Poem Analysis - 2 Little Whos

A World of Innocence and Wonder

E.E. Cummings' "2 Little Whos" is a charming exploration of childhood innocence and the boundless potential of imagination. The poem paints a picture of two young children existing in a space untouched by adult concerns, a realm of pure joy and possibility. The tone is initially gentle and descriptive, shifting to a more celebratory and dreamlike quality as the poem progresses. It emphasizes the beauty of being young and free from the constraints of the "grown-up" world.

Themes of Innocence and Escape

The poem's central theme is the innocence of childhood. This is evident in the simple language used to describe the children ("2 little whos") and the idyllic setting beneath the "wonderful tree." They exist "beyond" the concerns of "where and when," suggesting a timeless, carefree state. Another key theme is escape from the adult world. Cummings contrasts the children's joyful existence with the "grown-up i&you-ful world of known," implying that adult life is restrictive and lacking in the magic found in childhood. This is further emphasized by the line, "far from a grown -up," highlighting the distance between these two worlds. Finally, the poem touches on the theme of unbridled potential, especially in its final stanza which suggests a future of great and impossible things.

Symbols of Childhood Wonder

The "wonderful tree" acts as a central symbol in the poem. It's more than just a tree; it represents a safe haven, a place of wonder and protection for the children. It is under this tree that they exist, smiling and seemingly untouched by the outside world. Also, the repeated use of "who" instead of "person" or "child" removes specificity and elevates the children to a more universal symbol of potential and innocence. The phrase "aflame with dreams" is a vivid image, implying that the children are brimming with hope and possibility, their imaginations ignited by the world around them. The dreams are not just dreams, but the potential to become "incredible."

Decoding "Little Ams"

The phrase "2 little ams" is particularly intriguing and open to interpretation. One possible reading is that "ams" refers to a state of being, and that the children are pure, unadulterated beings, filled with potential but not yet fully defined by the world. They are simply "am," existing in the present moment without the baggage of the past or anxieties about the future. This interpretation aligns with the poem's overall emphasis on the purity and simplicity of childhood. Are these "little ams" also suggestive of the potential for great deeds, the initial spark of ambition and selfhood? The poem leaves this beautifully ambiguous.

A Final Glimpse of Eden

"2 Little Whos" is a delicate and evocative poem that captures the essence of childhood innocence and the power of imagination. Through simple language and vivid imagery, Cummings creates a world where children are free to dream and explore, untouched by the concerns of adulthood. The poem serves as a reminder of the beauty and potential that exists within us all, urging us to reconnect with the wonder and simplicity of our own childhoods. It is a miniature Eden, glimpsed through the lens of a poet who celebrates the magic of being young and free.