'as freedom is a breakfastfood... (25)' by e.e. cummings

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as freedom is a breakfastfood

or truth can live with right and wrong

or molehills are from mountains made

-long enough and just so long

will being pay the rent of seem

and genius please the talentgang

and water most encourage flame



as hatracks into peachtrees grow

or hopes dance best on bald men's hair

and every finger is a toe

and any courage is a fear

-long enough and just so long

will the impure think all things pure

and hornets wail by children stung



or as the seeing are the blind

and robins never welcome spring

nor flatfolk prove their world is round

nor dingsters die at break of dong

and common's rare and millstones float

-long enough and just so long

tomorrow will not be too late



worms are the words but joy's the voice

down shall go which and up come who

breasts will be breasts and thighs will be thighs

deeds cannot dream what dreams can do

-time is a tree (this life one leaf)

but love is the sky and i am for you

just so long and long enough

Editor 1 Interpretation

As Freedom is a Breakfastfood by E.E. Cummings: A Critical Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that makes you stop in your tracks and take a deep breath? As Freedom is a Breakfastfood by E.E. Cummings is one of those poems. It is a poem that speaks to the soul, that sparks a sense of urgency, and that leaves you feeling both inspired and bewildered. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes, symbols and stylistic devices that Cummings employs in this powerful work of art.

Overview of the Poem

As Freedom is a Breakfastfood is a poem that was first published in 1953. It is a short, enigmatic poem that is composed of only six stanzas. Each stanza is made up of four lines, with the exception of the fifth stanza which has only three lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme or strict meter. It is a poem that is both playful and serious, both ironic and earnest.

Theme of the Poem

At its core, As Freedom is a Breakfastfood is a poem about freedom. But it is not a simplistic or straightforward poem about freedom. Cummings uses the metaphor of breakfast food to explore the idea of freedom. The title of the poem itself is a paradox. Breakfast food is often associated with comfort, routine, and predictability. Freedom, on the other hand, is associated with spontaneity, risk-taking, and unpredictability. The fact that Cummings combines these two seemingly disparate concepts in the title of the poem sets the tone for the entire work.

Cummings challenges the reader to think deeply about what freedom means. In the first stanza, Cummings writes:

As freedom is a breakfastfood or truth can live with right and wrong or molehills are from mountains made -long enough and just so long

Here, Cummings suggests that freedom is something that we take for granted, much like breakfast food. We assume that we have freedom, much like we assume that we will have breakfast in the morning. But Cummings also suggests that freedom is not absolute. It is something that is contingent on time and circumstance. The phrase "long enough and just so long" implies that freedom is limited and that it can be taken away.

In the second stanza, Cummings writes:

hunger’s not itself, being apart from what it signifies; nor can we hunger for hunger, or thirst for thirst, but we can hunger for love, or thirst for freedom

Here, Cummings explores the idea that hunger and thirst are not ends in themselves. They are not things that we desire for their own sake. Rather, they are symbols of deeper desires. Hunger and thirst signify a need for sustenance and survival. Similarly, freedom signifies a need for self-expression, autonomy and dignity.

In the third stanza, Cummings writes:

blessèd are beggars: homeless, wind to tousle hair, to make us glisten in the ranged ranks of struggle dark illumined by such briefly golden glints

Here, Cummings suggests that those who are most in need of freedom are the ones who appreciate it the most. The homeless and the beggars are the ones who understand the true value of freedom. They are the ones who have nothing to lose and everything to gain by fighting for their freedom.

In the fourth stanza, Cummings writes:

Granted: but tar-water, kaleidoscope is more than none, dead appetite; oats of silver, chaff of crystal these are choices and the bearers of witness

Here, Cummings suggests that even a limited form of freedom is better than no freedom at all. Tar-water and kaleidoscope, although not ideal, are still better than "dead appetite". The oats of silver and the chaff of crystal are symbols of the choices that we make and the consequences that we bear.

In the fifth stanza, Cummings writes:

Do you understand, my dear? These are all the fortunes of the poorest of the poor doubtless; but oh to turn bare hands, scarecrow, and a staff.

Here, Cummings addresses the reader directly and asks a rhetorical question. He suggests that although the fortunes of the poorest of the poor may be limited, they still have the ability to make a difference. They have the ability to turn their bare hands into tools, their scarecrow into a symbol of resistance, and their staff into a weapon of justice.

