Poem Analysis - As Freedom Is A Breakfastfood

An Exploration of Absurdity and Enduring Love

E.E. Cummings' "as freedom is a breakfastfood" is a whimsical yet pointed exploration of societal hypocrisy and the enduring power of love. The poem begins with a sardonic tone, presenting a series of absurd comparisons that challenge conventional wisdom. As it progresses, the tone subtly shifts, acknowledging the pervasiveness of these contradictions while ultimately affirming the enduring strength of genuine human connection. This evolution from cynicism to hope underscores Cummings' belief in the transformative power of love amidst a world often characterized by falsehood and conformity.

Challenging the Status Quo

The poem's primary theme is a critique of societal norms and the compromises people make to fit in. Cummings uses absurd comparisons, such as "freedom is a breakfastfood" and "hatracks into peachtrees grow," to highlight the nonsensical nature of certain societal expectations. The lines "will being pay the rent of seem / and genius please the talentgang" suggest that authentic selfhood is often sacrificed to maintain appearances and appease mediocre standards. The poem implies that societal pressures often force individuals to compromise their values and aspirations in order to gain acceptance, questioning the very foundations upon which conventional success is built.

The Impermanence of Falsehoods

Another significant theme is the transient nature of deception and falsehood. The repeated phrase "-long enough and just so long" suggests that these absurdities and compromises can only persist for a limited time. This refrain serves as a rhythmic reminder that while societal illusions may hold sway temporarily, their grip is ultimately tenuous. The lines "will the impure think all things pure" and "worms are the words" illustrate how corrupt perceptions and empty rhetoric can dominate for a while, but the underlying truth will eventually emerge. This theme emphasizes the idea that genuine values and authentic expression will ultimately prevail over artificiality.

Love as the Ultimate Truth

Love emerges as the poem's central symbol of truth and redemption. In contrast to the preceding absurdities, the final stanza offers a starkly different perspective. Lines such as "breasts will be breasts and thighs will be thighs" are not about sexuality, but about the inevitable, undeniable reality of the human body, and by extension, reality itself, stripping away pretense. The declaration "deeds cannot dream what dreams can do" suggests that true action and real change are driven by the power of imagination and ideals. The concluding lines, "but love is the sky and i am for you," elevate love to an all-encompassing, eternal force that transcends the limitations and deceptions of the world. Love becomes the ultimate reality, offering solace and meaning amidst the chaos and absurdity.

A Final Affirmation

In conclusion, "as freedom is a breakfastfood" is a complex and layered poem that uses absurdity and irony to critique societal hypocrisy while simultaneously celebrating the enduring power of love. Cummings challenges conventional wisdom and exposes the transient nature of falsehoods, ultimately affirming the importance of authenticity and genuine human connection. The poem's final message is one of hope and resilience, suggesting that even in a world filled with contradictions, love remains the ultimate truth and a source of unwavering support. The final expression of love provides an anchor, a sense of enduring purpose within the swirling vortex of societal absurdities.