Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"She being Brand" is a poem by E.E. Cummings that was first published in 1926. The poem explores themes of desire, passion, and the thrill of new experiences.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, without a regular meter or rhyme scheme. Cummings uses unconventional grammar and syntax to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.
• Themes: The poem explores themes of desire and passion, emphasizing the thrill of new experiences. Cummings' language is highly sensual, evoking the sensory experience of driving a new car.
• Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid and imaginative imagery, such as the reference to "her velvet belly" and "her new wheels trembling." Cummings uses language that is both playful and sensual, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is one of excitement and passion, as the speaker marvels at the newness and beauty of the car. The language is highly sensory and evocative, emphasizing the sights, sounds, and sensations of driving a new car.
• Sound: The poem makes use of internal rhyme and alliteration, adding a musical quality to the poem and emphasizing its themes of desire and passion.
• Language: The poem's language is highly sensual and evocative, emphasizing the beauty and excitement of the new car. Cummings uses playful language and wordplay to create a sense of whimsy and delight.
• Figurative Language: The poem makes use of a variety of figurative language devices, such as metaphors and personification, to convey its themes. These devices add depth and complexity to the poem, highlighting the wonders and mysteries of desire and passion.
• Structure: The poem's irregular structure reflects the sense of excitement and anticipation conveyed by its themes. Cummings uses line breaks and stanzas to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis.
• Symbolism: The poem makes use of symbolic imagery to convey its themes, such as the reference to "her velvet belly." These symbols emphasize the mysterious and mystical nature of desire and passion.

Conclusion:

"She being Brand" is a playful and sensual poem that celebrates the thrill of new experiences. Cummings' use of playful language and imaginative imagery adds depth and complexity to the poem, highlighting the wonders and mysteries of desire and passion. The poem's irregular structure and use of symbolic imagery reflect its themes of excitement and anticipation.

POEM TEXT:

she being Brand

-new;and you

know consequently a

little stiff i was

careful of her and(having

thoroughly oiled the universal

joint tested my gas felt of

her radiator made sure her springs were O.

K.)i went right to it flooded-the-carburetor cranked her

up,slipped the

clutch(and then somehow got into reverse she

kicked what

the hell)next

minute i was back in neutral tried and

again slo-wly;bare,ly nudg. ing(my

lev-er Right-

oh and her gears being in

A 1 shape passed

from low through

second-in-to-high like

greasedlightning)just as we turned the corner of Divinity

avenue i touched the accelerator and give

her the juice,good

(it

was the first ride and believe i we was

happy to see how nice she acted right up to

the last minute coming back down by the Public

Gardens i slammed on

the

internalexpanding

&

externalcontracting

brakes Bothatonce and

brought allofher tremB

-ling

to a:dead.

stand-

;Still)