Poem Analysis - The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined

Introduction: A Celebration of Unrefined Energy

E.E. Cummings' "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined" is a boisterous and unapologetic celebration of raw, unfiltered energy and sexuality. The poem embraces a world far removed from polite society, reveling in the primal instincts and uninhibited actions of its characters. Its tone is deliberately crude and provocative, almost challenging the reader to recoil in judgment. However, beneath the shocking imagery lies a sense of admiration for the boys' authenticity and vitality. There are no shifts in the tone of the poem.

Embracing Unconventionality: Rejection of Societal Norms

A central theme of the poem is the rejection of societal norms and expectations. The phrase "the boys i mean are not refined" is a recurring refrain, acting as a defiant statement against the constraints of politeness, intellect, and artistic pretension. The poem portrays a world where natural instincts and raw desires are prioritized over social graces. The descriptions of the girls they are with, who "buck and bite" and "cannot read and cannot write," further emphasizes this rejection of conventional expectations for behavior and intellect.

Sexuality as Liberation: Unrestrained Desire and Power

Sexuality is presented not as something shameful or hidden, but as a force of liberation and power. The lines "they hump them thirteen times a night" and "one hangs a hat upon her tit/one carves a cross on her behind" are intentionally provocative, pushing the boundaries of acceptable language and imagery. This uninhibited expression of desire is a key element in the boys' rejection of societal constraints. It is a demonstration of their freedom to act on their impulses, regardless of what others may think. The poem uses vivid imagery, though shocking, to represent this liberation.

Vitality and Destruction: The Two Sides of Unfettered Energy

Another compelling theme is the duality of vitality and destruction. The boys' energy is not only expressed through sexual acts but also through violent and destructive imagery: "they kill like you would take a piss" and "masturbate with dynamite." The poem suggests that such raw, untamed energy can be both life-affirming and destructive. It raises questions about the consequences of living without restraint and the potential for such powerful forces to cause harm. The final image of them "shake[ing] the mountains when they dance" symbolizes the profound impact of their untamed energy on the world around them, and also suggests their destructive potential.

Provocative Symbolism: Crosses, Dynamite, and Shaking Mountains

The poem employs several provocative symbols that contribute to its overall message. The "cross" carved on the girl's behind can be interpreted as a subversion of traditional religious symbolism, perhaps representing a rejection of religious morality or a commentary on the hypocrisy of societal values. The "dynamite" used during masturbation is a potent image of explosive energy and potential for destruction, linking sexuality with violence and chaos. The "shaking mountains" in the final line can be seen as a symbol of the boys' immense power and the disruption they cause to the established order. The choice of these symbols could be interpreted in many ways, highlighting the complexity of human nature and the ambiguity of morality.

Conclusion: A Challenge to the Reader

In conclusion, "The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined" is a powerful and provocative poem that celebrates unrefined energy and challenges societal norms. Through its shocking imagery, unconventional language, and exploration of themes like sexuality, vitality, and destruction, Cummings invites the reader to confront their own assumptions about morality and beauty. The poem's significance lies in its unapologetic embrace of the raw and unfiltered aspects of human nature, suggesting that true vitality often lies beyond the boundaries of polite society. Ultimately, the poem is a bold statement about the power and complexity of living authentically, even if that means embracing the crude and unconventional.