'i have found what you are like... (XVI)' by e.e. cummings


AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

i have found what you are like
the rain,

(Who feathers frightened fields
with the superior dust-of-sleep. wields

easily the pale club of the wind
and swirled justly souls of flower strike

the air in utterable coolness

deeds of green thrilling light
with thinned

newfragile yellows

lurch and.press

-in the woods
which
stutter
and

sing

And the coolness of your smile is
stirringofbirds between my arms;but
i should rather than anything
have(almost when hugeness will shut
quietly)almost,
your kiss

Editor 1 Interpretation

"i have found what you are like..." (XVI) by e.e. cummings: A Critique and Interpretation

As a lover of poetry, I cannot help but be excited every time I come across the works of E.E. Cummings. His unique style and approach to language never cease to amaze me. In this critique and interpretation, I will be delving into one of his most famous poems, "i have found what you are like..." (XVI), and exploring its various themes, literary devices, and hidden meanings.

Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. E.E. Cummings was a modernist poet who lived during the early 20th century. He was known for his experimental approach to language, his use of unconventional syntax and punctuation, and his rejection of traditional poetic forms. Cummings was also heavily influenced by the work of other modernist poets, such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound.

"i have found what you are like..." (XVI) was first published in 1923 in Cummings' collection of poetry titled "Tulips & Chimneys". The collection was a critical success and established Cummings as one of the most important poets of his time.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking things about "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) is Cummings' use of language. He employs a variety of literary devices throughout the poem, including:

Enjambment

Enjambment is a literary device where a sentence or phrase runs on to the next line without punctuation. Cummings makes use of enjambment throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and fluidity. For example:

i have found what you are like
the rain,
(Who feathers frightened fields
with the superior dust-of-sleep.
wields
easily the pale club of the wind
and swirled justly souls of flower strike
the air in utterable coolness

deeds of green thrilling light
motionless, brittlely
taut, with slippery
slow

delicately fists of yellow
----E.E. Cummings

In this excerpt, the lines flow into each other seamlessly, creating a sense of movement and fluidity that mirrors the movement of the rain.

Personification

Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to non-human entities. Cummings personifies the rain throughout the poem, giving it human-like qualities such as "feathers", "wielding", and "swirling". This creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the rain, as if the rain is a living being with whom the speaker has a personal relationship.

Imagery

Cummings' use of imagery is also notable in "i have found what you are like..." (XVI). He uses vivid, sensory language to describe the rain and its effects on the world around it. For example:

Who feathers frightened fields
with the superior dust-of-sleep.
wields
easily the pale club of the wind
and swirled justly souls of flower strike
the air in utterable coolness

Here, we can imagine the rain gently coating the fields with a fine mist, and the wind whipping through the air like a pale club. The "souls of flower" also evoke a sense of beauty and fragility, as if the flowers are delicate beings with their own inner lives.

Themes

Now that we've explored some of the literary devices used in the poem, let's delve into its themes. "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) is a complex and multi-layered poem, but there are a few themes that stand out:

Nature

One of the most prominent themes in the poem is nature. Cummings uses the rain as a metaphor for the natural world, and explores its various qualities and effects. Through his vivid imagery and personification, he creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the rain, as if they are both part of the same natural world.

Love

Another important theme in "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) is love. The poem is addressed to a lover, and the rain serves as a metaphor for the speaker's feelings towards them. Cummings uses the rain's ability to "feather frightened fields" and "swirl justly souls of flower" to describe the way in which love can transform and uplift the world around it.

Individuality

Finally, "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) explores the theme of individuality. Cummings was known for his rejection of traditional literary forms and his celebration of individual expression. In this poem, he uses his unique style and approach to language to express his individuality and create a work of art that is distinctly his own.

Interpretation

So, what does it all mean? Ultimately, the interpretation of "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) is up to the reader. However, here are a few possible interpretations:

The Beauty of Nature

At its core, "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) is a celebration of the beauty of nature. Cummings uses the rain as a metaphor for the natural world, and explores its various qualities and effects. Through his vivid imagery and personification, he creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the rain, as if they are both part of the same natural world. The poem can be read as a reminder to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and to take joy in the simple pleasures of life.

