The Influences On The Poetry Of E. Cummings

Edward Estlin Cummings once said, “The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.” (“E.+e.+cummings Quote Citation”). E. E. Cummings was a modernist era poet who looked at society through a somewhat satirical and sensual lens. His accomplishments include several volumes of literature, and 4 plays spanning from the 1920-50’s. Cummings spent his life writing and observing the world. He contributed his ideas that helped shape our literary world as the one it is today. The intrigue of his life, the cultural aspects that influenced his writings, and the thought process that goes into developing the poems people read today, are important in knowing and understanding E. E. Cummings himself. Edward Estlin Cummings matured and unsheathed his poetic
E. Cummings affluent, educational early life quickened his maturity and start of poetic success. Cummings was a 20th Century Modernist Era poet. Modernist poetry involved less conservative styles, and more cynical outlooks on life. People questioned, “What is becoming of the world?” ("What Are Characteristics of Modernist Literature, Fiction in Particular?"). Looking at Cummings early work, it’s apparent that he was replicating the style of poets that use the imagist approach. Ezra Pound was an inspirational poet to Cummings. He drew inspiration from his dislike of his environment. He wanted to show the world how poetry did not need to be conservative. He introduced more sexual romance poems, and criticisms on society. He experimented with visual style. He would write his poems with the intention to appeal to the eye. His poems would for different shapes such as diamonds, hourglasses, and triangles (Kirsch). He also would alter words and add –ly, -ish, -est, -ful, to add intensity (Unger,1974). His unique approach on attacking issues by poking fun of them, caught peoples attention. Others of the time copied this by questioning the world around them and evidently producing arguably, more engaging, thorough, less “flowery poems.” Cummings introduced a new style of poetry that explored unauthorized literary
Cummings wanted to incorporate themes of sex and sensuality into society's day to day life, and have it not be questioned, but he didn't do so by making a harsh statement. It’s enjoyable, the way he describes a simple natural act in such a lovely way. The loss of innocence and/or (as you interpret it) virginity, is established through vague, yet polished word choice. His use of diction consists of vague meanings that elude to love making. When he says, "the shocking fuzz of your electric furr" (Cummings10) it's a clever use of crunchy words to summarize the texture of hair. The meaning of the furr isn't too deep. He keeps it light, breezy and readable. Instead of thinking of sex in a guilty, dirty way, Edward dilutes it to be accepted by a general audience. This helps execute his plan to make sex more widely accepted. Some critics say the poem when read, gives the illusion of sex itself. (Curtis,2013). It starts out slow and gradual, taking its time. Then, it picks up pace and starts getting into repetition, " again and again and again kiss, i like kissing this and that of you i like". (Cummings8,9). Next the details are crammed in with juicy adjectives to cling to. Lastly he breaks to a new stanza, and stops the hurried motion. Cummings modernized the 20th centuries society by easing them into the new acceptance of