'i have found what you are like... (XVI)' by e.e. cummings


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i have found what you are like
the rain,(Who feathers frightened fields
with the superior dust-of-sleep. wieldseasily the pale club of the wind
and swirled justly souls of flower strikethe air in utterable coolnessdeeds of green thrilling lightwith thinnednewfragile yellowslurch and.press-in the woodswhichstutterandsingAnd the coolness of your smile is
stirringofbirds between my arms;but
i should rather than anything
have(almost when hugeness will shut
quietly)almost,your kiss

Editor 1 Interpretation

"i have found what you are like… (XVI)" by e.e. cummings: A Poetic Exploration of Love, Obsession, and Identity

"i have found what you are like, the rain, (Who feathers frightened fields with the superior dust-of-sleep. wields Easily the pale club of the wind And swirled justly souls of flower strike the air in utterable coolness Deeds of green thrilling light Untold) "

When it comes to poetry, few names are as renowned as e.e. cummings. Known for his playful, experimental style and unconventional use of punctuation and syntax, cummings has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His poem "i have found what you are like… (XVI)" is a prime example of why his work continues to captivate readers to this day.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a love poem, with the speaker describing their beloved as "the rain". However, upon closer inspection, the poem also seems to be exploring themes of obsession and identity. Let's take a deeper look at what cummings is trying to convey through his words.

The Rain as a Metaphor for Love

The poem begins with the line "i have found what you are like, the rain," immediately setting up the metaphor that will drive the rest of the poem. The rain is often depicted in literature as a symbol of cleansing or renewal, and cummings uses this symbolism to great effect here. By comparing his beloved to the rain, he is implying that they have the power to wash away his worries and bring him a sense of peace.

But the rain is not just a gentle, soothing force in this poem. It is also described as "feathering frightened fields with the superior dust-of-sleep" and wielding "easily the pale club of the wind". These lines suggest a more forceful, even violent side to the rain's nature. This could be interpreted as a warning that love, while often beautiful and comforting, can also have its destructive moments.

Obsession and Possession

As the poem progresses, cummings' obsession with his beloved becomes more and more evident. He describes them as wielding the "pale club of the wind", suggesting that they have a great deal of power and control. Later in the poem, he writes that they can "swirl[ ] justly souls of flower strike the air in utterable coolness". This line is particularly striking, as it suggests that the beloved has the ability to manipulate not just the physical world, but the very souls of those around them.

This kind of obsession can be both alluring and dangerous. On one hand, the speaker clearly finds their beloved to be an incredibly powerful and captivating figure. On the other hand, this level of obsession can quickly become possessive and even abusive. It's possible that cummings is trying to warn readers about the dangers of idealizing someone to the point of ignoring their faults and flaws.

The Fluidity of Identity

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most enigmatic. cummings writes that the beloved's actions are "deeds of green thrilling light / Untold". What does this mean, exactly? One interpretation is that the beloved is an enigmatic, mysterious figure whose true nature can never be fully understood or grasped.

Another possibility is that cummings is exploring the fluidity of identity. The use of the word "deeds" suggests that the beloved is defined by their actions, rather than any inherent qualities. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how we construct our own identities through the things we do, rather than any kind of fixed, unchanging nature.

Conclusion

Overall, "i have found what you are like… (XVI)" is a rich and complex poem that rewards careful analysis. Through his use of metaphor, cummings explores themes of love, obsession, and identity in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. While the poem may not offer any easy answers or clear-cut conclusions, it is a testament to the power of language to evoke emotion and stimulate the imagination.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and feelings in the reader. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) written by e.e. cummings. This classic poem is a beautiful expression of love and admiration, and in this analysis, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this masterpiece.

Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which this poem was written. E.E. Cummings was a renowned poet who lived in the early 20th century. He was known for his unconventional style of writing, which often included the use of lowercase letters, unusual syntax, and punctuation. This poem, like many of his other works, is a testament to his unique style of writing.

The poem begins with the line "i have found what you are like," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the lowercase "i" is a trademark of Cummings' writing style and is often used to convey a sense of humility. The speaker then goes on to describe what the person they are addressing is like, using a series of metaphors and similes.

The first comparison used in the poem is "a kiss that is wholly sweet." This metaphor is a beautiful way of describing the person's personality, which is sweet and loving. The use of the word "wholly" emphasizes the completeness of this sweetness, suggesting that it is not just a fleeting emotion but a permanent part of their character.

The second comparison used in the poem is "the wildest bird is calm in your hand." This simile is a powerful way of describing the person's ability to calm even the wildest of creatures. It suggests that they have a calming presence and can bring peace to even the most chaotic situations.

The third comparison used in the poem is "the sorriest heart which longs for something you." This metaphor is a poignant way of describing the person's ability to bring happiness to those around them. It suggests that they have a special quality that can fill the void in someone's heart and bring them joy.

The final comparison used in the poem is "the voice of the sea speaks to the soul." This simile is a beautiful way of describing the person's voice, which is soothing and comforting. It suggests that their words have the power to heal and bring peace to the listener.

Overall, the poem is a beautiful expression of love and admiration. It is a testament to the power of language and the ability of poetry to evoke emotions in the reader. The use of metaphors and similes is a powerful way of conveying the speaker's feelings and creating a vivid image in the reader's mind.

In conclusion, "i have found what you are like..." (XVI) is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful expression of love and admiration, and the use of metaphors and similes is a powerful way of conveying the speaker's feelings. E.E. Cummings' unique writing style adds to the beauty and significance of this masterpiece, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of poetry.

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