Poem Analysis - Young Woman Of Cambridge

E.E. Cummings’ "Young Woman of Cambridge" is a satirical and humorous observation of a young, ostensibly innocent woman and the narrator's increasingly discomforting experience of escorting her. The poem employs a playful, almost mocking tone, using sophisticated language and ironic juxtapositions to create a portrait of repressed sexuality and social awkwardness. The mood shifts from initial amusement to a more critical and cynical observation as the narrator's discomfort grows. The poem ultimately questions the very nature of innocence and societal expectations.

The Facade of Innocence and Repressed Sexuality

One central theme is the facade of innocence, particularly as it relates to sexuality. The poem repeatedly emphasizes Miss Gay's apparent naiveté and lack of awareness, using phrases like "unacquainted with the libido" and "uneyes safely ensconced in thick glass." The narrator's own leering thoughts, evident in the parenthetical "(sh)" and "something un poco putrido," highlight the contrast between Miss Gay's perceived innocence and the undercurrent of sexual tension. The references to Freud and the "olde freudian wish" directly confront the topic of repressed desires and unconscious drives. The poem subtly mocks the idea that innocence is a desirable or even attainable state, especially in a world saturated with implied sexuality.

The Disconnect Between Perception and Reality

Another prominent theme is the disconnect between perception and reality, particularly in how the narrator and Miss Gay experience the world. The narrator's erudite, almost overly elaborate language contrasts sharply with the mundane reality of their outing – a trip to the Bronx zoo. He frames their experiences with intellectual references (argonauta argo, helen moller dancers) while Miss Gay remains largely unimpressed and uninterested. This disparity highlights the narrator's own attempts to intellectualize and control his experience, perhaps as a way to cope with his growing discomfort. Miss Gay's brief remarks about "stuffed fauna" and the possibility of rain further underscore their lack of genuine connection and the superficiality of their interaction.

The Zoo as a Microcosm of Social Discomfort

The zoo serves as a powerful symbol of social discomfort and the clash between natural instincts and societal constraints. The primates' "uncouthly erotic" behavior is deemed unacceptable by Miss Gay, leading to her abrupt departure. This incident encapsulates the poem's central tension: the conflict between natural desires and the societal pressure to repress them. The animals, representing unbridled instinct, are rejected by Miss Gay, who embodies societal norms of propriety. The narrator's observation of this rejection reveals his own awareness of this conflict and his cynical perspective on the limitations of social behavior.

Recurring Images of Confinement and Restraint

Throughout the poem, recurring images of confinement and restraint reinforce the themes of repression and discomfort. Miss Gay's "uneyes safely ensconced in thick glass" symbolize her sheltered perspective and lack of engagement with the world. The mention of "stuffed fauna" emphasizes the artificiality and lifelessness of certain displays. The narrator's loosening of his collar after Miss Gay's departure suggests a release from constraint, both physical and psychological. Even the mention of Briggs, a possible reference to a brand or place, may imply a restrictive and conventional environment. Does this restrictive environment enable or encourage exploration?

A Final Dive into the Ironic Depths

In conclusion, "Young Woman of Cambridge" is a complex and multifaceted poem that uses humor and satire to explore themes of innocence, sexuality, and social awkwardness. Cummings masterfully employs vivid imagery, ironic juxtaposition, and sophisticated language to create a portrait of repressed desire and the limitations of societal expectations. The poem leaves the reader with a lingering sense of discomfort, prompting a reflection on the nature of innocence and the challenges of navigating a world filled with both natural instincts and social constraints. The final image of the narrator diving for the subway after Miss Gay's departure reinforces the poem's cynical tone and suggests a desire to escape the stifling atmosphere of social propriety.