Poem Analysis - Flotsam And Jetsam

A Sardonic Snippet of Societal Critique

E.E. Cummings' "Flotsam and Jetsam" is a short, sharp, and satiric jab at societal hypocrisy and intellectual pretension. The poem, though brief, uses wordplay and jarring juxtapositions to create a tone that is both mocking and cynical. It critiques the superficiality of certain social groups and their adherence to often contradictory values. The overall mood is one of amused disdain, challenging the reader to question the norms and beliefs being presented.

Echoes of Modernist Disillusionment

While specific historical events aren't directly referenced, the poem resonates with the broader disillusionment felt by many modernist writers, including Cummings. Following the devastation of World War I, there was a widespread questioning of traditional values, social structures, and the perceived progress of humanity. "Flotsam and Jetsam," with its critique of intellectual posturing and societal contradictions, reflects this atmosphere of skepticism and cynicism, questioning the very foundations of established order.

The Hypocrisy of Intellectual Elites

One central theme is the hypocrisy of intellectual elites. The poem introduces "gentlemen poeds" (poets), a clear distortion of the word poets, and links them to "urseappeal netsam" and "spinsters and coeds," implying a certain social class. These figures are described as "thoroughly bretish" and engaging in an "itarian fetish," highlighting their adherence to established social norms while simultaneously indulging in behaviors that contradict these norms. The phrase "give all things to enni/one bugger thy nabor" encapsulates this hypocrisy, suggesting a superficial altruism that masks self-serving actions.

Gender and Societal Expectations

The poem also touches on gender and societal expectations, albeit in a cynical manner. The lines "that man isn't wuman" present a crude and reductive view of gender dynamics, mocking the very idea of gender equality or fluidity. By stating the absurd, Cummings forces us to confront the societal pressures and expectations placed upon individuals based on their gender. This element of the poem serves to highlight the superficiality of the intellectuals it is satirising, and that those "men" who do not identify with "women" are still only as good as their wealth.

The Absurdity of Security

The concluding lines about "neck and senecktie/are gentlemen ppoyds/even whose recktie/are covered by lloyd's" offer a pointed commentary on the absurdity of seeking security in material possessions and institutions. The distorted words "neck," "senecktie," and "recktie" further degrade the sense of order and meaning. The reference to "Lloyd's," a famous insurance market, suggests that even the most reckless or scandalous behavior can be insured or protected by wealth and status. This imagery reinforces the poem's critique of a society where appearances and material security are valued above genuine morality or intellectual integrity.

A Bitter Pill of Truth

In conclusion, "Flotsam and Jetsam" is a concise yet potent critique of social hypocrisy and intellectual pretension. Through distorted language, jarring juxtapositions, and a cynical tone, Cummings exposes the contradictions within certain segments of society and the absurdity of seeking meaning in superficial displays of morality and wealth. The poem serves as a reminder to question established norms and to be wary of those who prioritize appearance over substance, leaving the reader with a somewhat bitter but ultimately insightful perspective on human nature.