Poem Analysis - A Blue Woman With Sticking Out Breasts Hanging

A Glimpse of Harsh Reality and Casual Cruelty

E.E. Cummings' "a blue woman with sticking out breasts hanging" is a raw and unsettling snapshot of everyday life, tinged with casual misogyny, racism, and a sense of disillusionment. The poem presents a stark contrast between the domestic and the sexual, the clean and the dirty, the innocent and the corrupt. The tone shifts between observational detachment and an almost uncomfortable intimacy, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease. It is a poem that forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about society and human nature.

Social Commentary on Hypocrisy and Repression

The poem is steeped in a sense of repressed sexuality and the hypocrisy of societal norms. The reference to Bishop Taylor and his "cure for masturbation" immediately establishes a context of sexual repression and the policing of female bodies. The "blue woman" herself is objectified and reduced to her physical attributes. This opening stanza serves as a scathing critique of the religious and societal institutions that seek to control and shame female sexuality. The casual mention of the Bishop hints at a wider societal problem.

The Degradation of the Feminine and the Persistence of Racism

One central theme of the poem is the degradation of the feminine. The "blue woman" is presented not as an individual, but as a collection of objectified body parts. Her breasts are "sticking out" and "hanging," and she is defined by her role as a mother, specifically to "twelve undershirts," further dehumanizing both her and her children. The casual racism in the final stanzas, referring to "a nigger's voice," further underscores the poem's bleak portrayal of societal attitudes. This highlights how prejudice permeates even the most mundane aspects of life. The two are seemingly unrelated but both contribute to the generally toxic environment.

Imagery of Decay and Discomfort

The poem is filled with images of decay and discomfort. The "dirty wind" that "twitches the,clothes which are clean" suggests a world where purity is constantly threatened by corruption. The "mmmoon" that "begins to,drool" is a grotesque image, far removed from the romanticized moon often found in poetry. The "hot alley" further reinforces this sense of squalor and decay. These images contribute to the poem's overall sense of unease and disillusionment, suggesting a world where beauty is fleeting and easily corrupted. The abrupt appearance of lights going on represents a rude intrusion into the scene, highlighting the lack of privacy and the ever-present gaze of society.

"Sally" and The Illusion of Connection

The brief dialogue including the name "Sally" offers a fleeting moment of apparent connection, but it is quickly undercut by the surrounding squalor and the speaker's dismissive tone. The phrase "she says i says to her i says Sally i says" creates a sense of awkwardness and fragmentation, suggesting a lack of genuine communication. Who is Sally, and what is her relationship to the speaker and the "blue woman"? It is possible to interpret Sally as a symbol of fleeting human connection in a world dominated by objectification and prejudice. The poem provides no answers, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of their relationship and its significance within the broader context of the poem.

A Disturbing Reflection on Societal Ills

In conclusion, "a blue woman with sticking out breasts hanging" is a disturbing and challenging poem that offers a bleak reflection on societal ills. Through its unflinching portrayal of misogyny, racism, and disillusionment, Cummings forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition. The poem's power lies not in its beauty or its comforting message, but in its raw honesty and its ability to provoke a visceral response. It is a reminder of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of everyday life, and the urgent need to challenge the prejudices and inequalities that continue to plague our world.