Poem Analysis - Epithalamion

Introduction: A Celebration of Love and Fertility

E.E. Cummings' "Epithalamion" is a vibrant, sensual, and intensely metaphorical ode to love and marriage. The poem unfolds in three distinct sections, each characterized by its own unique tone and focus. Initially, the poem evokes a sense of ancient reverence, invoking classical figures and imagery. It transitions into a celebration of spring's renewal and the burgeoning of love, before culminating in a direct address to deities, imploring them to bless the union being celebrated. Throughout, the poem maintains a highly lyrical and evocative style, rich in imagery and symbolism.

The Fertility of Nature and Human Love

One of the central themes of "Epithalamion" is the connection between the fertility of nature and the generative power of human love. The first section establishes this connection through vivid descriptions of the earth's lustful embrace of the rain. The earth is personified as a being "who dost / with quivering continual thighs invite / the thrilling rain the slender paramour." This imagery equates the physical union of man and woman with the natural cycle of rain nourishing the earth. Similarly, in the second section, the poem details the vibrant resurgence of life in spring, describing how "the red / leaps in the maple's cheek" and "ascends the golden crocus from the dead." These images parallel the burgeoning love between the couple, suggesting that their union is a natural and essential part of the cosmic order. The emphasis on "spring, that omits no mention of desire" reinforces the vital connection between natural and human drives.

Echoes of Classical Mythology and Idealized Beauty

The poem is steeped in classical mythology, drawing upon figures such as Zeus, Danae, and Cytherea (Aphrodite) to elevate the lovers and their union to a divine level. The detailed description of the chryselephantine Zeus in the first section presents an ideal of masculine power and beauty, while the allusions to Danae's impregnation by Zeus in a shower of gold emphasize the transformative and miraculous nature of love. The invocation of Aphrodite, sprung from "frail foam" and celebrated as the goddess "to whom belong / th ehearts of lovers!," further underscores the divine blessing bestowed upon the couple. These mythological allusions suggest that their love is not merely a personal experience but a reflection of timeless and universal forces.

Recurring Images: Light, Flowers, and Transformation

Several recurring images contribute to the poem's overall message. Light, particularly golden light, symbolizes divinity, beauty, and the illuminating power of love. The "shining mirth" of the gods, the "golden crocus" of spring, and the "sweet strong final bird" of night all reinforce this association. Flowers, another prominent image, represent the blossoming of love and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The reference to Danae's "eager body's unimmortal flower" and the "flower" that the "divine alchemist" lifts from the "athanor" connect human sexuality with spiritual transformation. The image of the "rose", and particularily "god's evasive audible great rose!", can be interpreted in multiple ways, as a symbol of beauty, a symbol of love, and also as a symbol of silence and perfection. These images work together to create a sense of awe and wonder, suggesting that love is a force that can transform the mundane into the sublime.

Conclusion: A Timeless Blessing

"Epithalamion" is a powerful and evocative celebration of love and marriage. Through its rich imagery, mythological allusions, and emphasis on the fertility of nature, the poem elevates the union of two individuals to a level of cosmic significance. While the poem's complex language and fragmented syntax can present challenges to the reader, its underlying message of love's transformative power remains clear. The poem ultimately functions as a blessing, imploring the gods and nature to shower the couple with happiness and abundance. The poem’s final request to Aphrodite, “I beseech thee bless/thy suppliant singer and his wandering word,” encapsulates the author's sincere desire for the lovers' enduring happiness, making the “Epithalamion” a timeless testament to the beauty and power of love.