Poem Analysis - Proud Of His Scientific Attitude

Introduction: A Sardonic Portrait of Intellectual Arrogance

E.E. Cummings' "Proud Of His Scientific Attitude" presents a biting satire of a self-important intellectual figure. The poem's tone is largely cynical and mocking, portraying the subject as both pretentious and absurd. The poem uses jarring juxtapositions and fragmented language to create a sense of disjointedness, mirroring the fragmented nature of the character's thought process. A shift occurs towards the end of the poem, with a more directly condemning pronouncement on the "godless" and "dull." This shift adds a layer of moral judgment to the preceding satire.

The Hollow Intellectual and the Illusion of Control

One central theme is the emptiness of intellectual posturing. The "scientific attitude" the man prides himself on seems to be a superficial veneer, used to justify his dismissive views and bizarre preoccupations. The phrase "cradles in rubbery one somewhat hand / the paper destinies of nations" suggests a futile attempt to control complex issues through intellectual abstraction. This image is absurd, highlighting the disconnect between the man's perceived power and his actual insignificance. The mention of "frood" (presumably a misspelling of Freud) further emphasizes this theme, implying a shallow understanding of complex psychological concepts.

Domestic Disarray and the Failure of Order

The poem also explores the theme of domestic chaos and the breakdown of traditional order. The line "the empty house is full O Yes of guk" is particularly striking. It conveys a sense of unpleasantness and disorder within the man's personal life. "Guk" is deliberately vague and unappetizing, suggesting a lack of substance and a general messiness. The references to "daughter item son a woopsing queer" indicate further deviations from societal norms and a family life that deviates from the conventional. This domestic disarray contrasts sharply with the man's desire for control and his "scientific attitude," hinting at his failure to manage even his own household.

Artistic Sincerity vs. Intellectual Snobbery

A third theme revolves around art and the value of sincerity. The "colon hobby photography never has plumbed / the heights of prowst but respects artists if / they are sincere" suggests a preference for genuine expression over mere technical skill or intellectual complexity. Prowst is a misspelling of Proust. The man, while appreciating artistic sincerity, is ultimately limited by his intellectual snobbery; he can only "respect" artists if they meet his undefined criteria. This conditional acceptance reveals a deeper arrogance, undermining the sincerity he claims to value.

Recurring Images: Hands, Houses, and Empty Spaces

Several recurring images contribute to the poem's overall meaning. The "rubbery one somewhat hand" symbolizes the man's ineffectual grasp on reality and his clumsy attempts to control events. The "empty house" signifies the emotional void and the lack of genuine connection within his family. The use of "guk" as a vivid image represents the unpleasant reality beneath the surface of his intellectual facade. The contrast between emptiness and fullness, as in "the empty house is full," creates a sense of paradox and highlights the man's internal contradictions. What exactly is this "guk", this substance that fills the emptiness? Is it societal decay, the products of the children or the byproducts of his intellectual pursuits?

Conclusion: Condemnation and the Price of Arrogance

In conclusion, "Proud Of His Scientific Attitude" is a scathing critique of intellectual arrogance and the hollowness of superficial knowledge. Through jarring imagery, fragmented language, and a cynical tone, Cummings exposes the contradictions and failures of the poem's subject. The final lines, condemning the "godless" and "dull," suggest that the man's intellectual pride has led him to a state of moral and spiritual emptiness, ultimately making him "damned." The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of intellectual pretension and the importance of genuine connection and sincerity.