The Power of Love

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the power of love. The rain serves as a metaphor for the speaker's feelings towards their lover, and Cummings uses the rain's ability to transform and uplift the world around it to describe the way in which love can do the same. The poem can be read as a reminder to cherish and celebrate the love we have in our lives, and to recognize the way in which it can transform the world around us.

The Importance of Individuality

Finally, "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) can be interpreted as a celebration of individual expression. Cummings' unique style and approach to language are on full display in the poem, and he uses his individuality to create a work of art that is distinctly his own. The poem can be read as a reminder to embrace our own individuality and to celebrate the unique qualities that make us who we are.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores a variety of themes and literary devices. Through his use of language and imagery, Cummings creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the rain, and celebrates the beauty of nature, the power of love, and the importance of individuality. Ultimately, the interpretation of the poem is up to the reader, but one thing is certain: Cummings' unique style and approach to language make "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) a work of art that is both timeless and relevant to our own lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I have found what you are like... (XVI) is a classic poem written by e.e. cummings that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful and intricate piece of literature that explores the complexities of love and relationships. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, and explore the various literary devices used by cummings to convey his message.

The poem begins with the line "i have found what you are like", which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing their lover, and the use of the word "found" suggests that they have been searching for something, and have finally discovered it. This line also implies that the speaker has been on a journey of self-discovery, and has finally found someone who complements them perfectly.

The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker's lover in vivid detail. They are compared to various natural elements, such as the moon, the sun, and the sea. These comparisons are not only beautiful and poetic, but they also serve to highlight the qualities of the lover that the speaker finds most attractive. For example, the moon is often associated with mystery and beauty, while the sun is associated with warmth and light. By comparing their lover to these elements, the speaker is conveying their admiration and love for them.

The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker begins to reflect on their own feelings. They describe themselves as being "like a tree" that is "growing towards you". This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is willing to change and adapt in order to be with their lover. The tree is also a symbol of strength and stability, which suggests that the speaker is committed to their relationship and willing to weather any storms that may come their way.

The next few lines of the poem are perhaps the most famous, as they contain the phrase "i carry your heart with me". This line has become a popular quote, and has been used in everything from wedding vows to tattoos. The line is simple yet profound, and it perfectly encapsulates the depth of the speaker's love for their partner. The use of the word "carry" suggests that the speaker is willing to bear the weight of their lover's heart, and that they are committed to keeping it safe and protected.

The poem then takes a more abstract turn, as the speaker describes their lover as being "whatever a moon has always meant". This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the lover is not just a physical entity, but rather a symbol of something greater. The moon has long been associated with mystery, femininity, and the cycles of life, and by comparing their lover to the moon, the speaker is suggesting that they embody these qualities.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker declares that they are "never without you". This line suggests that the speaker's love for their partner is all-encompassing, and that they cannot imagine a life without them. The use of the word "never" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker's love is eternal and unchanging.

Overall, i have found what you are like... (XVI) is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the depths of love and relationships. Cummings uses a variety of literary devices, such as metaphors and symbolism, to convey his message, and the result is a piece of literature that is both profound and moving. This poem has stood the test of time, and continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor Recommended Sites

Gitops: Git operations management
Low Code Place: Low code and no code best practice, tooling and recommendations
Developer Flashcards: Learn programming languages and cloud certifications using flashcards
Roleplaying Games - Highest Rated Roleplaying Games & Top Ranking Roleplaying Games: Find the best Roleplaying Games of All time
Rules Engines: Business rules engines best practice. Discussions on clips, drools, rete algorith, datalog incremental processing

Recommended Similar Analysis

There Was A Child Went Forth by Walt Whitman analysis
If I should die by Emily Dickinson analysis
With his venom by Sappho analysis
To A Contemporary Bunkshooter by Carl Sandburg analysis
A Work Of Artifice by Marge Piercy analysis
"I Thought of You" by Sarah Teasdale analysis
The Legacy by John Donne analysis
An Elegy On The Death Of A Mad Dog by Oliver Goldsmith analysis
Dream Girl by Carl Sandburg analysis
Considering The Snail by Thom Gunn analysis