Poem Analysis - Even A Pencil Has Fear To

Introduction: A World Observed with Anxious Curiosity

E.E. Cummings's "even a pencil has fear to" is a quirky and fragmented exploration of perception, attraction, and the precarious nature of reality. The poem, characteristic of Cummings's style, employs unconventional syntax and punctuation to create a sense of hesitant discovery. Its tone oscillates between anxious observation and playful assertion. The poem feels like a series of thoughts, jumping between images and anxieties related to observing, and perhaps being observed by, another. The mood shifts from tentative unease to a more confident, albeit still somewhat cryptic, declaration.

The Fragility of Perception: A Central Theme

One prominent theme is the fragility of perception. Cummings highlights this through the initial image of a pencil experiencing fear and a pen feeling dread. These inanimate objects are given human emotions, suggesting the observer's own anxieties are projected onto the scene. The line, "since the world's but a piece of eminent fragility," reinforces this idea that reality itself is delicate and easily disrupted. The poem suggests that experiencing the world, especially in the presence of someone who captivates the speaker, makes one intensely aware of its precarious nature. This fragility is not necessarily a negative quality but rather a condition that makes perception and interaction all the more precious and potent.

The Unease of Being Seen: Power Dynamics

Another key theme revolves around the unease of being seen. The lines "seeing her is not / to something or to nothing as much as / being by her seen" indicate a power dynamic shift. The act of observing is less significant than the experience of being observed. This creates a sense of vulnerability for the speaker. The speaker feels more impacted by being the subject of someone else's gaze than by their own act of seeing. It suggests a reversal of control and highlights the anxiety that arises when one becomes the object of another's attention. The phrase "which has got / nothing on something as i think" adds to the complexity, implying the speaker is trying to rationalise these feelings.

Jazz, Soup, and Un-Noise: The Tangibility of Meaning

The poem uses vivid and somewhat nonsensical imagery to represent the tangibility of meaning. The reference to a "jazz / Band?" seems disconnected at first, but it can be interpreted as a metaphor for the complex and improvisational nature of communication and interaction. Jazz music is known for its spontaneity and syncopation, mirroring the unpredictable thoughts within the poem. Similarly, the image of "unnoise men don't make soup who drink" is paradoxical. It suggests that those who lack creativity or those who are only consumers, cannot create anything substantial ("soup"). These images underscore the idea that true understanding requires active participation and a willingness to embrace the unconventional, further emphasized by Cummings's playful use of language.

Concluding Thoughts: A Fleeting Moment of Observation

In conclusion, "even a pencil has fear to" is a snapshot of a fleeting moment, filled with anxiety, wonder, and a sense of the world's precarious beauty. Cummings masterfully uses unconventional language and imagery to explore themes of perception, vulnerability, and the subtle power dynamics inherent in human interaction. The poem reminds us that even seemingly insignificant moments can hold profound meaning and that the act of observing and being observed shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the power of perspective and the beauty of capturing even the most fragile moments. The ending, with its seemingly random images of jazz and soup, leaves the reader to ponder the multifaceted nature of understanding and the beauty of experiences beyond simple observation.