Poem Analysis - If

Introduction: A World Turned Upside Down

E.E. Cummings' "If" is a whimsical yet poignant exploration of identity, reality, and the human condition. The poem uses a series of fantastical "what if" scenarios to highlight the importance of what is. It begins with a playful tone, imagining a world where conventional values and perceptions are reversed, but quickly descends into a more serious reflection on the potential loss of self that such a world would entail. The overall mood is one of thoughtful contemplation, tinged with a sense of melancholy.

The Importance of Authenticity: Finding Self

One of the main themes of "If" is the importance of authenticity and individuality. The poem presents a series of conditional statements, each proposing a reality that is fundamentally different from the one we know. However, in each stanza, the speaker rejects these inverted worlds because they would result in the loss of self. In the first stanza, the speaker states, "I wouldn't be I" if freckles were lovely and day was night. This illustrates the idea that our identities are formed by our experiences, perceptions, and even our imperfections. To change these would be to erase what makes us unique. This theme is about retaining one's core self in a world attempting to change or redefine its very foundation.

The Fragility of Relationships: The Essence of "You" and "We"

The poem also subtly examines the fragility of relationships and how they are built on shared realities. The second stanza focuses on the potential loss of the "you" figure. The speaker suggests that if earth were heaven and past was present, then "You wouldn't be you." This indicates that relationships are built on the authentic selves of the individuals involved. If those selves were to change drastically, the connection would be severed. Similarly, in the final stanza, the speaker concludes, "We wouldn't be we" if fear was plucky and globes were square. This emphasizes that the collective "we" is dependent on a shared understanding of reality and a sense of belonging, that without common ground even the core values can be lost. This section can be interpreted as the author highlighting the idea that relationships are not static, but are instead a dynamic exchange that requires common ground.

Reversed Imagery: A Mirror to the Familiar

Cummings employs a strategy of reversed imagery, presenting familiar concepts in their opposite forms. This technique serves to highlight the absurdity and undesirability of a world turned upside down. For instance, the idea of "measles were nice" is jarring because it challenges our understanding of illness and suffering. Similarly, the image of "dirt was cleanly" is a contradiction in terms, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness as a societal value. By presenting these reversed images, Cummings forces the reader to reconsider the assumptions and values that underpin our understanding of the world. Globes being square is another strong example that highlights the importance of a shared understanding of basic truths to our existence.

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the "Is"

"If" by E.E. Cummings is a celebration of reality, individuality, and the relationships that are built on shared experiences. Through a series of fantastical "what if" scenarios, the poem highlights the importance of embracing the world as it is and cherishing the unique identities that are shaped by it. The poem is ultimately a reminder that our sense of self and our connections with others are deeply intertwined with the realities we share. By rejecting these alternative realities, Cummings affirms the value of the present and the importance of authenticity in a world that is constantly changing.