Poem Analysis - Dying Is Fine But Death

A Celebration of Life Through the Acceptance of Dying

E.E. Cummings' "dying is fine - but Death" presents a surprisingly joyful and defiant perspective on mortality. The poem contrasts the natural, almost celebrated process of dying with the cold, clinical finality of Death. Through fragmented syntax, unconventional capitalization, and a dismissive tone towards the abstract concept of Death, Cummings ultimately affirms the vitality and beauty inherent in the natural cycle of life and decay. The mood oscillates between reverence for the life cycle and playful disdain for the construct of "Death."

The Dichotomy of Natural and Artificial

One of the central themes is the tension between the natural process of dying and the artificial construct of Death. Cummings presents dying as "perfectly natural;perfectly / putting / it mildly lively." The enjambment and unusual phrasing here underscore the active, vibrant nature of dying. In contrast, Death is described as "strictly / scientific / & artificial & / evil & legal." This juxtaposition highlights Cummings' disdain for the institutionalization and clinical detachment associated with the concept of Death. The repetition of "&" adds to the artificial and constructed feeling.

Reverence for the Cycle of Life

The poem subtly explores the theme of life's continuous cycle. While seemingly focused on death and dying, the underlying message is a celebration of life itself. The lines "we thank thee / god / almighty for dying / (forgive us,o life!the sin of Death" reveal a sense of gratitude for the natural order that includes decay and renewal. By framing Death as a "sin" against life, Cummings emphasizes the inherent value and sanctity of the living experience. It suggests that fearing or resisting death is, in a way, a rejection of the natural processes that sustain life.

Unconventional Symbolism and Imagery

Cummings employs several symbolic images to reinforce his themes. "Death," capitalized and treated as an entity, becomes a symbol of societal constructs and fears surrounding mortality. The phrase "dying's miraculous" stands out as a key image, transforming what is often perceived as a negative experience into something awe-inspiring. The parentheses used around "(instead of stopping to think)you" create a sense of immediacy and invite the reader into the speaker's thought process. The image of “dying” being “lively” is intentionally paradoxical and jarring, forcing the reader to reconsider their pre-conceived notions. Are we meant to see death as simply a change of state rather than an ending? The poem's unconventional use of language and space on the page supports the idea that death is outside our normal way of thinking and speaking.

A Final Affirmation of Life

In conclusion, "dying is fine - but Death" is not a morbid exploration of mortality but rather a spirited affirmation of life. Cummings uses unconventional language and imagery to contrast the natural, lively process of dying with the cold, artificial concept of Death. By embracing the cyclical nature of life and death, the poem ultimately celebrates the inherent beauty and value of the living experience. The poem encourages readers to appreciate the present moment and to reject the societal constructs that lead to a fear of the inevitable. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its ability to transform our perception of death from an ending to a natural and even beautiful part of the grand cycle of life.