77 Poems - E.E. Cummings
42
In this simple poem Cummings uses line division to split rhythm units in a selected pattern. When examining all the segments it appears to follow in the order; one syllable, two syllable, one syllable which continues line by line.
1,2,1 & 2
1,2,1 & 2
1,2,1 & 1
1,2,1
Each of the lines are unique beginning with the value 1, which feature the same letter repetition for a single line. The value 2 represents the two syllable world expounding the message. It gives prominence to the idea, that not a single thing in the world can determine the mystery of stillness.
I like how you analyzed this poem in such depth. You do a fantastic job of explaining how Cummings wrote this poem in terms of the patterning of it. I find it quite interesting how this poem consists of only seven words and yet it is still such a successful piece as the reader is able to understand the message behind. I think that the reason this poem is so successful is due the way it was written, meaning the line division and syllables like you mentioned. Although there are many ways to interpret this poem, my understanding of it is that there is nothing better than the feeling of stillness and simplicity. Perhaps the reason this poem has been written with only a few words is to demonstrate this message.
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