Poem Analysis - The Emperor

Introduction: A Glimpse into Decadence

E.E. Cummings' "The Emperor" paints a lavish, sensual, and ultimately unsettling portrait of power and desire. The poem immerses us in a world of opulent excess, where the emperor's every whim is catered to with extravagant displays of wealth and servitude. Yet, beneath the surface of this apparent splendor lurks a sense of emptiness and artificiality, suggesting that true fulfillment is absent. The tone is initially descriptive and almost admiring, but subtly shifts towards critique as the poem progresses, ultimately revealing the sterile and isolating nature of absolute power.

The Tyranny of Materialism

One central theme in the poem is the corrupting influence of materialism and the superficiality of power. The poem catalogues the emperor’s possessions in meticulous detail, emphasizing their sheer extravagance: a "palace of porphyry," a "howdah / of jasper," "gold cloth," "rings / upon their hands are from mines / a mile deep." These material possessions are not merely symbols of wealth; they define the emperor's world and his interactions within it. The harem is carpeted with gold and features marble pillars, yet this richness only serves to highlight the emptiness of the relationships within. The description of the queen of queens as "more transparent / than water, she is softer than birds" suggests a lack of substance, implying that even human relationships are reduced to mere ornaments in the emperor's collection.

Desire as Performance, Not Passion

The poem explores the theme of desire, but it's a desire that is performative and sterile, rather than genuine and heartfelt. The emperor's "amorous" gestures are calculated and staged, involving a complex ritual with eunuchs, warriors, and musicians. The queen's dance, described as "insinuating upon the gold cloth," is presented as a performance designed to evoke "sudden / lust," rather than an expression of authentic feeling. The entire scene feels artificial and controlled, suggesting that even the most intimate moments are dictated by power dynamics and the emperor's whim. The description of the warriors as "amber with lust" and the cithern-player with "quivering gold / body" reduces even human desire to just another form of gaudy material.

Isolation in the Midst of Abundance

The poem starkly presents the theme of isolation, portraying the emperor as utterly alone despite his immense power and retinue. Surrounded by luxury and servants, he remains emotionally detached. The deliberate staging of intimacy, the impassive gaze of the warriors, and the queen's manufactured performance all contribute to the sense of emotional distance. Even the seemingly intimate moment of the dance culminates in a cold transaction: the emperor "throws / jewels at the queen of queens and / white money upon her nakedness." This act reduces the interaction to a mere exchange, reinforcing the emperor's isolation despite being in the presence of others. The final stanza, where "they are / alone," confirms this isolation, suggesting that even amidst the elaborate rituals and performances, true connection is impossible.

The Weight of Color and Light

Recurring imagery of light and color contributes significantly to the poem’s overall impact. The palace is bathed in "sunlight and / moonlight," creating an atmosphere of perpetual illumination. However, this constant light paradoxically reveals the artificiality and superficiality of the scene. The colors are equally significant: "saffron" umbrellas, "gold cloth," and the turbans of "a hundred / colours" create a sense of visual opulence, yet they also highlight the artificiality of the emperor's world. The contrast between the "blacker than oblivion" eunuchs and the vibrant colors of the harem serves to emphasize the dark undercurrent of power and control that permeates the entire scene. The mention of a "cool moon" tangled in incense might represent a glimmer of hope or authenticity, but it's ultimately overshadowed by the artificiality of the surroundings.

Concluding Thoughts: Empty Grandeur

"The Emperor" is a powerful critique of absolute power and the hollowness of material wealth. Through vivid imagery and a subtly critical tone, Cummings exposes the emotional emptiness that can exist beneath a veneer of extravagance. The poem suggests that true fulfillment cannot be found in possessions or superficial displays of power, but rather in genuine human connection, which is conspicuously absent from the emperor's world. The poem serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even in the most opulent circumstances, isolation and a lack of authentic experience can lead to a profound sense of emptiness. The lasting image is one of sterile grandeur, a gilded cage where the emperor remains imprisoned by his own power.