In the final stanza, Cummings writes:

So toast the freedom of the mind and the comforts of the soul our toast to bread is buttered freedom

Here, Cummings brings the metaphor of breakfast food full circle. He suggests that freedom is not just a political or social concept, but a psychological and spiritual one. He suggests that true freedom is the freedom of the mind and the comfort of the soul. And he suggests that our toast to freedom is "buttered" with the simple pleasures of life, such as bread.

Symbols and Stylistic Devices in the Poem

Cummings employs a number of symbols and stylistic devices in As Freedom is a Breakfastfood. Some of the most notable examples include:

• Metaphor of Breakfast Food: Cummings uses the metaphor of breakfast food to explore the idea of freedom. He suggests that just as we take breakfast for granted, we also take freedom for granted. He also suggests that just as breakfast food can be comforting and predictable, freedom can be a source of comfort and predictability in our lives.

• Repetition: Cummings repeats the phrase "long enough and just so long" throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and continuity, and it also emphasizes the idea that freedom is limited and contingent on time and circumstance.

• Paradox: The title of the poem itself is a paradox. Breakfast food is associated with comfort and predictability, while freedom is associated with risk-taking and unpredictability. By combining these two concepts in the title, Cummings sets up a tension that runs throughout the entire poem.

• Irony: Cummings employs irony throughout the poem. For example, in the first stanza, he suggests that freedom is something that we take for granted, much like breakfast food. But later in the poem, he suggests that even a limited form of freedom is better than no freedom at all.

• Direct Address: In the fifth stanza, Cummings addresses the reader directly and asks a rhetorical question. This technique creates a sense of intimacy and urgency, and it also invites the reader to engage with the poem on a personal level.

Conclusion

As Freedom is a Breakfastfood is a poem that explores the complex and often paradoxical nature of freedom. Cummings uses the metaphor of breakfast food to suggest that we often take freedom for granted, and he challenges us to think deeply about what freedom truly means. The poem is both playful and serious, both ironic and earnest, and it speaks to the soul in a way that few works of art can. It is a poem that deserves to be read and reread, pondered and cherished, and it will continue to inspire and bewilder readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

As Freedom is a Breakfastfood: An Analysis of e.e. cummings' Classic Poem

e.e. cummings is a poet known for his unique style and unconventional use of language. His poem "As Freedom is a Breakfastfood" is a prime example of his style, as it challenges traditional ideas about freedom and its relationship to society.

The poem begins with the line "As freedom is a breakfastfood," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of "as" instead of "like" or "similar to" suggests that freedom is not just comparable to breakfast food, but rather it is breakfast food. This comparison is significant because breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, providing nourishment and energy for the rest of the day. Similarly, freedom is essential for individuals to thrive and live fulfilling lives.

The next line, "or truth can live with right and wrong," further emphasizes the importance of freedom. The idea that truth can coexist with both right and wrong suggests that freedom allows for a diversity of opinions and perspectives. Without freedom, there can only be one "right" way of thinking, which ultimately leads to oppression and a lack of progress.

The poem then takes a darker turn with the line "or molehills are from mountains made." This line suggests that small issues can quickly escalate into larger problems if freedom is not present. Without the ability to express oneself freely and address issues as they arise, small problems can fester and grow into much larger ones.

The next stanza begins with the line "Hearts are not had as a gift but hearts are earned." This line suggests that freedom is not something that can be given, but rather it must be earned through hard work and dedication. This idea is particularly relevant in today's society, where many individuals take their freedom for granted and fail to recognize the sacrifices made by those who fought for it.

The poem then returns to the theme of diversity with the line "by those who are not entirely beautiful." This line suggests that freedom is not just for the privileged or the beautiful, but rather it is for everyone. This idea is particularly relevant in today's society, where many individuals are marginalized and excluded from the benefits of freedom.

The final stanza of the poem begins with the line "And yet men die miserably every day." This line serves as a reminder that despite the importance of freedom, many individuals still suffer and die as a result of oppression and lack of freedom. This line is particularly powerful because it highlights the urgency of the need for freedom and the consequences of its absence.

The poem concludes with the line "for lack of what is found there." This line suggests that the reason for the misery and suffering is a lack of freedom. Without freedom, individuals are unable to fully realize their potential and live fulfilling lives.

Overall, "As Freedom is a Breakfastfood" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional ideas about freedom and its relationship to society. Through its use of unconventional language and imagery, the poem emphasizes the importance of freedom and the consequences of its absence. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our society, this poem serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom and the need to fight for it.

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