Poem Analysis - I Am So Glad And Very

Introduction: A Celebration of Unity and Transformation

E.E. Cummings' "i am so glad and very" is a vibrant and effervescent exploration of love and connection. The poem's tone is overwhelmingly joyful and optimistic, expressing a sense of profound fulfillment found in another person. It eschews conventional grammar and syntax to create a unique and intimate voice that celebrates the transformative power of love. This poem doesn't adhere to a linear narrative; instead, it presents a series of evocative images and assertions about the unifying and empowering nature of the relationship.

Themes: Love's Transformative Power

One of the central themes in this poem is the transformative power of love. Cummings illustrates how the speaker is not only made happy but fundamentally changed by their connection. He states that "a lucky fifth of you / turns people into eachs / and cowards into grow." This suggests that the presence of the loved one encourages unity and emboldens individuals, removing fear and inspiring courage. The use of "eachs" implies a dissolving of individual boundaries into a collective whole. It highlights how love transcends individual existence.

Themes: The Triumph Over Limitations

Another significant theme is the triumph over limitations through the power of love. The line "our can'ts were born to happen / our mosts have died in more" illustrates this perfectly. "Can'ts" typically represent impossibility, yet here they are "born to happen", implying the relationship makes the impossible possible. Conversely, "mosts" (which suggests a previous abundance or superiority) have "died in more" suggesting the present love exceeds any past experiences or limitations. The relationship has eclipsed them, suggesting limitations that were once impenetrable are now overcome by the relationship.

Themes: Unity and Interdependence

Finally, the poem emphasizes the theme of unity and interdependence. The lines "we are so both and oneful / night cannot be so sky / sky cannot be so sunful" beautifully express the blending of two individuals into a unified entity. The comparison to natural pairings – night and sky, sky and sun – underscores the completeness and inevitability of their union. These comparisons are not simple similes, rather they suggest the lovers relationship surpasses even those fundamental unions in nature. The final line, "i am through you so i," encapsulates the idea that the speaker's sense of self is intertwined with the loved one, finding identity and existence *through* the other person. The individuals identity is tied to the relationship and would not exist without it.

Symbolism: The Open Door

The recurring image of the "wide open door" symbolizes opportunity and possibility. The line "our twentieth will open / wide a wide open door" suggests that something significant and potentially life-altering is on the horizon. The number "twentieth" is ambiguous, it could represent a milestone or anniversary. Regardless, the open door is not just a physical space; it represents the boundless potential and the new chapters that the speaker and their beloved will experience together, facilitated by their relationship. This metaphor illustrates the future is wide open for the two lovers.

Concluding Thoughts: Love's Profound Impact

In conclusion, "i am so glad and very" is a celebratory ode to the transformative and unifying power of love. Cummings uses unconventional language and vivid imagery to convey a profound sense of joy, fulfillment, and interdependence. The poem suggests that true love has the ability to overcome limitations, foster unity, and open new possibilities for personal growth and shared experiences. It's a testament to the idea that love can redefine our sense of self and our place in the world, turning individuals into "eachs" and cowards into beings of unwavering strength. Ultimately, the poem speaks to the idea that love can fundamentally and positively alter our reality.