Poem Analysis - Mrs

A Glimpse into Fear and Perception

E.E. Cummings' poem "mrs" offers a fragmented, unsettling glimpse into the fear and paranoia of a couple observing a disturbing figure across the way. The poem's tone is initially hushed and secretive, building into a crescendo of terror before receding into a bleak resignation. The fragmented language and unconventional syntax mirror the fractured mental state of both the observers and the observed, creating a sense of unease and disorientation. Ultimately, the poem explores themes of fear, isolation, and the subjective nature of reality.

The Echo of Isolation: The Breakdown of Identity

One of the central themes of the poem is isolation, both for the "crazy man" and, arguably, for Mr. and Mrs. The "crazy man" is depicted as increasingly fragmented, losing his sense of self as he's reduced to a "head of he," then merely "a pair of ears with some lips plus a couple of holes." This imagery suggests a complete breakdown of identity, leaving only rudimentary features. The isolation of Mr. and Mrs. is more subtle, stemming from their fear and their inability to connect with or understand the figure across the way. Their fear creates a barrier, isolating them within their own anxieties.

The All-Seeing Eye: Fear as a Motivator

Fear is a palpable presence throughout the poem, driving the actions and perceptions of Mr. and Mrs. Their fear is not explicitly defined, but it's rooted in the unknown, the perceived "craziness" of the man across the way. This fear is contagious, spreading from their initial apprehension ("kind of afraid") to a deeper, more consuming terror ("really really kind of afraid of"). The imagery of the "lousy eyes roaming" reinforces the idea of a threatening gaze, fueling their anxieties and shaping their understanding of the man. Ultimately, their fear dictates their reality, causing them to pull down the shades and retreat into their own enclosed world.

Deconstructing Reality: Perception's Subjective Nature

The poem delves into the idea of subjective reality, suggesting that perception is not objective but rather filtered through individual fears and biases. The fragmented language and syntax contribute to this theme, mirroring the fragmented and distorted way in which Mr. and Mrs. perceive the man. The phrase "it tears off rag its of mind chucks away flimsy which but" suggests a violent shedding of rational thought, leaving only raw emotion and distorted imagery. What Mr. and Mrs. perceive may not be the objective truth, but rather a projection of their own anxieties onto the "crazy man." This raises questions about the reliability of perception and the power of fear to shape reality.

Symbols: Windows and Shades as Barriers of Understanding

The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to enhance its themes. The window serves as a boundary between the observers and the observed, a barrier that both separates and connects them. It allows Mr. and Mrs. to observe the man from a safe distance, but it also distorts their perception, creating a sense of detachment. The shades represent a final act of retreat, a desperate attempt to shut out the perceived threat and regain control. They symbolize the couple's unwillingness to confront their fear and their desire to withdraw into a comfortable, albeit illusory, sense of security.

Final Thoughts: An Unsettling Reflection on Fear

"mrs" is a haunting and unsettling poem that explores the pervasive nature of fear and its power to distort reality. Through its fragmented language, vivid imagery, and unsettling tone, the poem invites us to question our own perceptions and to consider the isolating effects of fear. The poem's ambiguity leaves us pondering the true nature of the "crazy man" and the motivations of Mr. and Mrs., ultimately suggesting that the most terrifying monsters may reside not across the way, but within ourselves.