Poem Analysis - Hist Whist

A Spooky Dance in Miniature

E.E. Cummings' "Hist Whist" is a playful and slightly eerie poem that evokes the atmosphere of Halloween or a fantastical dream. The poem starts with whispers and quick movements, building a sense of anticipation and mystery. While the initial tone is light and whimsical, it gradually darkens as the poem progresses, introducing elements of fear and the unknown. This transformation creates a captivating and unsettling experience for the reader, drawing them into a world of miniature monsters and lurking threats. The poem's energy pulses with a sense of childlike wonder tinged with a primal fear.

The Whispers of Imagination

One of the main themes in "Hist Whist" is the power of imagination, particularly the way children's minds populate the world with fantastic creatures. The poem uses vivid imagery to conjure up "little ghostthings," "twitchy witches," and "tingling goblins," all presented in a diminutive and somewhat harmless light. The repetition of "little" emphasizes the smallness and vulnerability of these creatures, suggesting they are figments of a playful, yet easily frightened, imagination. This theme is developed through the active verbs associated with these creatures, such as "tip-toe," "twinkle-toe," and "scuttling," bringing these imaginary beings to life. The poem uses short, clipped phrases to convey movement, supporting the frenetic nature of the subject matter.

The Shadow of Fear

Alongside imagination, the poem explores the theme of fear, specifically the irrational fears that often accompany childhood. This is most evident in the introduction of the "old woman with the wart on her nose," a classic figure of folklore and nightmares. The lines, "what she’ll do to yer / nobody knows," tap into the primal fear of the unknown and the helplessness associated with childhood vulnerability. The sudden shift to the "devil" further amplifies this sense of dread. The repetition of "devil" creates an incantatory effect, drawing the reader deeper into the poem's darkness. Here, the poem showcases how easily childlike wonder can turn into childlike fear, often triggered by a simple tale or image.

Green is the Devil's Hue: Symbolism of Darkness and the Unknown

Several images stand out in the poem, contributing to its overall message. The most potent is the image of the "great / green / dancing / devil." The color green is often associated with envy, sickness, or the uncanny, and its association with the devil here deepens the sense of unease. The fact that the devil is "dancing" suggests a chaotic, uncontrolled energy, a force that is both terrifying and strangely captivating. The cumulative impact of the repeating "devil" in descending lines creates a dark vortex, emphasizing the looming presence of evil. The "whisk whisk" at the end of a stanza functions almost like a curtain drop, pulling the reader away from the terror and back into the realm of imagination, but the residue of fear lingers. Why does the devil dance? Is it a dance of triumph or madness? The poem leaves this chillingly open to interpretation.

A Final Shriek: The Enduring Power of Fear

"Hist Whist" is a brief but powerful poem that captures the delicate balance between imagination and fear. It explores how easily our minds can conjure up both delightful and terrifying images. From playful ghosts to a menacing old woman and a dancing green devil, the poem paints a vivid picture of a world where anything is possible, and where even the smallest creatures can hold the greatest power over our emotions. The final "wheeEEE" acts as both a shriek of terror and a burst of exhilarating release, reminding us of the enduring power of fear and the human fascination with the unknown.