Poem Analysis - I Walked The Boulevard

A Glimpse into Urban Disillusionment

E.E. Cummings' "I Walked The Boulevard" offers a stark and somewhat cynical snapshot of urban life. The poem's tone is observational, almost detached, as the speaker witnesses various scenes along the boulevard. While initially there's a hint of innocence and joy with the "dirty child," this quickly dissolves into a portrayal of ugliness and societal decay. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of unease, highlighting the contrast between apparent joy and underlying despair.

Portrayal of Familial Dysfunction

One of the central themes in "I Walked The Boulevard" is the breakdown of the traditional family structure. The child's "noisy wheels of joy" are juxtaposed with the "mothermonster with red grumbling face," a powerful image of maternal anger and frustration. The father, instead of intervening or offering support, is engaged in a suggestive conversation with a prostitute. This parental neglect and infidelity suggest a profound disconnect within the family unit, leaving the child vulnerable and exposed. Cummings uses stark imagery to convey this sense of dysfunction, creating a visual representation of a family fractured by internal strife.

The Allure and Decay of the City

The poem also explores the theme of urban decay and the allure of the city. The "boulevard" itself can be seen as a symbol of urban life, a place where various social classes and behaviors intersect. While the city might offer the promise of excitement and freedom, Cummings emphasizes its darker side. The "girlish whore" with "sily purple eyelids" and the "forlorn piggish hands" of the father contribute to an atmosphere of moral corruption and disillusionment. The city, in this poem, is not a place of dreams but of broken promises and societal ills.

Symbolism of Innocence and Corruption

The "dirty child skating on noisy wheels of joy" is a recurring symbol that highlights the contrast between innocence and corruption. The child's innocent joy is set against the backdrop of adult vices and unhappiness. The "noisy wheels" could represent the child's attempts to escape the grim reality of her surroundings, but the adjective "dirty" already taints this moment of pleasure, implying that innocence is easily corrupted in such an environment. The mother is described as an unpleasant "monster," while the whore is described with unpleasant "piggish hands." These are some of the indicators of how the overall theme is corruption of innocense and the unpleasantness of the city.

A Boulevard of Broken Dreams

In conclusion, "I Walked The Boulevard" is a bleak commentary on urban life and the disintegration of the family. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, Cummings portrays a world where innocence is threatened by corruption, and familial bonds are replaced by dysfunction and infidelity. The poem's significance lies in its unflinching depiction of societal ills, prompting the reader to consider the consequences of urban decay and the erosion of traditional values. The boulevard, in this context, becomes a metaphor for a path leading to disillusionment and despair. The poem uses descriptive imagery and characters to highlight the despair of urban life.