Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Five Americans: 4. Marj" by E.E. Cummings presents a portrait of a woman named Marj, characterized by her casual cynicism, lethargy, and a somewhat playful, yet disillusioned, attitude toward life. Through his use of dialogue, vivid imagery, and distinctive language, Cummings captures a moment of conversation that reveals both the personality of Marj and the atmosphere in which she exists.

The poem opens with Marj addressing life with a detached and dismissive attitude: "life? Listen" the feline she with radishred / legs said." The comparison of Marj to a "feline" suggests a certain laziness or languid grace, while her "radishred legs" evoke a bold, almost comical image. The combination of these two characteristics sets the stage for a character who is both striking and somewhat absurd. Her slow, deliberate action of crossing her legs reinforces her nonchalant demeanor.

Marj declares, "I'm asleep. Yep. Youse is asleep kid / and everybody is." This statement reflects her view that life is a dreamlike or comatose state, in which people are not truly awake or aware. It conveys a sense of existential boredom or disillusionment, suggesting that Marj perceives life as a series of unconscious motions rather than a vibrant, engaged experience.

When the speaker tentatively mentions "god"—blushing slightly—Marj's response is dismissive and irreverent: "O damn / ginks like dis Gawd." The use of "ginks" (a slang term for foolish or contemptible people) to describe those who believe in or rely on God indicates Marj's disdain for traditional religious beliefs or the people who hold them. Her attitude is one of scornful indifference, as if the idea of God is not worth serious consideration.

Marj then opens "slowlyslowly / them-then carefully the rolypoly / voice squatting on a mountain of gum." This imagery is almost surreal, with the "rolypoly voice" suggesting a thick, rounded sound, and the "mountain of gum" adding a sense of heaviness and stickiness. The voice does "something like a whisper," which contrasts with its earlier description, as if even her voice is too tired or sluggish to commit to full expression. The phrase "even her" is enigmatic, possibly referring to someone in particular or to a generalized apathy that extends to everyone, including "The Madam," whom the speaker mentions next.

When the speaker asks about "The Madam," they do so "vaguely," while watching the "mountainous worthy" (presumably "The Madam") in the delicate act of "doing her eyebrows." The image of a large, imposing figure engaging in such a delicate task highlights a contrast between physicality and femininity, adding a layer of absurdity to the scene. The Madam, involved in her grooming, becomes a symbol of the superficial, perhaps representing the empty rituals that people engage in to maintain appearances.

The poem concludes with Marj's laughter, described as having a physical impact: "Marj's laughter smacked / me: pummeling the curtains, drooped to a purr." Her laughter starts forcefully, hitting the speaker like a slap, but then softens into a "purr," returning to the feline imagery from the beginning of the poem. This suggests that while Marj's outward attitude may be harsh or mocking, there is also a sense of underlying contentment or self-satisfaction.

The speaker leaves Marj "permanently smiling," which implies that Marj remains unchanged and untroubled by the conversation or by life in general. Her smile suggests a sense of self-assurance or even superiority, as if she has figured out something about life that others have not—or perhaps that she simply refuses to take anything too seriously.

"Five Americans: 4. Marj" by E.E. Cummings is a character study that delves into the casual cynicism and disillusionment of a woman who has resigned herself to a life of detachment and superficial engagement. Through Marj's dialogue and actions, Cummings explores themes of existential ennui, the absurdity of social rituals, and the way people cope with the emptiness they perceive in life. The poem paints a picture of a world where appearances and attitudes mask a deeper, shared discontent, and where characters like Marj find solace in their own aloofness.

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