Poem Analysis - Finis

A Quiet Farewell: Introduction to "Finis"

E.E. Cummings' "Finis" is a serene meditation on mortality and the acceptance of life's inevitable end. The poem evokes a sense of quiet contemplation, mirroring the transition from day to night and, metaphorically, from life to death. The initial tone is one of peaceful observation, transitioning into a hopeful anticipation of a graceful passing. The poem uses vivid imagery of sunset and water to portray a gentle and welcoming vision of the afterlife. The poem's title, "Finis", a Latin word meaning "the end," immediately establishes the theme of conclusion and sets the stage for a reflection on life's ultimate ending.

The Gentle Embrace of Mortality

One of the central themes of "Finis" is mortality. Cummings doesn't present death as something to be feared, but rather as a natural progression, much like the setting sun. The lines "day descending / night ascending" illustrate this continuous cycle, suggesting that death is simply a transformation, a shift from one state of being to another. The phrase "last light’s gracious exhortation" personifies death, portraying it as a gentle encouragement towards peace. The speaker's desire to "behold my sunset" implies an acceptance of death and a longing for a beautiful and peaceful transition, much like the sunset described in the beginning of the poem.

Hope and the Promise of Peace

Related to the theme of mortality is the theme of hope. The speaker expresses a hope for a peaceful and beautiful end. The desire to behold their "sunset" implies a hope for a graceful passing, a moment of beauty and tranquility before the end. The phrase "lifting up to peace" further reinforces this theme, suggesting that death offers a release from earthly struggles and a transition into a state of serenity. The poem's imagery, such as the "golden greeting" and "splendidly to westward", evokes a sense of warmth and welcome, contributing to the overall feeling of hopefulness.

Faith and the "eternal god"

Finally, the poem touches upon the theme of faith, though subtly. The speaker hopes that "when life shall falter," they will be standing on the shores of the "eternal god." This implies a belief in a higher power and an afterlife. The image of standing on the "shores" suggests a liminal space, a border between the earthly and the divine. The word "eternal" emphasizes the enduring nature of this god, suggesting a source of comfort and stability in the face of death. While not explicitly religious, the poem hints at a spiritual dimension that offers solace and hope in the face of mortality.

Sunset as a Symbol of Transition

The most potent symbol in "Finis" is undoubtedly the sunset. It functions as a multifaceted symbol representing the end of life, beauty, and transition. The sunset's "gentle glory" and "golden greeting" create a sense of warmth and welcome, softening the harshness often associated with death. The image of the sunset "flooding over silent waters" suggests a cleansing or purification, a release of earthly burdens as one enters the afterlife. The "silent waters" themselves could symbolize the unknown expanse of death or the subconscious, adding another layer of depth to the image. The trembling of the "pale twilight" suggests the fragility of life and the inevitable fading into darkness, while simultaneously highlighting the beauty of the moment before that transition.

Final Reflections: A Serene Acceptance

In conclusion, "Finis" is a poignant and evocative poem that explores the themes of mortality, hope, and faith through the powerful imagery of a sunset. Cummings crafts a vision of death not as an end, but as a transition into a peaceful and beautiful realm. The poem encourages acceptance and even anticipation of the final moments of life, urging us to find beauty and solace in the face of the unknown. The sunset, as a recurring symbol, encapsulates this message, serving as a reminder that even in endings, there can be grace, beauty, and the promise of a new beginning, of peace in the arms of the eternal.