Poem Analysis - Consider

A Declaration of Love and Celestial Vision

E.E. Cummings’ "Consider" is a passionate declaration of love, presented as an offering of the speaker's body and experiences to the beloved. The poem blends the physical and the metaphysical, grounding an intensely personal emotion in the grand scale of the cosmos. The tone begins with a direct and almost vulnerable invitation, then expands into a reverent and awe-struck description of the universe, eventually returning to the intimate anticipation of shared memories. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and its capacity to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Body as a Vessel of Experience

One central theme of "Consider" is the body as a repository of lived experience. The speaker doesn't simply offer physical form; instead, the body is presented as a vessel that has journeyed, yearned, and witnessed profound beauty. The "empty arms" that have "lain / upon the giddy hills" suggest a past longing, a prior state of incompleteness now resolved by the presence of the "O / woman." By offering his body, the speaker offers all that he has seen and felt, turning the physical into a symbol of emotional and spiritual richness. This theme emphasizes the importance of personal history in shaping our capacity for love and connection.

Love and Transcendence

Another key theme is the connection between love and transcendence. The speaker's adoration elevates him to a state where he can perceive the universe in a new light, transforming "night’s speechless carnival" into a vibrant, artistic spectacle. The "painting / of the dark / with meteors" suggests a divine creativity at play, witnessed and appreciated by the speaker. This vision is not merely a spectacle, but a shared experience that he longs to impart to his beloved. The poem implies that love allows us to see beyond the mundane, granting us access to a deeper understanding of beauty and the cosmos.

The Power of Memory and Future Intimacy

The promise of future memories forms a distinct theme within "Consider." The speaker envisions a time "in time to come" when the woman will recall "amazing / ecstasies." This anticipation creates a sense of enduring connection, suggesting that the experience of love will leave an indelible mark on both individuals. The language used to describe these future memories – "flowerterrible / memories" – hints at the complex and sometimes bittersweet nature of remembered experience. The phrase "red elected lips / scaleless visions" is particularly evocative and ambiguous. The "red elected lips" may symbolize the power of speech and shared experience, while the "scaleless visions" may suggest a shedding of worldly concerns to gain a higher understanding.

Celestial Imagery: From Meteors to Lips

The poem is rich in celestial imagery. Meteors "streaming from playful / immortal hands" create a sense of cosmic wonder. Stars "bursting" in the night sky evoke a feeling of explosive beauty and ephemeral existence. However, even these grand images are ultimately grounded in the earthly realm. The eventual return to the "red elected lips" suggests that the speaker's vision of the cosmos is inextricably linked to his love for the woman. This image is central, because it implies that what we see in the world around us is inevitably shaped and colored by the connections we have with others.

A Love Letter Written in Starlight

In conclusion, "Consider" is more than just a love poem; it is an invitation to share in a profound and transformative experience. The poem uses vivid imagery and a sweeping scope to elevate a personal declaration of love to a cosmic scale. By offering his body, his experiences, and his very vision of the universe, the speaker seeks to forge a connection that transcends the ordinary and touches upon the eternal. The poem speaks to the enduring power of love to illuminate our world and to shape the memories that will define our shared future.