Poem Analysis - Who

A Whimsical Mystery: Introduction to "Who"

E.E. Cummings' "Who" is a playful and enigmatic poem, a whimsical exploration of questions and possibilities. The poem presents a series of absurd scenarios – silver dollars, ripe melons, and violets thrown into a tree – and evokes a sense of childlike wonder mixed with subtle undercurrents of fate and chance. The tone is initially inquisitive, shifting towards a dreamlike, almost surreal atmosphere as the poem progresses. This is supported by the introduction of the moon and its interactions with the characters. The poem is a light-hearted puzzle that invites the reader to question reality and embrace the absurd.

The Absurdity of Inquiry: Questioning Reality

One of the main themes in "Who" is the absurdity of seeking definitive answers in a world filled with randomness and possibility. The repeated question, "Who threw… into the tree?" establishes an initial desire for a logical explanation. However, the poem never provides a clear answer. Instead, it presents a series of improbable scenarios and unreliable narrators. The little lady who sews, the smoke who runs the elevator, and the silver dog offer either denials, vague explanations, or nonsensical pronouncements. This refusal to provide closure suggests that some questions are inherently unanswerable, and that the pursuit of absolute certainty can be a futile exercise.

Chance and Fate: The Moon's Influence

Another prominent theme is the interplay between chance and fate, particularly as personified by the moon. The moon's interactions with the characters imply a guiding force, a kind of cosmic influence shaping their destinies. When the moon kisses the little lady and tells her "never mind, you'll find," it suggests a hopeful message of eventual discovery or resolution, even if the path is unclear. Conversely, the moon's interaction with the "smoke" and the "waggy silver dog" implies the random nature of winning (and losing) in a game of chance ("She Win and you won't be sorry"). This mixture of predetermination and serendipity highlights the complex ways in which fate and chance intertwine in human experience.

Unlikely Connections: Seeking Connection and Communication

A subtle theme is the human desire for connection and communication, even in the face of incomprehensibility. The poem creates a community of disparate characters – a seamstress, an elevator operator, a metal dog – who are connected by the unifying question. Each character's response, however bizarre, represents an attempt to engage with the mystery. Even the moon, as a non-human entity, participates in this communication, offering cryptic advice and guidance. The poem acknowledges the difficulty of true communication, illustrated by the nonsensical phrases and evasive answers, but it also celebrates the human impulse to reach out and connect with others, even in the face of uncertainty. The act of asking "Who?" becomes a way of creating shared experience, even if the answer remains elusive.

Dreamlike Imagery: The Symbolism of the Tree

The poem is rich in symbolism, particularly regarding the recurring image of the "tree." The tree itself can be interpreted as a symbol of life, growth, and the unknown. The objects thrown into the tree – silver dollar, ripe melon, violets – represent different facets of human experience: wealth, pleasure, and beauty. The act of throwing these objects into the tree suggests a disruption of the natural order, a playful disregard for conventional expectations. The silver dollar, potentially representing money, is thrown "up into the tree," defying gravity. The ripe melon, representative of immediate gratification, and the bunch of violets, indicative of beauty, are all misplaced. This recurring image of throwing objects into the tree suggests a chaotic, unpredictable world where traditional values are challenged and redefined.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Ambiguity

In conclusion, "Who" is a charming and thought-provoking poem that celebrates the beauty of ambiguity. By presenting a series of unanswerable questions and surreal scenarios, Cummings encourages us to embrace the unknown and find joy in the absurd. The poem explores themes of fate, chance, and the desire for connection, leaving the reader to ponder the deeper meaning of the tree, the moon, and the improbable cast of characters. Ultimately, the poem invites us to question our assumptions about reality and to appreciate the power of imagination and possibility.