Poem Analysis - You Shall Above All Things

An Ode to Innocence and Experience

E.E. Cummings' "You Shall Above All Things" is a celebration of youth, joy, and the power of authentic experience over intellect. The poem begins with an imperative call to embrace happiness and the vitality of youth, suggesting that these qualities imbue life with meaning and beauty. As the poem progresses, it contrasts the open-heartedness of love and intuition with the potentially destructive nature of overthinking and analytical knowledge. The tone is initially celebratory and becomes increasingly cautionary, warning against the pitfalls of excessive intellect and embracing the wisdom found in simple, natural expressions of life and love.

The Superiority of Feeling Over Intellect

One central theme of the poem is the superiority of feeling and experience over intellect. Cummings posits that joy and youth are intrinsically valuable, asserting, "you shall above all things be glad and young." This isn't merely a whimsical suggestion; it's a declaration that these qualities shape and enhance one's perception of the world: "whatever's living will yourself become." Later, the poem directly critiques intellectual pursuits, equating knowledge with a "foetal grave / called progress." This jarring image suggests that excessive intellectualism can stifle creativity and genuine experience, leading to a kind of premature death of the spirit. Cummings champions a life lived through feeling and intuition rather than one burdened by excessive thought.

Love's Transcendent Power

The poem also explores the theme of love's transcendent power. The lines "i can entirely her only love / whose any mystery makes every man's / flesh put space on;and his mind take off time" suggest that the speaker's love is profound and transformative. The "mystery" of his beloved has a palpable effect on others, causing their physical and mental limitations to temporarily dissolve. This hints at a love that is not only deeply personal but also possesses a universal resonance, capable of altering the perception of reality for those who witness its intensity. Love, in this context, transcends the mundane and offers a glimpse into something greater.

Critique of Progress and Modernity

Cummings subtly presents a critique of progress and modernity. The line "for that way knowledge lies,the foetal grave / called progress" is particularly potent. By associating knowledge and progress with a "foetal grave," Cummings suggests that the relentless pursuit of intellectual advancement can lead to a kind of stagnation or death of the human spirit. He implies that modern society's emphasis on progress and knowledge may come at the expense of genuine feeling, intuition, and the appreciation of simple joys. It's a warning against sacrificing one's humanity in the name of advancement.

Symbolism of the Bird and Stars

The poem concludes with a powerful image: "I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing / than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance." The bird symbolizes natural, uninhibited expression, while the stars represent vast, potentially artificial knowledge. The speaker prefers to learn from the simple, authentic act of a bird singing than to impose restrictions on the natural beauty and freedom of the stars. This final image reinforces the poem's central message: that genuine experience and natural expression are far more valuable than intellectual control or contrived knowledge. The preference for the bird's song implies a reverence for organic beauty and instinctual wisdom over calculated instruction.

A Celebration of Authentic Experience

In summary, "You Shall Above All Things" is a vibrant poem that champions youth, joy, and the power of genuine experience. Cummings uses vivid imagery and a shifting tone to contrast the vitality of feeling with the potential pitfalls of excessive intellect. The poem ultimately serves as a reminder to embrace life with an open heart and to seek wisdom not in abstract knowledge, but in the simple, authentic expressions of the natural world. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its timeless message about the importance of cherishing the present moment and prioritizing genuine experience over intellectual pursuits.