Poem Analysis - Somebody Knew Lincoln Somebody Xerxes

Introduction: A World of Mundane Anonymity and Ephemeral Significance

E.E. Cummings' poem "somebody knew Lincoln somebody Xerxes" presents a stark contrast between historical grandeur and contemporary insignificance. The poem begins with a grand connection to historical figures but quickly descends into the depiction of an unremarkable individual and his surroundings. The tone shifts from initial historical weight to a detached observation of everyday life, punctuated by moments of disquiet and eventual dissolution. The poem explores themes of anonymity, the ephemeral nature of existence, and the contrast between historical significance and the mundane present.

Anonymity and the Everyman

The poem centers around an anonymous man, identified only as "this man," who embodies the theme of anonymity. His physical description – "a narrow thudding timeshaped face / plus innocuous winking hands" – is vague and unmemorable, highlighting his lack of distinguishing characteristics. He "carefully inhabits number 1 on something street," further emphasizing his ordinary existence and the generic nature of his environment. The capitalization of "someThing" and "They" suggests a larger, undefined force or entity, further diminishing the individual's importance in the grand scheme of things. The poem argues that the everyman's life is lived in the shadow of greater historical forces.

The Ephemeral Nature of Existence

The changing landscape, described through vivid imagery, reinforces the theme of transience. The "lean and definite houses" are "troubled" by the arrival of Spring, hinting at an underlying instability. The houses are further disrupted by the sunset, when "their chimneys converse / angrily, their roofs are nervous with the soft furious / light." This personification suggests a hidden unease within the seemingly solid structures. The houses transform into "irresponsible toys," emphasizing the fleeting and ultimately insignificant nature of material possessions and human constructs. The transition highlights how quickly our surroundings can shift and lose their supposed permanence.

Symbolism of Decay and Renewal

The park serves as a symbolic space where decay and renewal coexist. The man's "brittle legs" and the act of "trickl[ing] carefully into the park" suggest fragility and decline. In contrast, the park is filled with life – pigeons circle, dogs bark, and children play. The children are "in the beautiful nonsense of twilight," suggesting an innocent embrace of the present moment, oblivious to the transience of life. The phrase implies that there is beauty to be found even in the ephemeral and fleeting moments. The park shows the juxtaposition of fleeting life and the ever-present process of aging and eventual decay.

Juxtaposition of the Grand and the Insignificant

The poem begins by invoking historical figures – Lincoln and Xerxes – suggesting a connection to greatness and lasting impact. However, it quickly shifts to the mundane reality of "this man," whose life seems utterly disconnected from such historical significance. The final line, "somebody Napoleon," creates a sense of ironic anticlimax. While Napoleon was a figure of immense historical importance, he is reduced to an afterthought, a mere addition to the list of "somebodys." The poem questions the value and meaning of individual existence in the face of historical grandeur, leaving the reader to ponder the relationship between individual lives and lasting legacies.

Conclusion: Finding Meaning in the Mundane

"somebody knew Lincoln somebody Xerxes" offers a poignant reflection on the human condition. The poem's detached observation of an ordinary man and his surroundings highlights the themes of anonymity, the ephemeral nature of existence, and the contrast between historical significance and the mundane present. By juxtaposing historical figures with everyday life, Cummings invites us to consider the meaning and value of individual lives, even in the face of transience and apparent insignificance. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even within the seemingly ordinary, there lies a fragile beauty and a fleeting connection to the grander currents of time.