Poem Analysis - Next To Of Course God

E.E. Cummings's "next to of course god america i" is a sharp and cynical critique of blind patriotism. The poem initially presents itself as an overzealous, almost absurd, expression of nationalistic fervor. However, the tone quickly shifts, revealing the speaker's words to be empty rhetoric glorifying war and death. The poem culminates in a stark and abrupt ending, emphasizing the speaker's detachment and the hollowness of their pronouncements.

The Sarcasm of Patriotism

The poem's core lies in its satirical portrayal of unthinking patriotism. Cummings uses exaggerated language and fragmented phrases to mimic the jumbled, often nonsensical, nature of jingoistic speeches. The opening line, "next to of course god america i," is immediately jarring, placing national pride on par with religious devotion. The speaker's words are littered with clichés ("land of the pilgrims' and so forth oh," "my country 'tis of centuries come and go") that have lost their meaning through overuse. This highlights how patriotic sentiment can become a thoughtless recitation of familiar phrases, devoid of genuine feeling or critical thought. The use of "by gorry, by jingo, by gee, by gosh by gum" further emphasizes this sense of caricature and empty pronouncements.

Death and the "Beautiful" Slaughter

The theme of death is central to the poem's critique of nationalism. The speaker praises the "heroic happy dead / who rushed like lions to the roaring slaughter," glorifying the sacrifice of soldiers without acknowledging the tragedy and brutality of war. The phrase "roaring slaughter" creates a horrifying image, yet the speaker presents it as something beautiful and desirable. The line "they did not stop to think they died instead" is particularly damning, suggesting that blind obedience and a lack of critical thinking are valued above individual life and reason. This starkly contrasts the romanticized ideal of heroic death with the grim reality of war, highlighting the dangerous consequences of unquestioning patriotism.

Liberty's Silenced Voice

The poem raises questions about the true meaning of liberty. The speaker's rhetorical question, "then shall the voice of liberty be mute?" is ironic. While seemingly advocating for freedom, the speaker's prior statements suggest a suppression of dissenting voices and critical thought. The poem implies that true liberty requires questioning authority and engaging in critical analysis, rather than blindly accepting nationalistic narratives. Perhaps the "liberty" the speaker refers to is merely the freedom to conform and participate in the glorification of war, a perversion of the concept.

The Chilling Glass of Water

The final line, "He spoke. And drank rapidly a glass of water," is a powerful and unsettling image. It underscores the speaker's detachment from the emotional weight of their own words. The simple act of drinking water suggests a desire to cleanse or distance oneself from the preceding rhetoric, as if the speaker is relieved to be finished with their performance. This abrupt ending leaves the reader to contemplate the hollowness of the speaker's patriotism and the devastating consequences of such unthinking devotion. The water, usually a symbol of life and purity, here seems to represent a shallow attempt to wash away the guilt or discomfort associated with advocating for war and death. Is this an admission of doubt, or merely a sign of indifference?

In conclusion, "next to of course god america i" is a scathing indictment of blind patriotism and the romanticization of war. Through satire, vivid imagery, and an abrupt ending, Cummings exposes the emptiness of nationalistic rhetoric and the tragic consequences of unquestioning obedience. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of sacrificing individual conscience for the sake of national pride.