Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sonnets - Realities: 3" by E.E. Cummings is a poignant and somewhat cynical exploration of the fleeting nature of beauty, youth, and the performative aspects of femininity. The poem delves into the societal expectations placed upon women, particularly in the entertainment industry, and the inevitable decline that accompanies aging and disillusionment.

The poem begins with an introduction reminiscent of a circus or vaudeville show: "ladies and gentlemen this little girl." This phrase sets the tone for the rest of the poem, positioning the subject—a young female dancer—on display for the audience. The use of "little girl" infantilizes her, highlighting her vulnerability and the way she is objectified by those who watch her. This diminutive phrase underscores the power dynamics at play, where the girl is both the object of attention and entertainment, reduced to her physical attributes.

Cummings then provides a detailed description of the dancer, emphasizing her "good teeth and small important breasts." The mention of these specific physical features draws attention to the superficial aspects of her appearance, which society deems valuable. The poem critiques the way women are judged and valued based on their bodies, rather than their inner qualities or talents.

The poem continues with a questioning tone: "is it the Frolic or the Century whirl? / one's memory indignantly protests." This line suggests that the dancer's identity and the context in which she performs have become blurred and indistinguishable. The reference to "Frolic" and "Century whirl" evokes the names of popular entertainment venues or events, but the speaker's memory is unsure and frustrated, indicating a sense of disillusionment with the repetitive and interchangeable nature of such performances.

The dancer is further described with "tightened eyes," "crisp ogling shoulders," and "ripe quite too large lips always clenched faintly." These descriptions evoke a sense of tension and forced sensuality, as if the dancer is straining to maintain an appearance that meets the audience's expectations. Her "tightened eyes" suggest a weariness or resignation, while her "ogling shoulders" and "clenched" lips reflect the performative nature of her role—designed to entice and please, yet constrained by the very act of performing.

The poem then shifts focus, contemplating the dancer's inner life: "she dreamed one afternoon .... or maybe read?" This line introduces the idea that the dancer once had dreams or aspirations beyond the role she plays on stage. The ellipsis suggests a pause, as if the speaker is considering the possibility that the dancer's dreams have been forgotten or overshadowed by her current reality. The mention of "read" implies that these dreams may have been influenced by stories or ideals that no longer seem attainable.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the dancer's future: "of a time when the beautiful most of her / (this here and This, do you get me?) / will maybe dance and maybe sing and be / absitively posolutely dead, / like Coney Island in winter." This final stanza is both wistful and resigned. The phrase "the beautiful most of her" suggests that her beauty, which is currently central to her identity, will one day fade. The repetition of "this here and This" emphasizes the importance of her present physical appearance, while also hinting at the transient nature of beauty.

The use of the phrase "absitively posolutely dead" is a playful and ironic twist on language, blending "absolutely" and "positively" with "dead" to underscore the finality of her decline. This phrase, along with the comparison to "Coney Island in winter," evokes a sense of abandonment and desolation. Coney Island, known for its vibrant amusement parks, becomes a ghost town in the off-season, much like how the dancer's beauty and vitality will eventually fade, leaving behind only memories of what once was.

In "Sonnets - Realities: 3," Cummings critiques the superficiality of society's obsession with physical beauty and the ways in which women, particularly those in entertainment, are commodified and objectified. The poem's tone is both sympathetic and cynical, acknowledging the dancer's plight while also recognizing the inevitability of her decline. Through his vivid imagery and clever wordplay, Cummings captures the fragility of beauty and the hollow nature of fame, leaving the reader with a sense of melancholy and reflection on the transient nature of life and youth.

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