A stylistic investigation of the manifestations of Spring in E.E. Cummings : a graphological and morphological analysis

Abstract

This project undertakes an in depth graphological and morphological analysis of spring themed poems taken from revolutionary poet E. E. Cummings’ repertoire. This investigation equates the constant renewal and innovation of language in the poet’s verses with the cyclical arrival of spring with its promise of freshness and rebirth. It will be shown how the joys and wonders of spring are expressed and mirrored in the ludic experimentation of graphological and morphological devices. Furthermore, it will be illustrated how the concept of movement, so characteristic of this season, is being reflected in the distinct images of immediacy and spontaneity that the systematic deviations bring about. It will additionally be evidenced how these stylistic foregrounding techniques not only affect meaning but also affect the readers in that they are challenged to examine the texts more closely and to come up with new interpretations. Finally, the development and changes in the poet’s attitude to his beloved spring will be traced, as will the resulting manifestations thereof in the linguistic and stylistic techniques employed by Cummings.