Poem Analysis - Lily Has A Rose

A Miniature Drama of Love and Longing

E.E. Cummings' "Lily Has A Rose" is a deceptively simple poem that unfolds like a miniature drama. Its tone is initially gentle and almost childlike, portraying a seemingly straightforward exchange between two girls. However, the poem quickly deepens, revealing complexities of love, desire, and societal expectations. The mood shifts from innocent longing to a more nuanced understanding of value beyond superficial attraction.

The Green-Eyed Monster: Envy and Generosity

One of the central themes in this poem is envy, particularly concerning romantic attention. The opening lines, "lily has a rose / (i have none)", immediately establish a sense of lack and longing. The speaker is clearly envious of Lily's possession of the rose, a symbol of affection from a boy. However, this envy is tempered by Lily's unexpected generosity: "don't cry dear violet / you may take mine". This act introduces another layer, exploring the theme of generosity in the face of others' desires. Lily's offer, while seemingly kind, also hints at a more complex situation where she is perhaps not as attached to the giver of the rose as the speaker assumes.

Beyond Appearances: Challenging Shallow Desires

The poem delves into the theme of love and societal expectations. The speaker's refusal of Lily's rose is rooted in the realization that the rose came from "the tallest of the boys". This reveals an obsession with outward appearances and social status. The speaker believes that wearing the rose would be futile because she desires the "tallest" boy's attention. However, the introduction of Lily's "lover" and his "brother / who is good and kind to all" presents an alternative perspective. It suggests that qualities like "kindness and goodness" are valuable, even if they don't conform to societal standards of attractiveness. The speaker ultimately rejects this alternative, declaring that kindness and goodness "do not make a fellow tall", highlighting a stubborn adherence to superficial values.

The Rose and the Tall Boy: Symbols of Desire and Status

The rose serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents not only romantic affection but also social status and desirability. Lily's possession of the rose makes her the object of the speaker's envy. Furthermore, the "tallest of the boys" is a recurring symbol, embodying the societal ideal of the desirable male figure. His height is a stand-in for power, popularity, and perhaps even wealth. The speaker's fixation on his height underscores her desire for social validation and a yearning for the seemingly perfect romantic match. The contrast between the rose from the "tallest" boy and the "good and kind" brother highlights the tension between superficial attraction and genuine connection.

Love’s Paradox: More Than Itself

In conclusion, "Lily Has A Rose" is a poignant exploration of love, envy, and societal expectations. Through simple language and vivid imagery, Cummings creates a complex emotional landscape. The poem suggests that love is often entangled with superficial desires and societal pressures, but also hints at the possibility of finding value in qualities beyond appearances. The final lines, "and losing's less than winning(but / love is more than love)", encapsulates the poem's central paradox: that love can be both a source of pain and envy, yet also possess a depth and complexity that transcends simple definitions of winning or losing. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture the bittersweet nature of human desire and the challenges of navigating the complexities of relationships.