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The American Tradition in Literature, Volume 2, 10/e

George Perkins, Eastern Michigan University
Barbara Perkins, University of Toledo-Toledo

Essay Questions

Analysis


1		Explain the contributions of rhythm to theme and tone in Cummings' two lyric poems, "Thy Fingers Make Early Flowers Of" and "When God Lets My Body Be."



2		What functions do the verbal apostrophes play in these lyric poems?

Interpretation


3		Do Cummings' lyric poems reflect a death wish, or if not, what role does death seem to play for the speakers?



4		Trace the theme of mortality in Cummings' poetry. For example, what are some possible interpretations of the references to death as "defunct" and "Mr. Death" in "Buffalo Bill's"?

Evaluation


5		Should E. E. Cummings's own war enlistments belie the sentiment of "I Sing of Olaf Glad and Big"? In what sense is the theme of poem ironic?



6		Are the juxtapositions of words and the interplays of rhyme and rhythm in "Anyone Lived in a Pretty How Town" a matter only of playful diction, or do they function in a more significant way? Think about Cummings' themes and ideas in formulating your answer.

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