Poem Analysis - The Hours Rise Up Putting Off Stars And It Is

Introduction: A Cycle of Hope and Despair

E.E. Cummings' poem "The Hours Rise Up Putting Off Stars And It Is" paints a stark and cyclical portrait of life, death, and the human condition. The poem moves from dawn to dusk, mirroring a day's passage and, by extension, a life's journey. The tone is complex, shifting between moments of lyrical beauty and grim reality, reflecting a world where hope and despair are intertwined. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader contemplating the repetitive nature of existence and the inherent contradictions within it.

The Cycle of Life and Death

One of the central themes explored in the poem is the cyclical nature of life and death. The poem begins with dawn and ends with night, suggesting a never-ending cycle. "The hours rise up putting off stars and it is dawn..." and "the hours descend, putting on stars..." create a mirrored structure, emphasizing the repetitive nature of time and experience. The image of the city, "wakes with a song upon her mouth having death in her eyes" and then "sleeps with death upon her mouth having a song in her eyes," further highlights this cyclical theme, where life and death are inextricably linked, each containing elements of the other. The juxtaposition of song and death creates a sense of bittersweet acceptance of life's inevitable conclusion and the continuous cycle that follows.

The Erosion of Dreams by Reality

The theme of lost or murdered dreams is powerfully conveyed in the line "the world goes forth to murder dreams…." This suggests that the harsh realities of everyday life crush the aspirations and ideals that people hold. The "strong men are digging bread," a vivid image of labor, symbolize the necessity of survival often overshadowing personal fulfillment. The "brutal faces of people contented hideous hopeless cruel happy" perfectly encapsulates the contradictory nature of a society where individuals accept their grim reality, finding a distorted form of happiness in their suffering. This juxtaposition of seemingly opposite emotions underlines the tragic compromise many are forced to make in the face of economic and societal pressures. The frail man who dreams embodies the preservation of personal vision, yet is set apart from the broader world by his dreams.

The Dichotomy of Inner and Outer Worlds

The poem explores the contrasting realities of the inner and outer worlds. The "street" represents the harsh, public sphere where people engage in physical labor and confront the brutal realities of life. In contrast, the "mirror" symbolizes the private, internal world where the "frail man" can escape into his dreams. This stark contrast highlights the individual's struggle to reconcile their inner desires with the demands of the external world. It also could be interpreted as a commentary on the artist's position in society.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness

Light and darkness serve as recurring symbols throughout the poem. Dawn represents new beginnings, hope, and potential, while dusk and darkness signify the end of the day, rest, and possibly death. The scattering of "poems" by light and night suggests the distribution of creativity and inspiration, both positive and negative, throughout the day and night. The "candle" symbolizes both life and vulnerability. Its extinction represents the loss of life or hope in the face of the overwhelming darkness, while its lighting signifies a resurgence of hope or the spark of new life. Are the poems scattered on earth at dawn and the poems scattered through the sky at night the same poems? The text does not suggest that, opening the poem to interpretation.

Conclusion: A Timeless Reflection on Human Existence

In conclusion, "The Hours Rise Up Putting Off Stars And It Is" offers a poignant and unflinching examination of the human condition. Through vivid imagery, cyclical structure, and contrasting themes, Cummings explores the delicate balance between hope and despair, life and death, and the inner and outer worlds. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to capture the timeless struggle of individuals striving to find meaning and purpose within a world often characterized by harsh realities and fleeting dreams.