Poem Analysis - Red Rag And Pink Flag

A Stark Commentary on Ideologies

E.E. Cummings's "Red-rag And Pink-flag" is a concise and scathing critique of oppressive ideologies. The poem immediately establishes a harsh, accusatory tone. Through stark imagery and blunt language, Cummings presents a picture of destructive power and moral decay. The poem's brevity amplifies its impact, leaving a lingering sense of unease and disillusionment.

Echoes of Political Strife

Given Cummings's lifetime, encompassing both World Wars and the rise of fascism and communism, the poem can be interpreted as a response to the political extremism of the early 20th century. "Red-rag," "pink-flag," "blackshirt," and "brown" are all coded references to specific political movements—communism/socialism, vaguely defined leftist movements, Italian fascism, and Nazism, respectively. The poem's disgust seems directed at the shared violence and inhumanity inherent in these seemingly disparate ideologies, regardless of their specific banners.

The Dehumanizing Nature of Power

One central theme is the dehumanizing nature of power. The first stanza presents the political factions as aggressive and repulsive: they "strut-mince and stink-brag," actions conveying arrogance and a lack of genuine substance. The use of "strut-mince" is particularly effective, suggesting a superficial and almost comical display of authority. The second stanza then brutally connects these political forces with violence, specifically the killing of innocents. The phrase "some like it shot / and some like it hung" uses detached language to highlight the casualness with which these ideologies condone and enact violence, ultimately stripping their victims of humanity.

The Cycle of Violence and Corruption

Another potent theme revolves around the cycle of violence and corruption. The poem doesn't simply depict violence; it suggests a systemic rot that extends to the very foundation of society. The final two lines, "and some like it in the twot / nine months young," are deeply disturbing. This imagery implies the abuse and exploitation of children, suggesting that these oppressive ideologies perpetuate themselves by corrupting future generations. This brutal imagery drives home the idea that the lust for power breeds a cycle of abuse that threatens to destroy innocence and the potential for a better future. The vagueness of "in the twot" leaves the reader grappling with the unspoken horror of the situation.

A Question of Complicity

The poem employs stark symbolism, with each color associated with a particular ideology serving as a shortcut to understanding the poem's target. While "red" might symbolize communism, and "black" fascism, the poem seems less interested in dissecting individual ideologies and more focused on condemning the overall phenomenon of political extremism. Perhaps the poem implicitly asks the reader: what is our role in allowing such ideologies to flourish? Is it a condemnation of the leaders, or the people who support the leaders? The ambiguity forces the reader to confront their own potential complicity.

A Bleak and Urgent Warning

In conclusion, "Red-rag And Pink-flag" is a powerful and unsettling poem that serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked political power. Through its stark imagery, blunt language, and focus on the cycle of violence and corruption, Cummings delivers a bleak but urgent message. The poem’s brevity underscores its impact, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease and a call to be vigilant against the seductive and destructive forces of extremism. The poem's significance lies in its timeless relevance, reminding us that the fight against oppression and injustice is a constant endeavor.