism that he sees in American society. He says that "nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands." This line is a metaphor for the small-mindedness of the American people. The rain is a symbol of nature and the vastness of the universe, while the small hands represent the narrow-mindedness of the American people.
The third stanza of the poem is a scathing critique of American politics. The poet says that "the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses" which is a metaphor for the power of propaganda. The American people are being manipulated by politicians who use rhetoric and propaganda to control them. The poet also says that "the eyes of your eyes is the moon's" which is a metaphor for the American people's blindness to the truth.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action. The poet says that "let the dream not die in the mouth of the dreamer" which is a call for the American people to take action and fight for their dreams. The poet also says that "let the world be a better place to live" which is a call for the American people to work towards creating a better world.
The final stanza of the poem is a warning. The poet says that "let it be the law that nobody shall kill the dream" which is a warning against the dangers of nationalism. The poet is warning that blind patriotism can lead to violence and destruction.
Overall, Next to of course god america i... (III) is a powerful poem that critiques American society and its obsession with patriotism. The poet uses metaphors, hyperbole, and free verse to express his ideas. The poem is a call to action for the American people to fight for their dreams and create a better world. The poem is also a warning against the dangers of nationalism and blind patriotism.
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