Poem Analysis - If Everything Happens That Cant Be Done

An Ode to Experience

E.E. Cummings' poem "If Everything Happens That Can't Be Done" is a vibrant celebration of lived experience over the limitations of prescribed knowledge. The poem pulses with a childlike energy, rejecting the constraints of logic and embracing the boundless possibilities of love and being. The tone is playful and exuberant, shifting from a general observation about life to a personal declaration of love, ultimately culminating in a collective affirmation of existence. The poem champions instinct, feeling, and the immediacy of the present moment, contrasting these with the perceived sterility of "books."

The Primacy of Experience Over Intellect

One of the central themes of the poem is the superiority of lived experience over intellectual knowledge. Cummings repeatedly contrasts the vibrancy of the world with the perceived limitations of "books." For instance, "birds sing sweeter than books tell how," illustrating that direct sensory experience surpasses any description or explanation. The poem suggests that books, representing established knowledge and societal norms, can only offer a pale imitation of the richness and wonder found in the world. This rejection of rigid structure is further emphasized by the poem's own unconventional punctuation and grammar, mirroring the freedom and spontaneity it celebrates.

Love as a Catalyst for Transformation

The theme of love as a transformative force is strongly present. The lines "now i love you and you love me" act as a turning point, shifting the focus from general observations to a deeply personal connection. This love unlocks a new level of understanding and appreciation, making everything "brighter than even the sun" and "greater than books might mean." Love, in this context, is not just an emotion but a catalyst that allows for a deeper, more authentic engagement with the world. It's presented as a force capable of transcending limitations and creating something entirely new and wonderful.

The Power of "One" and "We"

The poem explores the concept of individuality merging into unity. The speaker initially focuses on the concept of "one," emphasizing its uniqueness and lack of dependence on external factors ("one hasn't a why or because or although"). However, as the poem progresses, "one" evolves into "we," signifying a collective experience of love and being. This transition suggests that true individuality is not about isolation but about connection and shared existence. The final lines, "we're wonderful one times one," encapsulate this idea, highlighting the power and beauty of individual identities coming together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Recurring Symbols and Their Significance

The repeated image of "books" serves as a symbol of constraint and limitations. Throughout the poem, books are presented as inferior to direct experience, feeling, and intuition. In contrast, images of nature, such as "buds," "leaves," and "birds," represent vitality, growth, and the beauty of the natural world. The phrase "around we go" (and variations thereof) appears in each stanza, signifying the cyclical nature of life, the continuous flow of experience, and the joyous energy of movement and change. Are the "books" literally books, or are they a more metaphorical representation of the barriers to understanding and freedom that are imposed upon us by society?

A Final Embrace of the Present

In conclusion, "If Everything Happens That Can't Be Done" is a powerful affirmation of life, love, and the beauty of the present moment. Cummings uses unconventional language and imagery to challenge conventional ways of thinking, urging readers to embrace experience over intellect and to find joy in the simple act of being. The poem’s ultimate message is one of hope and possibility, suggesting that by letting go of our preconceptions and embracing the unknown, we can discover a world that is infinitely richer and more wonderful than we ever imagined.