Poem Analysis - If I

A Celebration of Human Value

E.E. Cummings' "if i" is a defiant and celebratory poem. It begins with a nonchalant dismissal of basic needs like sustenance, then abruptly shifts to a vibrant affirmation of beauty, depth, and generosity. The poem's tone transitions from apathy to passionate exuberance, using unconventional syntax and imagery to emphasize its message. Ultimately, it's a rejection of materialistic concerns in favor of valuing profound human qualities.

Discarding the Insignificant

One of the central themes in "if i" is a rejection of societal values that prioritize material well-being over genuine human connection and virtue. The poem opens by trivializing the importance of knowing where one's next meal is coming from. Cummings even extends this indifference to include everyone else, suggesting that even if everyone has "a bellyful" without the speaker's effort, it "doesn't matter." This initial stance sets up a stark contrast with the poem's later embrace of beauty and generosity. The phrase "to hell with that" is repeated, serving as a powerful rejection of superficial concerns.

The Power of Beauty and Generosity

The poem dramatically shifts its focus to celebrate "beautiful or deep or generous" qualities. Here, Cummings highlights the importance of human character, specifically those elements that lift the human spirit. The verbs associated with expressing these values – "whistle that," "sing that," "yell that," "spell that out big" – create a sense of joyous and uninhibited expression. The repetition of "that" emphasizes these qualities. This section establishes the poem's central thesis: it is these human characteristics, not material necessities, that truly hold value.

Cosmic Rays and Handbags: A Visual Hierarchy

The poem utilizes vivid imagery to illustrate the relative importance of different things. Cummings juxtaposes grand, overwhelming forces – "cosmic rays war earthquakes famine" – with a trivial, almost absurd scenario: "the ex / prince of whoses diving into / a whatses to rescue miss nobody's / probably handbag." This comparison serves to diminish the significance of both large-scale disasters and petty concerns when compared to the value of human qualities. The image highlights the poem's belief that even seemingly insignificant acts of beauty, depth, and generosity outweigh material possessions and global crises.

Beyond Material Needs: Finding True Significance

The poem concludes with a series of affectionate phrases – "swell babe," "lousy kid," "my sweet" – that reinforce the speaker's conviction. The affirmation "that's something else my sweet (i feel that's true)" solidifies the poem's core message. Ultimately, "if i" is a passionate declaration of what truly matters in life. It dismisses material concerns and embraces the profound value of human qualities like beauty, depth, and generosity. The poem invites us to prioritize these elements and celebrate them with unrestrained enthusiasm.