'may i feel said he... (16)' by e.e. cummings
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may i feel said he
(i'll squeal said she
just once said he)
it's fun said she
(may i touch said he
how much said she
a lot said he)
why not said she
(let's go said he
not too far said she
what's too far said he
where you are said she)
may i stay said he
(which way said she
like this said he
if you kiss said she
may i move said he
is it love said she)
if you're willing said he
(but you're killing said she
but it's life said he
but your wife said she
now said he)
ow said she
(tiptop said he
don't stop said she
oh no said he)
go slow said she
(cccome?said he
ummm said she)
you're divine!said he
(you are Mine said she)
Editor 1 Interpretation
May I Feel Said He... by E.E. Cummings: A Literary Critique
Introduction
Have you ever come across a poem that leaves you feeling like you're experiencing an emotional rollercoaster? That's precisely what you get when you read E.E. Cummings' "May I Feel Said He..." This poem explores the complexities of human intimacy and relationships, and the struggles that come with them.
In this essay, we'll delve deep into the poem's meaning, analyze the literary devices used, and interpret its underlying themes. By the end of it, you'll have a new appreciation for this classic piece of literature.
Analysis
Structure
The first thing that stands out about this poem is its unique structure. Instead of following a traditional rhyme scheme or stanzaic pattern, Cummings uses fragmented sentences and disjointed lines to create a sense of disjointedness and disconnection.
For example, the first three lines of the poem read:
"may i feel said he (i'll squeal said she just once said he)"
The lack of punctuation and capitalization, along with the abrupt line breaks, give the impression of a conversation that's being cut off mid-sentence. This effectively captures the awkwardness and uncertainty that often come with romantic encounters.
Diction
Cummings' choice of words is also worth noting. He uses simple, everyday language that's easy to understand, but he also throws in unexpected phrases and metaphors that add depth to the poem.
For instance, in the following lines:
"i'll teach you said she (dance said he quickly) ha ha said she"
The woman's response of "ha ha" to the man's request to dance might seem strange at first, but it could be interpreted as a way of deflecting his advances or making light of the situation. This highlights the power dynamic at play in the relationship, with the woman exerting her agency and the man trying to assert his dominance.
Imagery
Cummings uses vivid imagery to convey the emotions and sensations of the characters. For example, when the man says:
"kiss me sweet said he (but sweeter said she)"
The contrast between "sweet" and "sweeter" creates a sense of longing and desire, as the woman withholds her affection until she's given something more in return. The use of the verb "kiss" also conjures up physical sensations, making the reader feel like they're a part of the scene.
Themes
At its core, "May I Feel Said He..." is a poem about the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of intimacy. The characters' back-and-forth suggests a push-and-pull dynamic, with each person trying to assert their own desires and boundaries.
The poem also touches on themes of power, gender, and communication. The woman in the poem is portrayed as assertive and in control, while the man is more passive and eager to please. This could be seen as a commentary on gender roles and societal expectations.
Furthermore, the disjointed structure and fragmented sentences could be interpreted as a reflection of the difficulties of communication in relationships. The characters' words are often cut off or interrupted, suggesting a lack of understanding or miscommunication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "May I Feel Said He..." is a rich and complex poem that explores the nuances of human relationships. Cummings' use of unique structure, diction, and imagery all contribute to the poem's overall effect, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty that's familiar to anyone who's ever been in a relationship.
By analyzing the poem's literary devices and underlying themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the challenges that come with intimacy. Cummings' work continues to resonate with readers today, making it a truly timeless piece of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
May I feel said he... (16) is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, e.e. cummings. This poem is a beautiful and powerful expression of love, desire, and vulnerability. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker asking permission to feel. He says, "may I feel said he / (I'll squeal said she / just once said he)." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a conversation between two lovers. The speaker is asking for permission to express his emotions, and the response from his lover is playful but also hesitant.
The theme of vulnerability is central to this poem. The speaker is expressing his desire to be vulnerable with his lover, to let down his guard and show his true feelings. He says, "let's touch said he / (not too much said she / why not said he)." This exchange shows the hesitation and fear that often comes with vulnerability. The lover is hesitant to let down her guard, but the speaker is persistent in his desire to connect on a deeper level.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza are spoken by the male speaker, while the second and fourth lines are spoken by the female lover. This structure creates a sense of dialogue and back-and-forth between the two characters, which adds to the intimacy and emotional depth of the poem.
One of the most striking literary devices used in this poem is the use of parentheses. Cummings uses parentheses to create a sense of intimacy and closeness between the two characters. For example, when the speaker says, "may I feel said he / (I'll squeal said she / just once said he)," the parentheses around "I'll squeal said she" create a sense of playfulness and intimacy between the two characters. It's as if they are sharing a secret with each other, and the parentheses create a sense of closeness between them.
Another literary device used in this poem is repetition. The phrase "said he" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. This repetition also emphasizes the speaker's persistence in his desire to connect with his lover. He keeps asking for permission to feel, even when his lover is hesitant.
The use of enjambment is also notable in this poem. Enjambment is when a sentence or phrase continues from one line to the next without a pause. Cummings uses enjambment to create a sense of urgency and momentum in the poem. For example, when the speaker says, "let's touch said he / (not too much said she / why not said he)," the enjambment between "let's touch" and "said he" creates a sense of urgency and desire.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker says, "now said he / (she) / (now said he) / (she)." This repetition of "now said he" and "she" creates a sense of finality and resolution. The two characters have finally connected on a deeper level, and the repetition emphasizes the importance of this moment.
In conclusion, May I feel said he... (16) is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of love, desire, and vulnerability. The structure, literary devices, and language used in this poem create a sense of intimacy and emotional depth that is both moving and memorable. Cummings' use of repetition, enjambment, and parentheses creates a sense of urgency and momentum that adds to the emotional impact of the poem. This poem is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the importance of connecting with others on a deeper level.
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