Poem Analysis - Why Must Itself Up Every Of A Park

A Sardonic Indictment of Authority

E.E. Cummings' "why must itself up every of a park" is a scathing critique of blind patriotism and the manipulation of language to justify war. The poem adopts a cynical and sarcastic tone, relentlessly questioning the glorification of authority figures and the justifications used for violence. The mood remains consistently critical, laced with a bitter irony that challenges the reader to question the status quo. The poem feels confrontational, aiming to shatter the illusion of grand national narratives.

The Shadow of War and its Justifications

Given the date "1944 AD" mentioned within the poem, it's fair to assume the poem is a direct response to the rhetoric surrounding World War II. Cummings, known for his anti-war sentiments, likely wrote this as a reaction to the widespread acceptance of military action and the elevation of war heroes. The references to "military necessity" and "christian love" used to excuse killing directly address the propaganda used to dehumanize the enemy and legitimize violence in the name of national or religious ideologies.

Challenging Blind Patriotism and Hero Worship

One prominent theme is the deconstruction of heroism. Cummings questions the very notion of who gets deemed a hero, suggesting it's often just "any jerk / who was afraid to dare to answer 'no'?" This implies that conformity and obedience, rather than genuine bravery or moral conviction, are often rewarded in systems of power. The "quote statue unquote" in a park becomes a symbol of this uncritical hero-worship, representing the perpetuation of a narrative that benefits the state rather than serving the truth.

The Power of Language as a Tool of Manipulation

The poem also explores the theme of manipulation through language. Cummings uses quotation marks around words like "citizens," "state," and "Nothing" to emphasize their constructed and often deceptive nature. By placing these words in "quotes," he suggests they are empty signifiers, used to control and mislead the public. The reference to "military necessity" and "reason (freud)" further highlights how even seemingly objective or intellectual concepts can be twisted to justify immoral actions. The use of slang ("Ain't freedom grand") underscores the irony and the disconnect between the grand promises of freedom and the grim reality of war.

Erosion of Free Will and Choice

Finally, the poem touches upon the theme of loss of individual agency. The line "you pays your money and / you doesn’t take your choice" encapsulates the feeling of powerlessness in the face of larger forces. It suggests that despite the illusion of freedom and choice, individuals are often trapped in systems where their decisions are predetermined or meaningless. This sense of fatalism is reinforced by the "echo" that answers "there is no appeal / from reason," implying that even rational arguments can be used to justify oppressive actions, leaving no room for dissent or alternative perspectives.

A Timeless Critique of Power

In conclusion, "why must itself up every of a park" serves as a powerful and enduring critique of authority, the manipulation of language, and the glorification of war. Cummings uses sarcasm, irony, and unconventional language to dismantle the narratives that perpetuate violence and blind obedience. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to provoke critical thinking and challenge readers to question the values and justifications that underpin societal power structures. It forces us to consider the true cost of "freedom" and to be wary of those who claim to act in our best interests.