Poem Analysis - I Go To This Window

An Encounter with Ephemeral Beauty

E.E. Cummings' "i go to this window" is a brief but potent exploration of self-reflection triggered by the natural world. The poem begins with a sense of vulnerability and fear, gradually shifting to one of understanding and acceptance. The speaker's encounter with the new moon sparks a profound realization about their own shortcomings and the enduring presence of a loved one. The poem's final image is one of overwhelming, dreamlike immersion, leaving the reader contemplating the transformative power of beauty.

A Contrast in Being

One of the central themes in the poem is the contrast between the speaker's self-perceived coarseness and the ethereal beauty of the moon and the person it represents. The line "how myself has been coarse and dull / compared with you, silently who are" directly states this disparity. The moon, "thinner than a hair," embodies a delicate and refined existence that the speaker feels they lack. The phrase "silently who are" suggests a state of being that transcends words and actions, further highlighting the speaker's perceived inadequacy. The poem also explores the theme of inner transformation brought about by external stimuli. The speaker's initial fear gives way to knowing, and finally, a complete submersion into a world of dreams, driven by the moon's "sharpening".

The Moon's Symbolism: Love and Inspiration

The new moon serves as a primary symbol throughout the poem. Initially described as "thinner than a hair," it represents both fragility and potential. It also seems to represent the person the speaker is comparing themselves to. The phrase "compared with you, silently who are" strongly suggest they are linked. The moon's gradual "sharpening" and eventual "sprouting" into the "largest final air" can be interpreted as the growing influence of love and inspiration in the speaker's life. The moon's presence is not merely visual; it evokes a feeling of connection and triggers a cascade of "enormous dreams," suggesting the power of love or beauty to unlock hidden depths of the imagination. This powerful imagery speaks to the transformative power of beauty, its ability to inspire growth and understanding.

Drowning in Dreams

The final image of the poem – "the sprouting largest final air / plunges / inward with hurled / downward thousands of enormous dreams" – is particularly striking and open to interpretation. The “final air” suggests a culmination or ultimate essence, connected directly to the moon that is now “sprouting.” The violent action of “plunges inward with hurled downward” creates a feeling of being overwhelmed, almost drowning, by the sheer volume of dreams. It can also be interpreted as a surrendering to the power of imagination and the subconscious. Is this a positive or a negative surrender? The poem doesn’t explicitly state, but the overwhelming nature of the imagery suggests a significant, and perhaps unsettling, experience.

A Glimpse into the Self

"i go to this window" is a poignant exploration of self-awareness and the transformative power of beauty. The poem charts a journey from fear and self-doubt to understanding and acceptance, culminating in a dreamlike immersion. Through vivid imagery and symbolic representation, Cummings captures the profound impact that nature and connection can have on the human psyche. The poem suggests that even in moments of perceived inadequacy, there is always the potential for growth, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, spurred by the simple act of looking at the moon.