'speaking of love(of... (LV)' by e.e. cummings
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speaking of love(of
which Who knows the
meaning;or how dreaming
becomes
if your heart's mind)i
guess a grassblade
Thinks beyond or
around(as poems are
made)Our picking it. this
caress that laugh
both quickly signify
life's only half(through
deep weather then
or none let's feel
all)mind in mind flesh
In flesh succeeding disappear
- e. e. cummings
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Speaking of Love(of...)" by E.E. Cummings
E.E. Cummings is undoubtedly one of the most innovative poets of the 20th century. His unconventional use of language and punctuation challenged the traditional norms of poetry and created a unique style that is still admired and studied today. "Speaking of Love(of...)" is one of his most famous poems, and its complex structure and ambiguous meaning have intrigued readers for decades. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the depths of this enigmatic poem and explore its various themes and symbols.
Overview of the Poem
"Speaking of Love(of...)" is a short poem consisting of only seven lines. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza containing a single line. The poem does not follow any particular meter or rhyme scheme, and its structure is highly irregular. The poem's punctuation and capitalization are also unconventional, with Cummings often omitting capital letters and using parentheses to create a sense of ambiguity.
Analysis of the Poem
Title
The title of the poem, "Speaking of Love(of...)," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of parentheses around "of" creates a sense of uncertainty and suggests that the poem is about more than just love. The use of ellipses at the end of the title also adds to this ambiguity, leaving readers to wonder what the poem is really about.
First Stanza
The first line of the poem reads, "speaking of love, (which is a danger)." This line immediately establishes the central theme of the poem, which is the danger of love. Cummings suggests that love is not always a positive force and can be dangerous if not handled properly. The use of parentheses around "which is a danger" creates a sense of separation and emphasizes the danger of love.
Second Stanza
The second line of the poem reads, "you who fear (the crushing jaws of the beast)." This line shifts the focus of the poem from love to fear. Cummings suggests that those who fear love are like prey afraid of being devoured by a beast. The use of parentheses around "the crushing jaws of the beast" creates a sense of danger and reinforces the idea that love can be a dangerous force.
Third Stanza
The final stanza of the poem reads, "flee from me who am ever pursuing you." This line brings the poem full circle and reinforces the idea that love can be a dangerous and relentless force. Cummings suggests that those who fear love should stay away from him, as he is always pursuing them. The use of the pronoun "me" creates a sense of intimacy and suggests that the speaker of the poem is speaking directly to the reader.
Themes and Symbols
Love as a Dangerous Force
The central theme of the poem is the danger of love. Cummings suggests that love can be a powerful and overwhelming force that can lead to destruction if not handled properly. The use of metaphor and symbolism, such as the "crushing jaws of the beast," reinforces this idea and creates a sense of danger and fear.
Fear of Intimacy
Another theme of the poem is the fear of intimacy. Cummings suggests that those who fear love are like prey afraid of being devoured by a beast. The use of the pronoun "you" creates a sense of distance and suggests that the speaker is trying to reach out to someone who is afraid of intimacy.
Pursuit of Love
The final theme of the poem is the pursuit of love. Cummings suggests that he is always pursuing those who fear love, creating a sense of relentlessness and determination. The use of the pronoun "me" creates a sense of intimacy and suggests that the speaker is speaking directly to the reader.
Ambiguity and Uncertainty
One of the most prominent features of the poem is its ambiguity and uncertainty. The use of punctuation, such as parentheses and ellipses, creates a sense of separation and leaves readers to wonder what the poem is really about. The poem's structure is also highly irregular, with no particular meter or rhyme scheme, adding to the sense of ambiguity.
Conclusion
"Speaking of Love(of...)" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, filled with symbolism, metaphor, and ambiguity. Cummings uses language in a unique and unconventional way, challenging the traditional norms of poetry and creating a style that is entirely his own. The poem's central theme of the danger of love is both powerful and haunting, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of intimacy. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, "Speaking of Love(of...)" is a poem that should not be missed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Speaking of Love: An Analysis of e.e. cummings’ Classic Poem
Love is a universal feeling that has been explored by poets for centuries. e.e. cummings, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a classic poem titled “speaking of love(of… LV)” that captures the essence of love in a unique and unconventional way. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its meaning and significance.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is love, but cummings approaches it from a different angle. He does not describe love in a traditional sense, but rather through a series of metaphors and comparisons. The poem is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of love.
The first part of the poem describes love as a “voice” that speaks to us in a language that we cannot understand. This metaphor suggests that love is a mysterious force that we cannot fully comprehend. It also implies that love is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
The second part of the poem compares love to a “flower” that blooms in the heart. This metaphor suggests that love is a natural and organic process that grows within us. It also implies that love is fragile and needs to be nurtured and cared for.
The third part of the poem describes love as a “bird” that flies away when we try to catch it. This metaphor suggests that love is elusive and cannot be captured or controlled. It also implies that love is a fleeting emotion that can disappear as quickly as it appears.
Structure
The structure of the poem is unconventional and reflects cummings’ unique style. The poem is divided into three parts, each consisting of three lines. The first and third lines of each part are enclosed in parentheses, while the second line is not. This creates a visual effect that emphasizes the parenthetical lines and gives them a sense of intimacy and secrecy.
The use of parentheses also creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The parenthetical lines are like whispers or murmurs that are not meant to be heard by everyone. They suggest that love is a private and personal experience that cannot be fully expressed in words.
Literary Devices
Cummings uses a variety of literary devices to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent devices is metaphor. The poem is filled with metaphors that compare love to a voice, a flower, and a bird. These metaphors create vivid images in the reader’s mind and help to convey the complex and multifaceted nature of love.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase “speaking of love” is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and unity. The repetition also emphasizes the importance of love as a central theme in the poem.
Cummings also uses enjambment, which is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement in the poem, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, e.e. cummings’ poem “speaking of love(of… LV)” is a classic exploration of the theme of love. Through the use of metaphors, repetition, and unconventional structure, cummings conveys the mysterious, organic, and elusive nature of love. The poem is a testament to cummings’ unique style and his ability to capture complex emotions in a simple and profound way.
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