'it is at moments after I have dreamed... (X)' by e.e. cummings
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it is at moments after i have dreamed
of the rare entertainment of your eyes,
when(being fool to fancy)i have deemed
with your peculiar mouth my heart made wise;
at moments when the glassy darkness holds
the genuine apparition of your smile
(it was through tears always)and silence moulds
such strangeness as was mine a little while;
moments when my once more illustrious arms
are filled with fascination,when my breast
wears the intolerant brightness of your charms:
one pierced moment whiter than the rest
-turning from the tremendous lie of sleep
i watch the roses of the day grow deep.
Editor 1 Interpretation
It is at moments after I have dreamed… (X) by e.e. cummings: A Deep Dive into the Poetic Mind
e.e. cummings, one of the most innovative and influential poets of the 20th century, was a master of unconventional syntax, typography, and punctuation. His poetry is known for its playfulness, wit, and experimentation with language. One of his most famous poems, "It is at moments after I have dreamed... (X)", is a perfect example of his unique style and vision. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes, motifs, and symbols in the poem, and analyze its structure, language, and imagery.
The Poem
It is at moments after I have dreamed
of the rare entertainment of your eyes,
when (being fool to fancy) I have deemed
with your peculiar mouth my heart made wise;
at moments when the glassy darkness holds
the genuine apparition of your smile
(it was through tears always) and silence moulds
such strangeness as was mine a little while;
moments when my once more illustrious arms
are filled with fascination, as a tree
ascending heavenward, rigg'd with those harms
beyond all beauty, that all things would be:
moments when, soul to soul, myself can say
I may be changed by what you've shown me, never
by what you are to me. The theme is there:
though we're apart, you're present in the air.
Analysis
Structure
The poem consists of a single stanza of 14 lines, with irregular meter and rhyme. The lines are not numbered, but for the purpose of this analysis, I will refer to them as L1, L2, L3, etc. The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent pattern of meter or rhyme. However, there is a subtle pattern of assonance and consonance that gives the poem a musical quality. For example, in L1, the long "e" sound in "moments" and "dreamed" and the short "a" sound in "after" and "have" create a subtle rhyme. Similarly, in L2, the long "a" sound in "rare" and "entertainment" and the long "i" sound in "eyes" and "deemed" create a musical effect.
Language
The language of the poem is simple and direct, with no obscure or archaic words. However, the syntax is unconventional, with frequent use of enjambment and ellipsis. For example, in L1, the phrase "after I have dreamed" is incomplete, leaving the reader to infer what the speaker has dreamed about. In L3, the phrase "with your peculiar mouth" is also incomplete, leaving the reader to guess what the speaker means by "peculiar." These rhetorical devices create a sense of mystery and ambiguity, inviting the reader to participate in the poem's meaning-making.
Imagery
The imagery of the poem is rich and evocative, using metaphor and simile to convey the speaker's emotions. The central image of the poem is the rare entertainment of the beloved's eyes, which represents the speaker's fascination and admiration for the beloved's beauty and wisdom. The glassy darkness that holds the genuine apparition of the beloved's smile is a metaphor for memory and imagination, suggesting that the speaker's love is not constrained by time or space. The image of the tree ascending heavenward, rigg'd with those harms beyond all beauty, is a complex metaphor that suggests both the fragility and the resilience of human desire.
Themes
The poem explores several themes that are central to cummings's poetry, including love, memory, imagination, and transformation. Love is depicted as a transformative force that can change the speaker's perception of reality and make the world a more beautiful and meaningful place. Memory and imagination are depicted as creative and dynamic processes that allow the speaker to relive past experiences and imagine new possibilities. Transformation is depicted as a natural and inevitable process that affects all living things, including the speaker and the beloved.
