'Buffalo Bill's... (XXI)' by e.e. cummings
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Buffalo Bill's
defunct
who used to
ride a watersmooth-silver
stallion
and break onetwothreefourfive pigeonsjustlikethat
Jesus
he was a handsome man
and what i want to know is
how do you like your blueeyed boy
Mister Death
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wild West Rides Again: An Analysis of e.e. cummings' "Buffalo Bill's... (XXI)"
e.e. cummings' poem "Buffalo Bill's... (XXI)" is a prime example of his unique style of poetry. The poem was first published in 1920 in a collection of poems called "Tulips & Chimneys". The collection was a reflection of the modernist movement that was taking place at the time, and cummings' work is regarded as some of the most important of that era.
"Buffalo Bill's... (XXI)" is a poem that takes the reader on a journey through the American West, and the life of one of its most iconic figures, Buffalo Bill. The poem is divided into 4 stanzas, each one describing a different aspect of Buffalo Bill's life as a rancher, a showman, and a symbol of the Wild West. Throughout the poem, cummings uses his unique style of syntax and punctuation to convey the energy and excitement of the American West, as well as the complexity of Buffalo Bill's persona.
Stanza 1: The Rancher
The first stanza of the poem is a portrait of Buffalo Bill as a rancher. The poem begins with the line "Buffalo Bill's / defunct" (1-2), which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "defunct" implies that Buffalo Bill is no longer a living person, but rather a symbol of the past. The line is followed by a description of Buffalo Bill's ranch, where "slim / cows / forgot / him" (3-6). The use of enjambment in these lines gives the impression of a vast, open landscape, and the repetition of the word "slim" emphasizes the natural beauty of the cows.
The next few lines describe how the ranch has fallen into disrepair, with "his / used-up / gun / and / his / busted / britches" (7-12) lying around as relics of the past. The use of the word "used-up" to describe Buffalo Bill's gun implies that he has already had his moment in the sun, and that his time has passed. The broken "britches" symbolize the end of Buffalo Bill's cowboy days.
Stanza 2: The Showman
The second stanza of the poem is a portrait of Buffalo Bill as a showman. The poem describes how he would "yank / the / dead / from / the / daisies" (15-20) and perform his feats of bravery in front of a captivated audience. The use of the word "yank" suggests a rough, forceful action that is typical of the American West, and the description of the "dead" suggests that Buffalo Bill is risking his life for the entertainment of others.
The next few lines describe how Buffalo Bill's show was a spectacle that featured "Indians / in / full / regalia" (21-24) and "cowboys / doing / fancy / rope / tricks" (25-29). The use of the word "regalia" emphasizes the exoticism of the Native American performers, while the phrase "fancy rope tricks" suggests a sense of showmanship and entertainment.
Stanza 3: The Icon
The third stanza of the poem is a portrait of Buffalo Bill as an icon of the American West. The poem describes how he was a symbol of "the / tall / frontier" (34-35) and how he embodied the spirit of the Wild West. The use of the word "tall" suggests a sense of grandeur and majesty, while the word "frontier" implies a sense of adventure and exploration.
The next few lines describe how Buffalo Bill's image was used to sell products, such as "soap / and / little / combs" (37-40). The use of enjambment in these lines gives the impression of a society that is obsessed with consumerism, and the juxtaposition of Buffalo Bill's image with these mundane products suggests a sense of irony.
Stanza 4: The Legacy
The fourth and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on Buffalo Bill's legacy. The poem describes how his image has been "massacred / by the / axe-like / hands / of / poets" (45-50), and how his memory has been distorted by the passage of time. The use of the word "massacred" suggests a sense of violence and destruction, while the use of the word "poets" implies that those who have attempted to capture Buffalo Bill's legacy in words have failed to do so.
The final lines of the poem describe how Buffalo Bill's legacy lives on, even as his physical presence has faded away. The poem says that "Buffalo Bill / is / no / more" (53-56), but that his image remains as a symbol of the American West.
