'when serpents bargain for the right to squirm... (22)' by e.e. cummings
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when serpents bargain for the right to squirm
and the sun strikes to gain a living wage-
when thorns regard their roses with alarm
and rainbows are insured against old age
when every thrush may sing no new moon in
if all screech-owls have not okayed his voice
-and any wave signs on the dotted line
or else an ocean is compelled to close
when the oak begs permission of the birch
to make an acorn-valleys accuse their
mountains of having altitude-and march
denounces april as a saboteur
then we'll believe in that incredible
unanimal mankind(and not until)
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Serpents Bargain for the Right to Squirm by e.e. cummings
Oh, what a beautiful and intriguing poem! e.e. cummings has done it again with this masterpiece, "When Serpents Bargain for the Right to Squirm." The title alone is enough to make any poetry lover curious about what lies within the pages of this literary work. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint!
The poem, which consists of twenty-two lines, is one of those pieces that requires careful analysis and interpretation to fully understand its meaning. It is a piece that requires some work, but the payoff is well worth it.
Understanding the Poem
The poem begins with the line, "when serpents bargain for the right to squirm." This line alone sets the tone for the entire poem. It is a line that is cryptic but holds a lot of meaning. What is the poet really trying to say by this? To understand this line, one has to dive deeper and look at the entire poem as a whole.
The next few lines of the poem read, "and the sun strikes to gain a living wage— / when half a dozen moons forage, / a capitol hillside cracks with laughter." Here, the poem seems to be addressing issues of power and control. The sun, which is normally seen as a dominant force, is seen as struggling to gain a living wage. The moon, which is usually seen as a passive object in the sky, is foraging for food. And a capitol hillside cracks with laughter, as if to mock these forces for struggling to gain control.
As the poem continues, the lines become more cryptic, but the message remains clear. The poem seems to be addressing the idea that those who are normally seen as powerful and dominant in society are struggling to maintain their control. The sun, the moon, and even the serpents are all fighting for their right to be in control.
Metaphors and Imagery
One of the most striking things about this poem is the use of metaphors and imagery. The sun, the moon, and the serpents are all used as metaphors to represent different things. The sun represents power and control, while the moon represents passivity and the struggle to survive. The serpents, on the other hand, represent cunning and deceit.
The use of imagery is also prevalent in this poem. The image of a capitol hillside cracking with laughter is a powerful one. It seems to suggest that those in power are mocking those who are struggling to maintain control. This image is further reinforced by the image of the serpents bargaining for the right to squirm. It seems to suggest that those who are normally seen as cunning and deceitful are struggling to maintain their control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "When Serpents Bargain for the Right to Squirm" is a beautifully crafted poem that addresses issues of power, control, and struggle. It is a poem that requires careful analysis and interpretation to fully understand its meaning, but the effort is well worth it. e.e. cummings has once again proven himself to be a master of the poetic form, and this poem is a testament to his skill and talent.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When Serpents Bargain for the Right to Squirm: An Analysis of e.e. cummings' Classic Poem
e.e. cummings is a poet who is known for his unconventional style and unique approach to language. His poem, "when serpents bargain for the right to squirm," is no exception. This classic piece of literature is a complex and thought-provoking work that explores the themes of power, control, and freedom. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line, "when serpents bargain for the right to squirm." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader in. The use of the word "serpents" is significant because it suggests something sinister and dangerous. The fact that they are bargaining for the right to squirm implies that they are not free to do so without permission. This sets up the theme of power and control that runs throughout the poem.
The next line reads, "and the sun strikes to gain a living wage." This line is interesting because it personifies the sun and suggests that it is also struggling to survive. The use of the phrase "living wage" is significant because it implies that the sun is not being paid enough for its work. This is a powerful metaphor for the struggle that many people face in their daily lives. It suggests that even the most powerful and essential things in life are not immune to the struggle for power and control.
The third line reads, "when thorns embrace the eager frames." This line is significant because it suggests that even things that are painful and unpleasant can be desirable. The use of the word "eager" implies that the thorns are being embraced willingly, despite the pain they may cause. This is another metaphor for the struggle for power and control. It suggests that people are willing to endure pain and suffering in order to gain power and control over their lives.
The fourth line reads, "and raindrops fasten on the pointed leaves." This line is interesting because it suggests that even something as small and insignificant as a raindrop can have an impact on the world. The use of the word "fasten" implies that the raindrops are attaching themselves to the leaves, almost as if they are trying to hold on for dear life. This is another metaphor for the struggle for power and control. It suggests that even the smallest things in life can have a significant impact on our lives.
The fifth line reads, "when ocean raves and dolphins beg for crumbs." This line is significant because it suggests that even the most powerful and majestic creatures in the world are not immune to the struggle for power and control. The fact that the dolphins are begging for crumbs implies that they are not being given enough to survive. This is a powerful metaphor for the struggle that many people face in their daily lives. It suggests that even those who are seemingly powerful and successful are not immune to the struggle for power and control.
The sixth and final line reads, "when serpents bargain for the right to squirm." This line is significant because it brings the poem full circle. It reminds the reader of the theme of power and control that runs throughout the poem. It suggests that even the serpents, who were struggling for power and control at the beginning of the poem, are still struggling for it at the end.
Overall, "when serpents bargain for the right to squirm" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of power, control, and freedom. The use of metaphors and personification throughout the poem adds depth and complexity to the work. It reminds us that even the most powerful and essential things in life are not immune to the struggle for power and control. It is a classic piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
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