Poem Analysis - Guilt Is The Cause Of More Disorders

A Stark Proclamation on Guilt

E.E. Cummings's poem, "guilt is the cause of more disorders," is a brief, impactful statement. Its tone is declarative and absolute, presenting guilt as a significant force of destruction. The poem's power lies in its simplicity and the stark comparison it draws between internal suffering and external violence. It offers no nuance, delivering its message with the force of a maxim.

The Pervasive Power of Inner Turmoil

The central theme of the poem is the destructive power of guilt. Cummings doesn't merely suggest that guilt is unpleasant; he asserts that it is a more potent cause of "disorders" than the actions of history's "most obscene marorders." This comparison immediately elevates guilt to a level of immense significance. The choice of the word "disorders" is also important; it is broad and encompassing, suggesting not just mental illness, but also societal breakdowns and a general state of unease.

Juxtaposing Internal Suffering with External Evil

The poem utilizes a key symbolic comparison. "History's most obscene marorders" represent outward, visible acts of violence and destruction—wars, atrocities, and other large-scale evils committed by individuals or groups. By contrasting these historical figures with "guilt," Cummings highlights the insidious nature of internal suffering. While the actions of marorders are easily identifiable and condemned, guilt operates within the individual, often unseen and unacknowledged. This contrast suggests that the internal battles we fight with guilt can be as, or even more, damaging than external conflicts.

Amplifying the Impact Through Concise Language

The poem's brevity contributes significantly to its impact. The concise language, with only two short lines, creates a sense of immediacy and urgency. The rhyme between "disorders" and "marorders" further emphasizes the connection between internal guilt and external acts of destruction, reinforcing the poem's central claim. The poem's form, while not explicitly groundbreaking, mirrors the direct and unadorned nature of its message.

A Lingering Question of Causation

In conclusion, "guilt is the cause of more disorders" is a powerful, albeit concise, statement about the devastating impact of guilt. It challenges us to consider the often-overlooked internal battles we fight and to recognize the potential for self-destruction that lies within. Cummings equates the damage caused by guilt to the damage caused by history’s worst actors. Does the use of word "cause" imply the poem is suggesting that guilt is the root of outward destruction as well as inner turmoil? Is there a connection being alluded to here?