Poem Analysis - Take For Example This

A Midnight Revelation: Introduction to Cummings' Poem

E.E. Cummings' "Take For Example This" is a deeply personal and evocative poem, capturing a moment of intense sensory experience. It begins with a feeling of solitary introspection, then expands to a sense of connection with the world and a specific "lady." The poem unfolds like a dream, blending darkness and light, sound and silence. A subtle shift occurs as the poet moves from observing the external world to reflecting on his own creative impulses and their relationship to the subject of his affection. This movement ultimately suggests a profound interdependence between the observer, the observed, and the act of creation.

The Darkness Before Dawn: Themes of Transformation

One core theme is transformation. The poem begins in "midnight," a state of darkness associated with the speaker's inner self ("myself and Paris and all things"). This darkness isn't simply an absence of light; it's a fertile ground from which something new can emerge. The "bright rain" acts as a catalyst, its occurrence within the darkness enabling a shift towards "morning." This transition reflects a personal evolution, a movement from introspection to a more outward-facing awareness. The striking of the clock and delicate gestures of rain signal the change, which is not sudden, but gradual and “finally through altogether delicate gestures.”

The Auditory Landscape: A Symphony of Sound

Another prominent theme centers on the power of sensory perception, particularly sound, to evoke emotion and inspire creativity. The poem is filled with auditory imagery: the "bright rain," the imagined "Somebody who uses roofs and streets skilfully to make a / possible and beautiful sound," and the faint striking of a clock. These sounds aren't just described; they are felt. The speaker is "deeply completely conscious" of the rain, suggesting a profound connection with the external world through sound. The poem implies that these sounds are essential in facilitating creative expression, leading to the "millionth poem" created at the "edge of day."

"Somebody": Nature and Creation

The ambiguous phrase "Somebody who uses roofs and streets skilfully to make a / possible and beautiful sound" is a particularly intriguing symbol. This "Somebody" could be interpreted as nature itself, personified as an artist shaping the soundscape with the rain. Alternatively, it could represent an unseen force, a muse inspiring the poet's own creative work. Or, it could be interpreted as the poet himself, whose awareness translates the rainfall into art. Whichever the case, the image emphasizes the active role of nature or an external influence in the creative process. It blurs the lines between the natural world and artistic creation, suggesting that both are intertwined and contribute to the beauty and meaning of the poem.

The Smile's Reflection: Love and Inspiration

Finally, the poem delves into the theme of love and inspiration. The "lady" is not explicitly described, but her presence is palpable in the final lines. The poet's creative output – the "millionth poem" and the "thousand selves" – is directly linked to her and particularly, her smile. The smile, therefore, becomes a potent symbol of inspiration, capable of sparking an infinite number of poems and creative expressions. The poem suggests that love, in its purest form, can be a catalyst for artistic creation, with the "lady's smile" functioning as the wellspring of the poet's inspiration and his creative self.

A Moment Captured: Conclusion

"Take For Example This" is a poem that encapsulates a fleeting moment of heightened awareness and creative inspiration. It begins in darkness and solitude, but gradually opens up to a world of sensory experience and emotional connection. Through vivid imagery, particularly the recurring motif of rain, and an emphasis on the power of sound, Cummings explores the themes of transformation, sensory perception, and the transformative influence of love. The poem ultimately suggests that beauty can be found in the most ordinary moments, and that these moments, when truly experienced, can serve as a powerful source of artistic inspiration, forever imprinted on the poet's soul through memory and art.