American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Anyone lived in a pretty how town: A Mosaic of Conformity and Rebellion
E.E. Cummings

The poem "Anyone lived in a pretty how town" by E.E. Cummings delves deeply into the complexity of life, cultural norms, and the tension between revolt and conformity. By means of his inventive use of language, Cummings creates a mosaic of persons living in an apparently picture-perfect town, exploring the most intimate aspects of their lives and the ongoing conflict between individualism and society expectations.

Observance in the Beautiful How Town:

The poem opens with the recurrent figures "anyone" and "noone," who stand in for the townspeople's general lack of identity. "Lived in a pretty how town" alludes to a picturesque exterior that hides the underlying conformity-driven monotony. The residents of the town lead normal lives that are characterized by social expectations. Cummings emphasizes the characters' anonymity and reinforces the idea of homogeneity by using all lowercase letters and omitting punctuation.

The Seasons That Recur in Life:

The poem's structure is modeled by the recurring seasons of life, with anniversaries and births interspersing the years. Cummings presents a sharp contrast between "anyone" and "noone" and the villagers despite the cyclical pattern of life. Motivated by social norms, the residents of the town follow predetermined routes and lead ordinary lives. Conversely, "anyone" and "noone" stand for the possibility of uniqueness and defiance of the status quo.

The Unique Character of "Anyone":

The town is uniform, thus "Anyone," with his individuality and nonconformity, stands out. His name was purposefully chosen to highlight his universality and to stand for everyone who has the courage to challenge social standards. "Anyone" is in a real relationship with "noone," one that is not constrained by social norms. This unorthodox bond acts as a symbol of defiance against the faceless character of conformity.

Rebellion and the Defying of Normative Ideals:

Cummings gently questions accepted wisdom by creating the character "Anyone." "Anyone" breaks out from the limitations of conventional norms by valuing uniqueness and sincere relationships. The refrain "women and men (both little and small)," which is repeated, highlights how global the fight against conformity is. "Both little and small" is surrounded by parentheses, implying a hierarchy that "Anyone" defies and represents a spirit of defiance against social standards.

In summary:

"Anyone lived in a pretty how town" by E.E. Cummings is a superb examination of the conflict between rebellion and conformity. With "Anyone" and "noone," Cummings creates a mosaic of uniqueness inside a seemingly picture-perfect village. The poem invites readers to consider the fine line that exists between conformity and rebellion in the fabric of human existence, offering a profound remark on the ongoing battle for authenticity in the face of society expectations.