Poem Analysis - Love Is More Thicker Than Forget

A Love Defined by Paradox

E.E. Cummings' "love is more thicker than forget" is a whimsical and paradoxical exploration of love's essence. The poem dances between contrasting ideas, attempting to define love not through direct statements but through a series of comparisons that often defy logic. Its tone is playful and slightly disorienting, initially feeling nonsensical but gradually revealing a deeper emotional truth. The poem shifts subtly from an almost mocking comparison to a more sincere and heartfelt declaration, showcasing love's multifaceted nature.

Cummings' Poetic Rebellion

E.E. Cummings, known for his avant-garde style, often challenged conventional grammar and syntax in his poetry. This poem is a prime example of his experimental approach. While a deep dive into historical context isn't strictly necessary, understanding Cummings' general rebellious spirit towards traditional poetic forms and his desire to capture genuine emotion without the constraints of rules is key. This background influences how we interpret the poem, suggesting that the unconventional language is deliberate, mirroring the unconventional and ineffable nature of love itself.

The Elusive Definition of Love

One of the poem's central themes is the indefinability of love. Cummings uses contradictory comparisons to highlight how love transcends simple definitions. He states "love is more thicker than forget / more thinner than recall," creating an immediate paradox. Love cannot be easily measured or categorized. A second theme, the power of love, shines through in the last stanza, where love is linked to the sun and sky. Finally, the theme of duality is present. Love embraces both madness and sanity, failure and success, littleness and greatness.

Imagery of the Sea and Sky

The poem uses vivid imagery, particularly drawing on the sea and the sky, to represent the vastness and depth of love. The sea, described as "deeper than the sea," symbolizes love's unfathomable depths, while the sky, "higher than the sky," suggests its boundless nature and aspiration. These natural elements, both immensely powerful and seemingly infinite, convey the idea that love is something that goes beyond human comprehension. The moon, described as "most mad and moonly" is a recurring symbol. It suggests love's connection to irrationality, madness, and the subconscious. Perhaps the moon represents the ever-changing, often-unpredictable emotional landscape of love.

The Weight of Words: Forgiveness and Beginning

The comparison of "less bigger than the least begin / less littler than forgive" is perhaps the most profound and evocative line in the poem. It suggests that even the smallest act of beginning something new holds more potential than anything that has come before and, furthermore, that forgiveness, often perceived as small, is truly larger than anything we might consider little. Does this suggest that love's essence is found not in grand gestures but in the subtle choices we make daily?

A Final Insight: Love's Unconventional Truth

In conclusion, "love is more thicker than forget" is not an attempt to define love with precision but to capture its essence through a series of paradoxical comparisons. Cummings uses unconventional language and imagery to convey the idea that love is a force that defies logic and transcends definition. The poem's significance lies in its willingness to embrace the complexities and contradictions of love, ultimately suggesting that its true nature can only be understood through experience and feeling, not through rigid definitions.