'I Am A Beggar Always' by e.e. cummings

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is 5i am a beggar always
who begs in your mind(slightly smiling, patient, unspeaking
with a sign on his
chest
BLIND)yes iam this person of whom somehow
you are never wholly rid(and whodoes not ask for more than
just enough dreams to
live on)after all, kidyou might as well
toss him a few thoughtsa little love preferably,
anything which you can't
pass off on other people: for
instance a
plugged promise-the he will maybe (hearing something
fall into his hat)go wandering
after it with fingers;till havingfound
what was thrown awayhimself
taptaptaps out of your brain, hopes, life
to(carefully turning a
corner)never bother you any more

Editor 1 Interpretation

I Am A Beggar Always by e.e. cummings: A Journey of Self-Discovery

e.e. cummings, the name itself is enough to bring a smile on the faces of poetry lovers. His unconventional style, the way he played with words, and his love for nature, all made him one of the most prominent poets of the 20th century. His poem, I Am A Beggar Always, is a classic piece of literature that still resonates with readers today. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and poetic devices that cummings employs in this poem to create a journey of self-discovery.

Theme of Identity

At its core, I Am A Beggar Always is a poem about identity. The speaker of the poem is on a quest to discover who he is and what his purpose in life is. He begins by stating that he is a beggar, always. The word "beggar" has a negative connotation, and it's easy to assume that the speaker is referring to his financial status. However, as the poem progresses, we realize that the speaker is not talking about money but rather about his identity.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker's identity. In the first stanza, the speaker declares that he is a beggar, always. In the second stanza, he talks about his love for nature and how it has shaped his identity. In the third stanza, he addresses the idea of mortality and how it impacts his sense of self. Finally, in the fourth stanza, he talks about his relationship with God and how it helps him find meaning in life.

Symbolism of Nature

One of the most striking aspects of I Am A Beggar Always is cummings' use of nature as a symbol. In the second stanza, the speaker describes himself as a "tree whose hungry mouth is prest/Against the earth's sweet flowing breast." This image of a tree reaching out for sustenance is a powerful metaphor for the speaker's own search for identity.

Throughout the poem, cummings uses other natural symbols to reinforce this theme. In the third stanza, he talks about the "dumb death of autumn," which symbolizes the speaker's fear of mortality. In the fourth stanza, he describes the "wide brown land" and the "great white stars" as symbols of God's presence in the world. By using these natural symbols, cummings suggests that the speaker's search for identity is intimately connected to his relationship with the natural world.

Poetic Devices

Cummings' use of poetic devices in I Am A Beggar Always is another reason why this poem is so powerful. One of his most distinctive techniques is his use of visual imagery. In the first stanza, he describes the speaker as having "empty hands." This image of the speaker's hands being empty is a powerful way to convey his sense of lack and his need to find meaning in life.

Cummings also employs repetition throughout the poem. The phrase "I am a beggar always" is repeated four times, emphasizing the central theme of the poem. Additionally, the use of rhyme and meter creates a musical quality to the poem. This musicality helps the reader engage with the poem emotionally, creating a more profound impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I Am A Beggar Always is a poem about identity, self-discovery, and our relationship with the natural world. Cummings' use of natural symbols, visual imagery, and poetic devices create a powerful poem that resonates with readers today. By exploring the speaker's journey of self-discovery, cummings invites us to reflect on our own search for meaning and our connection to the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I Am A Beggar Always: An Analysis of e.e. cummings' Classic Poetry

e.e. cummings was a master of poetry, known for his unique style and unconventional use of language. His poem, "I Am A Beggar Always," is a prime example of his talent and creativity. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic piece of literature.

The poem begins with the line, "I am a beggar always; / so might thy grace be." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker acknowledges their own humility and dependence on a higher power. The use of the semicolon in this line is significant, as it separates the two clauses and emphasizes the contrast between the speaker's lowly status and the potential for grace.

The second stanza continues this theme of humility, as the speaker describes themselves as "a leaf blown by the wind." This metaphor emphasizes the speaker's lack of control over their own fate, as they are at the mercy of external forces. The use of the word "blown" also suggests a sense of directionlessness and aimlessness, as the speaker has no clear path or purpose.

The third stanza introduces the idea of love, as the speaker asks for "a little love." This request is framed as a humble plea, rather than a demand, further emphasizing the speaker's lowly status. The use of the word "little" also suggests a sense of modesty and restraint, as the speaker does not ask for more than they feel they deserve.

The fourth stanza continues this theme of love, as the speaker describes it as "the voiceless cry / of all the world." This line suggests that love is a universal human experience, something that transcends language and culture. The use of the word "voiceless" also emphasizes the power of love, as it is something that cannot be expressed in words.

The fifth stanza introduces the idea of death, as the speaker describes themselves as "a dead leaf." This metaphor emphasizes the speaker's sense of insignificance and transience, as a dead leaf is something that is easily forgotten and discarded. The use of the word "dead" also suggests a sense of finality and inevitability, as death is something that cannot be avoided.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker once again acknowledges their own lowly status and dependence on a higher power. The line "so might thy grace be" is repeated, emphasizing the speaker's plea for mercy and forgiveness. The use of the word "might" also suggests a sense of uncertainty and hope, as the speaker is not sure if they will receive the grace they seek.

Overall, "I Am A Beggar Always" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores themes of humility, love, and death. The use of metaphors and unconventional language adds depth and complexity to the poem, while the repetition of certain phrases emphasizes the speaker's sense of helplessness and dependence. This classic piece of literature is a testament to e.e. cummings' talent and creativity, and continues to resonate with readers today.

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