Poem Analysis - The Bigness Of Cannon

Introduction: A Quiet Condemnation of War

E.E. Cummings' "The Bigness Of Cannon" is a poignant reflection on the deceptive nature of war. The poem begins with a seemingly detached observation about the power of artillery, but quickly shifts to a more profound and unsettling exploration of death and its impact on human life. The tone moves from a clinical assessment to a sorrowful contemplation, highlighting the stark contrast between the destructive force of war and the delicate beauty of life it destroys. The poem is a powerful indictment of violence, masked by an initial air of indifference.

The Shadow of World War I

E.E. Cummings served as an ambulance driver in France during World War I. This experience profoundly shaped his worldview and is clearly reflected in his war poetry. The poem’s references to "barrages" and the setting of "Roupy," a French village, firmly root the poem in the landscape of the Western Front. The poem is not just about any war, but a specific, devastating conflict that Cummings witnessed firsthand, lending a raw authenticity to his verses. Knowing this context, it becomes clear the poem isn't just about the scale of destruction, but the personal loss that comes with it.

Theme: The Deceptive Nature of War

One of the central themes of the poem is the deceptive nature of war. The opening lines, "the bigness of cannon / is skilful," present a sanitized view of weaponry, almost admiring its engineering. However, this facade quickly crumbles as the poem introduces "death's clever enormous voice / which hides in a fragility / of poppies." This juxtaposition reveals that the true horror of war is concealed beneath a veneer of skill and strategy. The image of "poppies," a traditional symbol of remembrance for war casualties, further underscores the idea that death is lurking behind the surface beauty and even patriotism associated with conflict. The contrast between the "bigness of cannon" and the fragility of life emphasizes the disproportionate cost of war.

Theme: Silence as a Consequence of Violence

The theme of silence permeates the poem, representing both the silencing of voices and the profound grief that follows loss. The "huger silence" laid on "long talkative animals" (likely referring to men, or soldiers, typically seen as verbose and active) suggests the overwhelming impact of trauma. Furthermore, the "silence / full of vivid noiseless boys" vividly depicts the absence of life, the potential unrealized. This image is particularly haunting, as it captures the idea that war steals not just lives, but also the future voices and contributions of those who are lost. The poem demonstrates how the violence of war creates an unbearable silence that echoes long after the battles have ended.

Theme: Lost Innocence and Unrealized Potential

The poem also explores the theme of lost innocence and unrealized potential. The description of "ripe unspeaking girls" at night "between barrages" is particularly evocative. The use of the word "ripe" suggests a stage of blossoming maturity, while the phrase "unspeaking girls" implies that their voices and futures have been stifled by the surrounding violence. They are caught in a state of limbo, existing between moments of intense conflict, their potential forever overshadowed by the realities of war. This image highlights the tragic impact of war on the younger generation, whose dreams and aspirations are cut short by violence.

Symbols of Death and Beauty

The poem employs potent symbolism to convey its message. The "cannon" represents the destructive force of war, while the "poppies" symbolize both remembrance and the fragile beauty of life that is easily destroyed. The "boys" and "girls" serve as symbols of innocence and potential, representing the human cost of conflict. The juxtaposition of these symbols underscores the poem's central theme of the deceptive nature of war, where the apparent skill and power of weaponry mask the underlying tragedy of lost lives and unrealized dreams. Another interpretation would be the "ripe unspeaking girls" is meant to convey that the young girls, in their prime, are at their most vunerable, which underscores the devastating effects of conflict.

Conclusion: A Timeless Lament

In conclusion, "The Bigness Of Cannon" is a powerful and moving poem that exposes the human cost of war. Through its vivid imagery, poignant symbolism, and shifts in tone, Cummings effectively conveys the deceptive nature of conflict, the overwhelming silence of loss, and the tragic impact on innocence. The poem serves as a timeless lament for the lives and potential stolen by war, urging readers to look beyond the superficial allure of military might and recognize the profound human tragedy that lies beneath. The poem continues to resonate today, reminding us of the enduring cost of violence and the importance of preserving peace.