Poem Analysis - Kumrads Die Because Theyre Told

A Bitter Condemnation of Conformity

E.E. Cummings’ "kumrads die because they're told" is a sardonic and cynical assault on blind obedience and the dehumanizing effects of ideology. The poem drips with contempt for those who unquestioningly follow orders, sacrificing their individuality and ultimately their lives. The tone is mocking and accusatory, shifting between detached observation and outright disgust. The poem paints a bleak picture of individuals reduced to cogs in a machine, driven by fear and hatred rather than genuine conviction.

Echoes of Political Disillusionment

While not explicitly stated, the poem strongly suggests a critique of communist or totalitarian regimes. The word "kumrads" is a deliberately distorted spelling of "comrades," evoking the language of socialist solidarity while simultaneously undermining it. This, coupled with references to Moscow, hints at Cummings' disillusionment with such ideologies and their potential for suppressing individual thought and action. It's important to remember that Cummings was writing during a period of significant political upheaval, including the rise of communism and fascism, making this interpretation highly probable.

Dehumanization: The Heart of Darkness

A central theme of the poem is the dehumanization inherent in blind obedience. The "kumrads" are not presented as individuals with unique personalities or aspirations. Instead, they are portrayed as a homogenous group defined by their willingness to die and their inability to "believe in life." The line "every kumrad is a bit / of quite unmitigated hate" further emphasizes this loss of humanity, suggesting that fear and resentment have replaced empathy and compassion. Cummings' use of the term "smell" to describe their "altruistic smell" turns something positive like selflessness into something disgusting, highlighting the perversion of values within this system.

Symbols of Folly and Fear

Several symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The "moscow pipes" could symbolize propaganda and the manipulation of the masses through orchestrated displays of unity. The image of "kumrads dance" suggests a forced and unnatural happiness, masking the underlying fear and emptiness. The bizarre and unsettling line "the hope that you may mess your pance" is a particularly striking image. This could be interpreted as the ultimate expression of fear and powerlessness, reducing individuals to a state of infantile terror. It also highlights the absurdity of blindly following orders, when the stakes are so high and potentially humiliating.

Love's Absence: The Root of Conformity

The final lines, "(because they are afraid to love," offer a profound insight into the motivation behind the "kumrads'" behavior. Their inability to love, to connect with others on a personal level, leaves them vulnerable to manipulation and susceptible to the allure of ideology. The absence of love creates a void that is filled with fear and hatred, driving them to conform and follow orders without question. This suggestion makes the reader question the true source of dedication to a cause if there is not love or even liking for its members.

A Lasting Warning Against Unthinking Obedience

In conclusion, "kumrads die because they're told" is a powerful and unsettling poem that warns against the dangers of unthinking obedience and the dehumanizing effects of ideology. Through its sardonic tone, vivid imagery, and symbolic language, Cummings paints a bleak picture of individuals reduced to cogs in a machine, driven by fear and hatred. The poem's enduring significance lies in its timeless message about the importance of critical thinking, individual conscience, and the courage to resist conformity, lest we become "kumrads" ourselves.