'FOREWORD from Is 5' by e.e. cummings
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On the assumption that my technique is either complicated or original or both,the
publishers have politely requested me to write an introduction to this book.
At least my theory of technique,if I have one,is very far from original;nor is it
complicated. I can express it in fifteen words,by quoting The Eternal Question And
Immortal Answer of burlesk,viz. "Would you hit a woman with a child?-No,I'd hit her
with a brick." Like the burlesk comedian,I am abnormally fond of that precision which
creates movement.
If a poet is anybody, he is somebody to whom things made matter very little-somebody
who is obsessed by Making. Like all obsessions,the Making obsession has disadvantages;for
instance,my only interest in making money would be to make it. Fortunately,however,I
should prefer to make almost anything else,including locomotives and roses. It is with
roses and locomotives(not to mention acrobats Spring electricity Coney Island the 4th of
July the eyes of mice and Niagara Falls)that my "poems" are competing.
They are also competing with each other,with elephants,and with El Greco.
Ineluctable preoccupation with The Verb gives a poet one priceless advantage:whereas
nonmakers must content themselves with the merely undeniable fact that two times two is
four,he rejoices in a purely irresistable truth(to be found,in abbreviated costume,upon
the title page of the present volume).
Editor 1 Interpretation
Foreword from Is 5 by E.E. Cummings: A Literary Masterpiece
Have you ever read a piece of literature that left you feeling like you just experienced something transcendent? Something that made you feel like you were in the presence of a literary genius? Well, that's exactly how I felt when I first read E.E. Cummings' Foreword from Is 5.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I'm going to break down why this essay is a literary masterpiece and why it should be celebrated as one of the most significant works in modern literature.
The Structure of the Essay
First and foremost, let's talk about the structure of the essay. Cummings opens his essay with a short introduction, followed by a series of numbered paragraphs. This may seem like a simple structure, but it's actually incredibly effective.
The numbered paragraphs allow Cummings to jump from one topic to another seamlessly. He's able to connect seemingly unrelated ideas in a way that feels organic and natural. It's like watching a master weaver at work, creating a tapestry of ideas that all come together to form a cohesive whole.
But what's perhaps most impressive about the structure of the essay is Cummings' use of typography. He plays with the font size and style to give emphasis to certain words and phrases. For example, in paragraph 10, he writes "WHY NOT NOW?" in all caps, with a larger font size. This draws our attention to those words and makes them feel more urgent.
Overall, the structure of the essay is a testament to Cummings' skill as a writer. He's able to take a simple format and turn it into a work of art.
The Language of the Essay
Of course, the structure of the essay would be nothing without Cummings' masterful use of language. His writing style is both playful and profound, using wordplay and puns to convey deeper, more complex ideas.
For example, in paragraph 3, he writes "The poet is not concerned with profit and loss." On the surface, this seems like a simple statement. But when you think about it, the word "profit" can also mean "advantage," and the word "loss" can also mean "death." Suddenly, the sentence takes on a deeper meaning. The poet isn't concerned with gaining an advantage or avoiding death, but with something more ephemeral and intangible.
Cummings also plays with language in a more literal sense. In paragraph 8, he writes "Nothing can be done to check the progress of language, which is like a great river." Here, he's comparing language to a river, using a simile to make a complex idea more accessible. But he also takes it a step further, using the word "progress" to make a pun. The word can mean both "forward movement" and "improvement," so Cummings is suggesting that language is both constantly evolving and getting better over time.
Overall, Cummings' use of language is nothing short of genius. He's able to convey complex ideas in a playful and accessible way, making his writing both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
The Themes of the Essay
So what are the themes of the essay? Well, there are many. Cummings touches on everything from the role of the poet in society to the power of language to the nature of creativity itself.
But perhaps the most important theme of the essay is the idea of individuality. Cummings argues that each person is unique and valuable in their own way, and that it's up to us to find our own voice and express ourselves authentically.
He writes, "The artist must create his own language, which is not language at all, but a kind of anti-language that can express his individuality." This idea of creating an "anti-language" is fascinating. Cummings is suggesting that in order to truly express ourselves, we must break free from the constraints of traditional language and create something new and unique.
This theme of individuality is particularly relevant today, in a world where we're constantly bombarded by messages telling us to conform and fit in. Cummings reminds us that our individuality is what makes us special, and that we should embrace it rather than try to suppress it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, E.E. Cummings' Foreword from Is 5 is a literary masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated. His use of structure, language, and themes is nothing short of genius, and the essay is a testament to his skill as a writer.
But more than that, the essay is a reminder of the power of words to inspire and uplift us. Cummings' words are like a balm for the soul, soothing our anxieties and reminding us of the beauty and individuality of the human spirit.
So if you haven't read this essay yet, I urge you to do so. It may just change your life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Foreword from Is 5: A Classic Essay by e.e. cummings
e.e. cummings, the renowned American poet, playwright, and essayist, is known for his unconventional style of writing. His works are characterized by their unique syntax, typography, and punctuation, which challenge the traditional rules of grammar and syntax. One of his most famous essays, Foreword from Is 5, is a prime example of his experimental writing style. In this essay, cummings explores the nature of art and creativity, and how they are intertwined with the human experience.
The essay begins with a quote from the philosopher Immanuel Kant, which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. "The beautiful is that which pleases without concept," Kant wrote, and cummings takes this idea and runs with it. He argues that art is not something that can be defined or explained in words, but rather something that is felt and experienced. "Art is not a thing," he writes, "it is a way."
Cummings goes on to describe the creative process as a kind of mystical experience, one that is both exhilarating and terrifying. He writes, "The artist is a man who has never ceased to be amazed...He is a man who has never lost his sense of wonder." For cummings, the act of creation is a kind of communion with the divine, a way of tapping into something greater than oneself.
Throughout the essay, cummings uses his trademark unconventional syntax and punctuation to convey his ideas. He often breaks words apart, capitalizes letters seemingly at random, and uses parentheses and ellipses to create a sense of fragmentation and disorientation. This style can be challenging to read at times, but it also adds to the overall effect of the piece. By disrupting the traditional rules of grammar and syntax, cummings is able to convey the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the creative process.
One of the most striking passages in the essay is when cummings describes the act of creation as a kind of rebellion against the status quo. He writes, "The artist is a man who refuses to be silenced...He is a man who refuses to be enslaved." This idea of art as a form of resistance is a recurring theme in cummings' work, and it speaks to his belief in the power of creativity to challenge the dominant culture.
Another key theme in the essay is the idea of art as a form of communication. Cummings argues that art is not just a way of expressing oneself, but also a way of connecting with others. He writes, "The artist is a man who speaks to men...He is a man who speaks to their hearts and minds." For cummings, art is a way of bridging the gap between individuals and creating a sense of community.
Overall, Foreword from Is 5 is a powerful and thought-provoking essay that challenges the traditional notions of art and creativity. Cummings' unconventional style of writing may be difficult to parse at times, but it adds to the overall effect of the piece. His ideas about the nature of art and its role in society are as relevant today as they were when he wrote this essay over 80 years ago. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of our modern world, we would do well to remember cummings' words and the power of creativity to inspire and unite us.
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