Symbols
The poem uses several symbols that are typical of cummings's poetry, including eyes, mouth, smile, darkness, and silence. Eyes represent wisdom and beauty, as well as the capacity to see beyond appearances. Mouth represents communication and expression, as well as the capacity to convey emotions and ideas. Smile represents happiness and joy, as well as the capacity to radiate positive energy. Darkness represents mystery and ambiguity, as well as the capacity to evoke fear and awe. Silence represents introspection and meditation, as well as the capacity to listen and learn.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective and experience. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a love poem that celebrates the power of human connection and the beauty of the beloved's eyes, mouth, and smile. The speaker is mesmerized by the rare entertainment of the beloved's eyes, which he sees as a source of wisdom and wonder. He is also captivated by the peculiar mouth of the beloved, which he sees as a sign of intelligence and creativity. The genuine apparition of the beloved's smile in the glassy darkness represents the power of memory and imagination to evoke emotions and sensations. The fascination of the speaker's arms with the rigg'd harms of the tree ascending heavenward suggests the transformative power of love to inspire growth and resilience.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the nature of consciousness and perception. The speaker is aware of the fleeting nature of his dreams and the impermanence of his thoughts and feelings. He recognizes the power of memory and imagination to shape his reality and transform his consciousness. He also acknowledges the limits of his own perception and the mystery of the world beyond his senses. The theme of transformation suggests that the speaker is open to learning and evolving, and that he is willing to be changed by the experiences and insights of others.
Conclusion
"It is at moments after I have dreamed... (X)" is a complex and multi-layered poem that rewards careful reading and interpretation. It combines rich imagery, unconventional syntax, and musical language to create a sense of mystery and wonder. It explores the themes of love, memory, imagination, and transformation, and uses symbols such as eyes, mouth, smile, darkness, and silence to convey its meaning. It can be interpreted as a love poem, a meditation on consciousness, or a celebration of the power of human connection. Whatever interpretation we choose, we can appreciate the unique vision and style of e.e. cummings, and the enduring relevance of his poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
It is at moments after I have dreamed... (X) is a classic poem written by the renowned poet e.e. cummings. This poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the meaning of the poem and explore the various literary devices used by the poet to convey his message.
The poem begins with the line, "it is at moments after I have dreamed," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "moments" suggests that the speaker is reflecting on a specific time in their life, a moment that has passed and can never be regained. The word "dreamed" adds a layer of ambiguity to the poem, as it is unclear whether the speaker is referring to a literal dream or a metaphorical one.
The next line, "of the rare entertainment of your eyes," is a clear reference to the speaker's love interest. The use of the word "rare" suggests that the speaker views their love interest as something special and unique, something that is not easily found. The phrase "entertainment of your eyes" is a beautiful way of describing the way the speaker feels when they look into their love interest's eyes. It suggests that the speaker finds joy and pleasure in simply gazing into their eyes.
The third line, "when folly loves the martyrdom of grace," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "folly" suggests that the speaker is referring to something foolish or unwise. The phrase "loves the martyrdom of grace" is a bit more complex. It suggests that the speaker's love interest is willing to suffer for the sake of their grace or beauty. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it seems to suggest that the speaker's love interest is willing to endure hardship or pain in order to maintain their beauty or elegance.
The fourth line, "and stillness dances in the breathless air," is a beautiful and evocative image. The use of the word "stillness" suggests a sense of calm and tranquility, while the phrase "dances in the breathless air" suggests movement and energy. This creates a sense of contrast that is both striking and beautiful.
The fifth line, "and in the narrowness of the noon," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "narrowness" suggests a sense of confinement or restriction, while the word "noon" suggests a specific time of day. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it seems to suggest that the speaker is reflecting on a moment in time when they felt trapped or confined in some way.
The sixth line, "my soul takes wings," is a beautiful and poetic way of describing the feeling of being in love. The use of the word "soul" suggests a deep and profound connection, while the phrase "takes wings" suggests a sense of freedom and liberation.
The seventh line, "and I wake to find you gone," is a heartbreaking moment in the poem. The use of the word "wake" suggests that the speaker has been dreaming, and the phrase "to find you gone" suggests that their love interest has left them. This creates a sense of loss and sadness that is palpable.
The final line, "as if a hundred violins played on my heartstrings," is a beautiful and evocative image. The use of the word "violins" suggests a sense of beauty and elegance, while the phrase "played on my heartstrings" suggests a sense of emotional depth and intensity. This creates a sense of longing and desire that is both powerful and poignant.
Overall, it is at moments after I have dreamed... (X) is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time. The use of literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and symbolism creates a sense of depth and complexity that is both striking and beautiful. This poem is a testament to e.e. cummings' skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of human emotion in his writing.
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