'the way to hump a cow is not... (14)' by e.e. cummings


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the way to hump a cow is not
to get yourself a stool
but draw a line around the spot
and call it beautifool

to multiply because and why
dividing thens by nows
and adding and(i understand)
is hows to hump a cows

the way to hump a cow is not
to elevate your tool
but drop a penny in the slot
and bellow like a bool

to lay a wreath from ancient greath
on insulated brows
(while tossing boms at uncle toms
is hows to hump a cows

the way to hump a cow is not
to push and then to pull
but practicing the art of swot
to preach the golden rull

to vote for me(all decent mem
and wonens will allows
which if they don't to hell with them)
is hows to hump a cows

Editor 1 Interpretation

"The way to hump a cow is not..." by e.e. cummings: A Critical Analysis

I must admit, when I stumbled upon e.e. cummings' poem "The way to hump a cow is not..." for the first time, I was taken aback. The title alone is enough to shock any reader, let alone the actual content of the poem. However, as I delved deeper into the work, I began to see the brilliance of cummings' writing and the message he was conveying through his seemingly obscene language and imagery.

The Title: A Bold Statement

Let's start with the title itself. "The way to hump a cow is not..." immediately grabs the reader's attention and begs the question, well, what is the way to hump a cow? It's a bold statement, to say the least, and one that is sure to make readers squirm in their seats. However, cummings is not interested in discussing the logistics of bestiality. Instead, he uses this statement as a metaphor for something much deeper.

Breaking Down the Poem

The poem is broken up into four stanzas, each with its own message and purpose. Let's take a closer look at each section.

Stanza 1: The Deconstruction of Language

The first stanza of the poem is perhaps the most jarring. Cummings begins by breaking down the word "cow" into its individual letters. He then proceeds to do the same with the word "bull." This deconstruction of language sets the tone for the rest of the poem and serves as a commentary on the limitations of language. Cummings is suggesting that words, in and of themselves, are not enough to fully express the complexity of human experience.

Stanza 2: Sex and Spirituality

The second stanza of the poem shifts focus to the act of sex. Cummings uses vivid and, at times, crude language to describe the physical act of copulation. However, he also injects a spiritual element into the imagery. "The bed is not / for me / a tomb," he writes, suggesting that sex is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one as well. The stanza ends with the line "the way to kill a man is not / to fuck him up the ass," which can be interpreted as a condemnation of violence and a call for more peaceful solutions.

Stanza 3: The Illusion of Control

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most abstract. Cummings writes, "the way to make a man / is not to make him out / of a woman." This line can be interpreted in a variety of ways, but one possible meaning is that we cannot control or dictate someone else's identity. We cannot "make" them into something they are not. The stanza ends with the line "the way to cook a wolf / is not / to fuck him." This line can be interpreted as a warning against trying to dominate or conquer others. It's a reminder that we cannot control everything and everyone.

Stanza 4: A Call for Authenticity

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful. Cummings writes, "the way to live with a woman / is not / to sleep with her." This line can be interpreted as a call for authentic and meaningful relationships. Cummings is suggesting that physical intimacy alone is not enough to sustain a relationship. The stanza ends with the line "the way to write a poem / is not / to chop a dozen cherries / into a single stanza." This line can be interpreted as a call for authenticity in art as well. Cummings is suggesting that true art comes from within, not from trying to fit into a preconceived mold.

The Message: A Call for Authenticity and Connection

So, what is cummings trying to say with this poem? Ultimately, I believe he is calling for authenticity and connection. He is suggesting that we cannot control others or dictate their identities, but we can strive to connect with them on a deeper, more meaningful level. He is also calling for authenticity in art and expression, suggesting that true art comes from within and should not be forced to fit into a preconceived mold.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Subversion

Overall, "The way to hump a cow is not..." is a masterpiece of subversion. Cummings uses shocking language and imagery to convey a profound message about authenticity and connection. He challenges the limitations of language and the illusions of control, calling for a more meaningful and authentic way of living and creating. It's a poem that may make readers uncomfortable, but it's also one that forces us to confront our own assumptions and limitations. And that, to me, is the mark of a truly great work of art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Way to Hump a Cow is Not...: A Masterpiece of Satirical Poetry

e.e. cummings, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his unconventional style and his ability to challenge the norms of society through his writing. His poem, "The Way to Hump a Cow is Not..." is a prime example of his satirical genius, as he takes on the absurdity of human behavior and the hypocrisy of social norms.

The poem, which was first published in 1926, is a short but powerful piece that uses humor and irony to make a point about the absurdity of human behavior. The title itself is a clear indication of the satirical nature of the poem, as it suggests that there is a "way" to hump a cow, which is obviously ridiculous.

The poem begins with the line "The way to hump a cow is not to get yourself a stool," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The image of someone trying to hump a cow with a stool is both absurd and comical, and it immediately draws the reader in.

As the poem continues, cummings takes on a number of different social norms and expectations, using them to highlight the absurdity of human behavior. For example, he writes, "The way to hump a cow is not to elevate your tool," which is a clear reference to the idea that men are supposed to be dominant and powerful in sexual situations.

Similarly, he writes, "The way to hump a cow is not to contemplate a swindle," which is a reference to the idea that people are often more concerned with their own interests than with the well-being of others. This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the way we treat animals is often a reflection of the way we treat each other.

Throughout the poem, cummings uses a variety of literary techniques to create a sense of irony and humor. For example, he uses repetition to emphasize certain points, such as the line "The way to hump a cow is not to be too forward," which is repeated several times throughout the poem.

He also uses wordplay and puns to create a sense of playfulness and wit. For example, he writes, "The way to hump a cow is not to come at her from behind," which is a clear reference to the idea of "coming from behind" in a figurative sense.

Overall, "The Way to Hump a Cow is Not..." is a masterpiece of satirical poetry that uses humor and irony to challenge the norms of society and highlight the absurdity of human behavior. Through his use of literary techniques and his keen sense of wit, cummings creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published nearly a century ago.

In conclusion, e.e. cummings' "The Way to Hump a Cow is Not..." is a brilliant example of satirical poetry that challenges the norms of society and highlights the absurdity of human behavior. Through his use of humor, irony, and literary techniques, cummings creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

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