Conclusion
In conclusion, e.e. cummings' poem "Buffalo Bill's... (XXI)" is a complex portrait of one of the most iconic figures of the American West. The poem uses cummings' unique style of syntax and punctuation to convey the excitement and energy of the Wild West, as well as the complexity of Buffalo Bill's persona. Through its four stanzas, the poem offers a portrait of Buffalo Bill as a rancher, a showman, an icon, and a legacy. Ultimately, the poem suggests that Buffalo Bill's legacy lives on, even as his physical presence has faded away.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Buffalo Bill's... (XXI) by e.e. cummings is a classic poem that has been analyzed and studied by literary enthusiasts for decades. This poem is a tribute to the famous American showman, William F. Cody, who was known as Buffalo Bill. The poem is a celebration of the Wild West and the cowboy lifestyle that was so prevalent during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this iconic poem.
The poem begins with the line, "Buffalo Bill's defunct who used to ride a watersmooth-silver stallion." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the idea that Buffalo Bill is no longer with us. The use of the word "defunct" is interesting because it is not a word that is commonly used in modern language. This word choice adds to the nostalgic and historical feel of the poem.
The next line, "and break onetwothreefourfive pigeonsjustlikethat," is a reference to Buffalo Bill's famous trick shooting act. He was known for being able to shoot five clay pigeons out of the air in rapid succession. This line is an example of cummings' use of unconventional syntax and punctuation. The lack of commas and the run-on sentence structure create a sense of urgency and excitement.
The poem continues with the line, "Jesus he was a handsome man." This line is a reference to the fact that Buffalo Bill was a very attractive man. He was known for his rugged good looks and charismatic personality. This line also serves to humanize Buffalo Bill and make him more relatable to the reader.
The next few lines of the poem describe Buffalo Bill's various acts and stunts. The line, "and what i want to know is how do you like your blueeyed boy Mister Death," is a reference to Buffalo Bill's death-defying stunts. He was known for performing dangerous acts such as riding a horse off a high platform and shooting a gun while standing on his head. This line is also an example of cummings' use of unconventional capitalization. The capitalization of "Mister Death" gives the impression that Death is a personified entity.
The poem then takes a more somber turn with the line, "the horses climbed the hills higher." This line is a reference to the fact that Buffalo Bill's Wild West show was coming to an end. The horses climbing the hills symbolize the end of an era and the passing of time. This line is also an example of cummings' use of imagery to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
The final lines of the poem are some of the most famous. The line, "He was a man and what i want to know is how do you like your blueeyed boy Mister Death," is repeated. This repetition serves to emphasize the idea that Buffalo Bill was a man who lived life to the fullest and was not afraid of death. The final line, "Buffalo Bill's defunct and i feel a little bit sad," is a poignant ending to the poem. It acknowledges the passing of time and the fact that all things must come to an end.
One of the most interesting aspects of this poem is cummings' use of unconventional syntax and punctuation. He often uses run-on sentences, unconventional capitalization, and lack of punctuation to create a sense of urgency and excitement. This style is particularly effective in this poem because it mirrors the excitement and energy of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show.
Another important aspect of this poem is its historical context. Buffalo Bill's Wild West show was a cultural phenomenon during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was a traveling show that featured cowboys, Native Americans, and other Wild West characters. The show was a celebration of the American West and the cowboy lifestyle. This poem serves as a tribute to Buffalo Bill and his show, as well as a celebration of the Wild West.
In conclusion, Buffalo Bill's... (XXI) by e.e. cummings is a classic poem that celebrates the Wild West and the cowboy lifestyle. The poem is a tribute to Buffalo Bill and his famous Wild West show. Cummings' use of unconventional syntax and punctuation creates a sense of excitement and urgency that mirrors the energy of the Wild West. The poem's historical context adds to its significance and serves as a reminder of the cultural importance of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Overall, this poem is a timeless tribute to an iconic American figure and a celebration of the American West.
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