'the boys i mean are not refined... (44)' by e.e. cummings
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the boys i mean are not refined
they go with girls who buck and bite
they do not give a fuck for luck
they hump them thirteen times a night
one hangs a hat upon her tit
one carves a cross on her behind
they do not give a shit for wit
the boys i mean are not refined
they come with girls who bite and buck
who cannot read and cannot write
who laugh like they would fall apart
and masturbate with dynamite
the boys i mean are not refined
they cannot chat of that and this
they do not give a fart for art
they kill like you would take a piss
they speak whatever's on their mind
they do whatever's in their pants
the boys i mean are not refined
they shake the mountains when they dance
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined… (44) by e.e. cummings: An Exciting Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel alive? A poem that speaks so much truth that it gives you goosebumps? That's how I felt when I first read "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined… (44)" by e.e. cummings. This classic poem is a masterpiece of modernist literature, full of raw emotion, vivid imagery, and unconventional syntax. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll dive deep into the heart of this poem and explore its themes, structure, and significance.
The Theme of Nonconformity
One of the defining features of "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined… (44)" is its celebration of nonconformity. The poem is a tribute to the rebels and misfits of society, the boys who refuse to follow the rules and live life on their own terms. Cummings portrays these boys as free spirits, unencumbered by convention and tradition. They are wild, untamed, and full of life.
Consider the opening lines of the poem:
the boys i mean are not refined they go with girls who buck and bind with them you take your life in hand
Right away, Cummings sets the tone for the poem. He's not interested in polished, polite, well-behaved boys. He wants the rough-and-tumble, adventurous types who aren't afraid to take risks. These boys go with girls who "buck and bind," suggesting a sense of danger and excitement.
The theme of nonconformity is further emphasized by Cummings' use of unconventional syntax and punctuation. His lines are often jumbled, with phrases and clauses interrupting each other in unexpected ways. For example, consider these lines:
they bite they gnaw they drink they smoke they don't even take their hats off for the ladies
The abrupt shifts in subject and verb create a sense of disorientation and unpredictability. Cummings' syntax mirrors the untamed spirit of the boys he's describing.
The Significance of Youth
Another major theme of "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined… (44)" is the significance of youth. Cummings portrays these boys as full of life, energy, and passion. They are not yet jaded by the world or its rules. They are still willing to take risks and explore new things. They are free to be themselves, without the constraints of adulthood.
Consider these lines:
they neither saturday nor sunday they dance and work when they feel like it they play cards however they please and drink wine however they like
Cummings' boys are not beholden to the strictures of the workweek or the rules of polite society. They live in the moment, following their own desires and impulses. They are not afraid to drink wine or play cards or dance whenever they feel like it. They are not yet burdened by the weight of responsibility or the expectations of others.
The Importance of Community
While "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined… (44)" celebrates individuality and nonconformity, it also emphasizes the importance of community. These boys are not alone - they have each other. They form a tight-knit group, bound together by their shared experiences and their rejection of the status quo.
Consider these lines:
they speak whatever's on their minds they do whatever's in their pants the boys I mean are not refined they shake the mountains when they dance
Cummings' boys are not afraid to speak their minds or act on their desires. But they do so in the company of others who share their worldview. When they dance, they shake the mountains, suggesting a sense of power and solidarity.
The Role of Poetry
Finally, it's worth considering the role of poetry in "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined… (44)." Cummings' poem is, of course, a work of poetry. But it's also a celebration of poetry itself - of its ability to capture the essence of life and illuminate the human experience.
Consider these lines:
their hearts are dull and low their voices laugh and sing they do not live in fear of hell or heaven or anything
Cummings' boys are not interested in the afterlife or the rewards of religion. They live for the present, for the joy and passion of the moment. And yet, through the medium of poetry, Cummings immortalizes them. He captures their spirit and their energy, preserving it for future generations to appreciate.
Conclusion
"The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined… (44)" is a powerful work of modernist poetry. It celebrates nonconformity, youth, community, and the transformative power of poetry itself. Cummings' unconventional syntax and vivid imagery create a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing the reader into his world of rebels and misfits. If you haven't read this poem before, I urge you to do so. It's a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined: A Poem Analysis
e.e. cummings, one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century, was known for his unconventional style of writing. His poems were often characterized by their lack of punctuation, capitalization, and traditional structure. One of his most famous works, "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined," is a perfect example of his unique style.
The poem, which was first published in 1926, is a tribute to the speaker's childhood friends. The boys in question are not the type of boys that one would typically associate with refinement or sophistication. They are rough around the edges, unpolished, and unapologetically themselves. The speaker, however, loves them for who they are and celebrates their individuality.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and message. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the boys. The speaker describes them as "the boys i mean / are not refined" and goes on to list their various qualities. They are "not the least bit tamed," "unwashed," and "profane." The speaker acknowledges that they are not perfect, but he loves them anyway.
The second stanza is where the poem really comes to life. The speaker describes the boys' antics and the things they do for fun. They "spit and swear and scheme," "play baseball barefooted," and "skin their knuckles." The speaker paints a vivid picture of these boys, and it's clear that he admires them for their fearlessness and their willingness to take risks.
The third and final stanza is the most poignant. The speaker reflects on the fact that these boys are no longer children. They have grown up, and their lives have taken different paths. Some have died, some have moved away, and some have simply changed. The speaker laments the loss of these boys and the memories they shared. He ends the poem with the line, "but the world is just as glad to be rid of them / as i am glad they left."
The poem is a celebration of youth, friendship, and individuality. The boys in question are not refined, but they are real. They are not afraid to be themselves, and they are not ashamed of their flaws. The speaker loves them for who they are, and he mourns their passing. The poem is a reminder that life is short, and we should cherish the people we love while we can.
The poem's structure is also worth noting. Cummings uses a free verse style, which means that there is no set rhyme or meter. This allows him to experiment with language and create a more natural flow. He also uses enjambment, which means that a sentence or phrase continues from one line to the next without a pause. This creates a sense of momentum and movement, which is fitting for a poem about boys who are always on the go.
The poem's language is also significant. Cummings uses simple, everyday words to describe the boys and their actions. He doesn't try to dress them up or make them sound more sophisticated than they are. This reinforces the idea that these boys are real, and their experiences are relatable. The poem is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or education.
In conclusion, "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined" is a classic poem that celebrates the joys of youth and friendship. Cummings' unique style and language make the poem both accessible and memorable. The poem is a reminder that we should cherish the people we love, flaws and all, and that life is too short to waste on pretense and refinement.
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