The American Hero In 'Buffalo's Bill'

Even earlier, in 1920, Cummings published the poem “[Buffalo’s Bill]” as an elegy for William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody. An American cowboy in the late 1800’s, Buffalo Bill symbolized Western America and received recognition for his fighting talents in the Civil War and his show Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Written three years after Bill’s death, this poem serves as a memorial of the American hero, whilst questioning whether or not he was a true hero.
The first layer of the poem describes Buffalo Bill as a blue-eyed handsome man “who used to ride a watersmooth-silver stallion” (3-5). Cummings uses his typical vivid imagery to describe Bill in a positive light—an attractive man, galloping by on a graceful horse—and show respect for an American hero. This poem also features unique typography where the page is not a single justified column. Line breaks are uneven and indented in odd patterns to create stress on vital parts in the poem. The sixth line reads “and break onetwothreefourfive pigeonsjustlikethat” which produces an uninterrupted flow. The connected words illustrate how the five pigeons fall at one instant and Buffalo Bill has true shooting talent.
On the other hand, words like “defunct” stand alone to highlight its importance and represent Buffalo Bill’s death. However,
Just as in the previous poem, he worked until he achieved what he set out to. Moreover, he never felt the need to change himself for the benefit of others. Acceptance was not a high priority and he always set an example for all writers to strive for their dreams and ignore those who put them down. Cummings wrote about whatever flowed from his mind and did not care if others judged him for it. From controversial topics to ones concerning the future of humanity, Cummings covered the whole spectrum. As a writer and a role model, E.E. Cummings fit the role and inspired many to get out of their comfort zones and make a difference by being