Poem Analysis - Buffalo Bill

A Celebration and Questioning of an American Icon

E.E. Cummings' "Buffalo Bill's" is a short, sharp burst of a poem that both celebrates and interrogates the myth of the American West. The poem initially presents a romanticized image of Buffalo Bill, a famous sharpshooter and showman, before abruptly shifting to a darker contemplation of his death. The tone moves from admiration and almost childlike wonder to a more cynical and challenging query. Ultimately, the poem questions the value and permanence of earthly fame in the face of mortality.

The Brevity of Life and Fame

One of the central themes is the transience of life and the fleeting nature of fame. The opening word, "defunct," immediately establishes this theme, starkly contrasting with the vibrant image of Buffalo Bill that follows. The poem's rapid pace and fragmented language mirror the speed with which life passes. Buffalo Bill, a figure once celebrated for his vitality and skill, is reduced to a single word signifying his non-existence. The seemingly effortless skill described in "break onetwothreefourfive pigeons justlikethat" highlights his past power, but emphasizes its ultimate irrelevance in the face of death.

Imagery of Power and Grace

The poem employs striking imagery to depict Buffalo Bill as a figure of power and grace. The "watersmooth-silver / stallion" suggests a sense of effortless control and beauty, conjuring an image of the Wild West hero in his prime. This carefully crafted image is then juxtaposed with the abrupt and violent act of shooting "onetwothreefourfive pigeons justlikethat." This act, while potentially disturbing, further emphasizes Buffalo Bill's skill and dominance. The speed and ease with which he dispatches the pigeons highlight his legendary status.

Confronting Death Personified

The poem's final lines directly address death, personified as "Mister Death," and pose a provocative question: "how do you like your blue-eyed boy." This ending introduces a theme of mortality's ultimate power over even the most celebrated figures. The use of "blue-eyed boy" could be interpreted as a sarcastic comment on death's preference for the handsome and admired. It could also imply that death is somehow pleased to have claimed such a famous figure. This ambiguous phrasing forces the reader to confront the uncomfortable reality that death shows no partiality, regardless of a person's achievements in life. Does death cherish those it takes, or is the phrase simply a dismissive reference to Buffalo Bill’s lost glory?

A Lasting Impression Despite Brevity

In conclusion, "Buffalo Bill's" is a powerful and concise meditation on fame, mortality, and the American mythos. Cummings uses vivid imagery and fragmented language to create a portrait of a legendary figure and then abruptly dismantles it with the stark reality of death. The poem challenges us to consider the true value of earthly achievements in the face of our inevitable demise, leaving a lasting impression with its brevity and poignant final question.