Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "1x1 (One Times One): 12," E.E. Cummings offers a satirical and fragmented narrative that critiques various social, political, and cultural institutions, employing his characteristic playfulness with language and structure. The poem is a pastiche of historical, religious, and contemporary references, woven together to create a critique of how society deals with complex issues—often with superficial solutions and empty gestures.

The poem opens with a somewhat sarcastic tone: "it was a goodly co / which paid to make man free." Here, "co" likely refers to a company or corporation, suggesting that freedom is commodified or sponsored, as if it is a product to be purchased. The notion that "man is enslaved by a dread dizziz" (disease) introduces the idea that humanity is afflicted by something ominous, though the nature of this "dizziz" is left intentionally vague, reflecting the often nebulous fears or issues that drive societal actions.

Cummings then shifts to religious imagery with "bishop budge from kew," an Anglican figure who presumably rises to address this "monster merde" (a crude term for excrement, symbolizing something foul or corrupt). The bishop, a figure of authority, engages in the fight against this metaphorical monster, but Cummings' choice of language suggests that this battle is farcical or ineffective. The bishop’s actions are further satirized by the image of him "pick[ing] up a thousand pounds or two," implying that even religious leaders are motivated by financial gain.

The poem continues with the rise of "pride" and "pelf" (wealth), alongside historical factions like the Ghibellines and Guelphs, who were medieval political factions in Italy. These references point to ongoing conflicts and power struggles, suggesting that history repeats itself with the same motivations—pride, greed, and the pursuit of power—at the forefront.

The lines "and ladios and laddios / (on radios and raddios)" mock the way modern media (through "radios") amplifies these conflicts and the triviality with which serious issues are often treated. The use of "ladios and laddios" as a playful take on "ladies and gentlemen" further emphasizes the performative aspect of these societal issues, where real problems are reduced to entertainment or sensationalism.

Cummings also critiques the role of women in this societal play with "ye duskiest despot's goldenest gal / did wring that dragon's tail." The phrase suggests that even the most powerful figures (represented by the despot) rely on superficial acts or symbols (such as a woman’s allure) to maintain control or create change. The woman’s act of "wringing the dragon's tail" is a metaphor for dealing with a dangerous problem in a way that is ultimately theatrical rather than substantive.

The poem references William Shakespeare, "one william shakespeare broke / the silence of the tomb," suggesting that true insight or commentary comes from art and literature rather than from the political or religious figures who dominate the narrative. Shakespeare, representing genuine creativity and expression, stands in contrast to the superficial actions of the others in the poem.

The final stanza introduces "mr lipshits pres," a character who represents a figure of authority or leadership. The name "Lipshits" is a play on words that further emphasizes the poem's irreverence and satire. This figure, who "always nothing says," represents the empty rhetoric often spouted by those in power. The gesture of kissing the "general menedjerr" (manager) and smoking a "robert burns cigerr" (a cigar named after the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns) with him is an ironic nod to the ways in which culture and history are co-opted for trivial purposes.

The poem concludes with the phrase "to the god of things like they err," which mocks the worship of the status quo and the perpetuation of errors or mistakes in society. This final line underscores the overall tone of the poem—cynical and critical of how society deals with its own problems, often through superficial and self-serving means rather than meaningful change.

Overall, "1x1 (One Times One): 12" by E.E. Cummings is a complex and layered critique of societal norms, historical cycles, and the institutions that claim to protect or save humanity. Through his playful use of language and fragmented structure, Cummings exposes the absurdity of these institutions and the hollow gestures that often pass for progress or resolution. The poem invites readers to question the motivations behind societal actions and to seek deeper, more authentic forms of expression and change.

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