Poem Analysis - Of This Wilting Wall The Colour Drub

Introduction: Decay and Disgust Observed with Detachment

E.E. Cummings’ "Of This Wilting Wall The Colour Drub" presents a snapshot of urban decay, observed with a mixture of disgust and detached fascination. The poem paints a grim picture of a decaying environment, filled with unpleasant sights and smells. Initially, the tone is observational and almost clinical, cataloging the elements of degradation. However, it shifts subtly towards a more critical and perhaps even empathetic stance as the poem focuses on the lady in the window, whose "still-born smile" embodies the pervasive decay.

Themes of Decay and Mortality: The Inevitability of Decline

The most prominent theme in the poem is decay and mortality. This is conveyed through a series of vivid, decaying images: the "wilting wall," the "souring sunbeams," the "cigar-stub disintegrates," and the "slopcaked shrub." These images create a sense of pervasive decline, suggesting the inevitable end of all things. The "putrid window" further emphasizes this theme, symbolizing a world marred by corruption and degradation. The "lady whose still-born smile involves the comedy of decay" explicitly links human existence to this process of decline, suggesting that even in life, a form of decay is already present.

Observation Versus Engagement: The Speaker's Detachment

Another theme explored in the poem is the tension between observation and engagement. The speaker initially acts as a detached observer, simply describing the scene before them. Phrases like "of this wilting wall..." and the catalog of unpleasant images suggests an objective, almost clinical, viewpoint. However, the line "But i am interested more intricately in the delicate scorn..." indicates a shift. The speaker becomes more invested in the lady's expression, implying a deeper emotional connection or, at least, a fascination with her inner state. This shift raises questions about the speaker's role: are they merely a passive observer, or are they drawn into the decay they witness?

The Irony of Beauty in Ugliness: A Haunting Paradox

The poem also touches on the theme of the irony of beauty in ugliness. While the scene is undeniably bleak and repulsive, the speaker finds a certain "delicate scorn" in the lady's "still-born smile." This suggests that even in the midst of decay, there can be a strange, almost haunting beauty. The contrast between the ugliness of the surroundings and the lady's almost ethereal presence highlights this paradox. The "comedy of decay" implies a certain absurdity in the human condition, a recognition that even in our decline, there can be a form of tragicomic beauty.

Symbols of a Degraded World: Walls, Windows, and Smiles

Several key symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The "wilting wall" symbolizes the general decay and degradation of the environment. The "putrid window" acts as a frame through which the speaker observes this decay, suggesting a barrier between the observer and the observed. The "lady's still-born smile" is perhaps the most potent symbol, representing a kind of resignation to the inevitability of decay. It is a smile that acknowledges the tragicomedy of existence, a recognition of the beauty and horror intertwined in the process of decline. Does this smile suggest acceptance, defiance, or simply exhaustion?

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Heart of Decay

"Of This Wilting Wall The Colour Drub" is a powerful exploration of decay and mortality. Through vivid imagery and a shift in tone, Cummings creates a haunting portrait of urban degradation. The poem's significance lies in its ability to find a certain beauty in ugliness, and to explore the complex relationship between observer and observed. Ultimately, the poem invites us to contemplate the inevitable decline of all things, and to consider the ways in which we find meaning and beauty even in the face of decay.