'now does our world descend...' by e.e. cummings
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now does our world descend
now does our world descend
the path to nothingness
(cruel now cancels kind;
friends turn to enemies)
therefore lament,my dream
and don a doer's doom
create is now contrive;
imagined,merely know
(freedom:what makes a slave)
therefore,my life,lie down
and more by most endure
all that you never were
hide,poor dishonoured mind
who thought yourself so wise;
and much could understand
concerning no and yes:
if they've become the same
it's time you unbecame
where climbing was and bright
is darkness and to fall
(now wrong's the only right
since brave are cowards all)
therefore despair,my heart
and die into the dirt
but from this endless end
of briefer each our bliss--
where seeing eyes go blind
(where lips forget to kiss)
where everything's nothing
--arise,my soul;and sing
Editor 1 Interpretation
Now Does Our World Descend... by e.e. cummings
Introduction
"now does our world descend..." is a poem by e.e. cummings that was published in his book "50 Poems" in 1940. The poem is a reflection on the state of the world during the tumultuous time of World War II. cummings' unique writing style, characterized by unconventional punctuation and syntax, is on full display in this poem. The poem has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation, and in this essay, I will explore its themes and meaning in detail.
Form and Structure
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The lines are irregular in length and do not follow a strict rhyme scheme. The poem is written in free verse, which allows cummings to experiment with language and form. The lack of a set structure also reflects the chaotic and uncertain state of the world that the poem describes.
The first three stanzas begin with the phrase "now does our world descend," which is repeated for emphasis. The fourth stanza begins with "and I," signaling a shift in perspective from the collective "we" to the individual "I." This change in voice highlights the personal and emotional impact of the world's descent into chaos.
The use of punctuation in the poem is also notable. cummings often eschews conventional punctuation, instead using parentheses, ellipses, and dashes to create pauses and breaks in the lines. This style can be challenging to read and interpret, but it also adds to the poem's disjointed and fragmented feeling.
Themes
The primary theme of the poem is the descent of the world into chaos and destruction. cummings describes a world torn apart by war, where "blood leaps in secret streams of lead" and "air splinters with a killing roar." The repetition of the phrase "now does our world descend" emphasizes the inevitability of this descent and the sense of helplessness that accompanies it.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of humanity's complicity in its own destruction. cummings writes, "we manufacture heartlessly...what murders love." This line suggests that humans are responsible for the creation of the weapons and machinery of war that are tearing the world apart. The phrase "murders love" also implies that war destroys not only physical bodies but also emotional connections and relationships.
The final stanza of the poem shifts focus from the collective "we" to the individual "I." cummings writes, "and I...would rather die than hate you." This line suggests that even in the face of overwhelming destruction and violence, there is still room for love and compassion. The speaker's refusal to hate is a powerful statement against the forces of war and destruction.
Interpretation
The poem can be read as a commentary on the events of World War II, which was raging at the time of its publication. cummings' use of unconventional syntax and punctuation reflects the upheaval and chaos of the war, and his repeated phrase "now does our world descend" suggests a sense of inevitability and hopelessness in the face of such destruction.
At the same time, the final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope. The speaker's refusal to hate suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is still room for love and compassion. This message is particularly powerful given the context of World War II, which was fueled by hatred and prejudice.
The poem can also be read as a broader commentary on the human condition. The phrase "we manufacture heartlessly" suggests that humans have a tendency to prioritize their own self-interest over the well-being of others. The line "what murders love" implies that this self-interest can lead to the destruction of emotional connections and relationships.
However, the speaker's refusal to hate suggests that there is still room for compassion and empathy. This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where conflict and division seem to be ever-present.
Conclusion
In "now does our world descend," e.e. cummings offers a powerful commentary on the state of the world during World War II. The poem's unconventional syntax and punctuation reflect the chaos and destruction of the war, while its repeated phrase "now does our world descend" emphasizes a sense of inevitability and hopelessness.
At the same time, the final stanza of the poem offers a message of hope and compassion. The speaker's refusal to hate suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is still room for love and empathy. This message is particularly relevant today, as we continue to grapple with conflict and division on a global scale.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Now Does Our World Descend…: A Poetic Masterpiece by E.E. Cummings
E.E. Cummings is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his unique style and unconventional use of language. His poem, "now does our world descend..." is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the human experience in a world that is constantly changing.
The poem is a reflection on the state of the world and the human condition. It is a commentary on the chaos and confusion that we face in our daily lives, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to be descending into darkness.
The poem begins with the line "now does our world descend," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "now" suggests a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the poet is trying to convey a message that is of utmost importance. The word "descend" is also significant, as it suggests a downward movement, a sense of falling or decline.
The next line, "the long descent," reinforces this idea of a gradual decline. The use of the word "long" suggests that this descent has been going on for some time, and that it is not a recent development. The word "descent" also has a sense of finality to it, as if the poet is suggesting that there is no turning back from this downward spiral.
The third line, "through darkness," adds to the ominous tone of the poem. Darkness is often associated with fear and uncertainty, and the fact that the descent is happening through darkness suggests that we are moving blindly into an unknown future.
The next line, "toward the dead abyss," is perhaps the most chilling line in the poem. The word "dead" suggests a sense of finality and hopelessness, while the word "abyss" suggests a bottomless pit, a place of no return. The combination of these two words creates a sense of dread and despair, as if the poet is suggesting that we are headed for a place of no return.
The fifth line, "and all the while," is a transitional line that connects the first part of the poem with the second. It suggests that the descent is happening constantly, and that we are always moving closer to the abyss.
The second part of the poem begins with the line "we talk and talk." This line suggests that despite the chaos and confusion around us, we continue to talk and communicate with one another. However, the word "talk" is repeated several times in this section of the poem, which suggests that our words are often empty and meaningless.
The next line, "but what is there to say?" reinforces this idea. It suggests that despite our constant chatter, we have nothing of substance to say. We are simply filling the void with meaningless words.
The line "we talk and talk" is repeated again, which suggests that we are trapped in a cycle of meaningless communication. The repetition of this line also creates a sense of monotony and boredom, as if the poet is suggesting that our lives have become dull and uneventful.
The final line of the poem, "and all the while," brings the poem full circle. It suggests that despite our constant chatter and meaningless words, we are still moving closer to the abyss. The repetition of this line also reinforces the idea that the descent is happening constantly, and that there is no escape from it.
In conclusion, "now does our world descend..." is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of the human experience in a world that is constantly changing. The poem is a commentary on the chaos and confusion that we face in our daily lives, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to be descending into darkness. The repetition of certain phrases and words creates a sense of monotony and despair, while the use of imagery and metaphor adds to the ominous tone of the poem. Overall, "now does our world descend..." is a poetic masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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