NTOCGAI Interpretive Response
NTOCGAI Interpretive Response
In the poem “next to of course god america i” by E.E Cummings, the poet relays a seemingly patriotic dialogue. Upon deeper analysis, it becomes obvious that the entire poem was written with a sarcastic and mocking tone woven in with fake patriotism. But what does this poem mean? Since he highlights the ironic ideals of American citizens and certain word choice throughout the poem conveys insincere patriotism, one can infer that this poem was written to show the blind patriotism of American citizens.
Cummings shows this by saying, “i love you land of the pilgrims and so forth” (Cummings, 2). By saying “so forth” in this way, the poet seems to convey a “yadda yadda yadda” type attitude towards the patriotic words
that could have been said instead, therefore showing that he does not really care about the patriotism. The way Cummings writes this line with an annoyed tone shows that he is tired of the overwhelming patriotism that oozes out of most Americans’ very souls-- the way people constantly praise America and reminisce about the country’s past glory, instead of looking at the issues the constantly appear in present day. To further show the blind patriotism of America, Cummings writes, “why talk of beauty what could be more beaut-iful than the heroic happy dead who rushed like lions into the roaring slaughter they did not stop to think they died instead” (Cummings, 9-12). Here, Cummings sarcastically highlights the beauty of American soldiers killing themselves in what they think is bravery but really is stupidity. They justify their actions by saying that it is out of their love for
America, but they did not stop to think about the consequences of their actions, thus showing the blindness Americans face when their overwhelming patriotism clouds their better judgement.
In the poem “next to of course god america i” by E.E Cummings, the poet relays a seemingly patriotic dialogue. Upon deeper analysis, it becomes obvious that the entire poem was written with a sarcastic and mocking tone woven in with fake patriotism. But what does this poem mean? Since he highlights the ironic ideals of American citizens and certain word choice throughout the poem conveys insincere patriotism, one can infer that this poem was written to show the blind patriotism of American citizens.
Cummings shows this by saying, “i love you land of the pilgrims and so forth” (Cummings, 2). By saying “so forth” in this way, the poet seems to convey a “yadda yadda yadda” type attitude towards the patriotic words
that could have been said instead, therefore showing that he does not really care about the patriotism. The way Cummings writes this line with an annoyed tone shows that he is tired of the overwhelming patriotism that oozes out of most Americans’ very souls-- the way people constantly praise America and reminisce about the country’s past glory, instead of looking at the issues the constantly appear in present day. To further show the blind patriotism of America, Cummings writes, “why talk of beauty what could be more beaut-iful than the heroic happy dead who rushed like lions into the roaring slaughter they did not stop to think they died instead” (Cummings, 9-12). Here, Cummings sarcastically highlights the beauty of American soldiers killing themselves in what they think is bravery but really is stupidity. They justify their actions by saying that it is out of their love for
America, but they did not stop to think about the consequences of their actions, thus showing the blindness Americans face when their overwhelming patriotism clouds their better judgement.