Poem Analysis - Moan

Introduction: A Fragmented Cry

E.E. Cummings' "moan" is a brief, evocative poem that captures a sense of unease and fragmented experience. The poem evokes a dreamlike state, blending images of the sea, the moon, and a street, creating a feeling of disorientation and mystery. The tone is initially melancholic and drawn-out, signified by the elongated "moan" itself, which then morphs into something more frenetic and slightly unsettling as the poem progresses. The fragmented language and unconventional syntax contribute to this feeling of instability and suggest a reality that is breaking apart or being reassembled in a strange way.

The Sea and Unconscious: A Submerged Theme

One central theme appears to be the exploration of the unconscious mind. The sea, often used as a symbol of the unconscious, is prominent, with the phrase "the she of the sea." The use of "she" could suggest a feminine, intuitive aspect of the unconscious, perhaps a source of creativity or deep emotion. The word "un" floating on its own suggests an unraveling, a stripping away of layers to reveal something raw and fundamental. The imagery positions the reader in a space of mystery and potential danger – a space dominated by forces both natural and internal.

Lunar Influence: Magic and Madness

The presence of the moon is significant, with the phrase "a he a moon a magic out." The moon is a classic symbol of change, intuition, and the hidden aspects of reality. By linking it to "magic," Cummings emphasizes the potential for transformation, but also the potential for illusion or madness. The phrase "out of the black this which of one street leaps quick" could be read as an image of something suppressed bursting forth from the darkness, perhaps a repressed desire or a hidden fear. This sudden eruption underscores the volatile nature of the unconscious and the potential for unexpected revelations.

The Squirmthicklying Nightmare: Images of Disturbance

The poem contains vivid, unsettling imagery. "Squirmthicklying" is a particularly striking and disturbing phrase. It evokes a sense of something unpleasant, perhaps overwhelming and suffocating. "Luminous nightmare" further reinforces this sense of disturbance and fear. The fact that this nightmare is "some whereanynoevery ing(danc)ing" suggests that it is both specific and universal, present and absent, real and imagined. This ambiguity adds to the poem's unsettling effect, suggesting that the nightmare is not confined to a particular place or time but is instead a pervasive and unavoidable aspect of human experience.

Concluding Moans: Wills, Weres and Fragmented Selves

In conclusion, "moan" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that delves into the depths of the unconscious. Cummings uses fragmented language, evocative imagery, and unconventional syntax to create a sense of unease, disorientation, and ultimately, a glimpse into the messy, often frightening world of the inner self. The final lines, “wills&weres,” perhaps point to a conflict between what one desires and what one truly is, adding a layer of existential questioning to the poem's already complex tapestry. The poem refuses to provide easy answers, instead leaving the reader with a lingering sense of mystery and a heightened awareness of the hidden forces that shape our perceptions and experiences. The entire "moan" acts as a singular cry from within that suggests something is lost and cannot be named directly.