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

Him: The Fragmented Self in a Labyrinth of Identity
E.E. Cummings

The poem "Him" by E.E. Cummings is a literary investigation of the broken self, a voyage through the identity maze where distinctions between the individual and the collective become hazy. This article will analyze Cummings' particular language style and explore the complex characters in "Him," revealing the intricacies of self-discovery and identification inside the poet's unique literary universe.

Disintegration of Language and Identity:

The way that Cummings uses syntax and grammar differently in "Him" reflects how the ego is broken apart. The intentional destruction of linguistic conventions produces a bewildering yet captivating environment that invites readers to encounter the shattered essence of identity. Cummings conveys the internal conflict and the difficulty of expressing a cohesive sense of self in the tangle of life using rambling words.

Personas as Mirror Images of the Self:

In "Him," Cummings presents a cast of figures that operate as mirrors, reflecting various aspects of the individual. These characters have a general quality since they lack traditional names, which highlights their position as archetypes rather than unique people. Every character represents a unique facet of the human experience, adding to the overall investigation of identity as a combination of several components.

The Confusing Character of Identity:

In "Him," Cummings creates a labyrinth where characters must make their way through challenging sections leading to self-discovery. The poems' meandering journey through the difficulties of identity is reflected in their nonlinear structure. The labyrinth takes on symbolic meaning in relation to the inner conflicts, cultural norms, and never-ending pursuit of authenticity that characterize the human condition.

Contradiction and Duality:

The characters in "Him" represent contradiction and duality, emphasizing the inner conflicts that each person has. Cummings challenges readers to address the conflict between society expectations and personal truths by highlighting the complex nature of identity through paradox and irony. The challenges faced by the characters turn into a miniature version of the common human endeavor to bring conflicting aspects of oneself together.

The Revealing of Genuineness:

Cummings raises the prospect of authenticity within the fractured self and tangled identity. Through epiphanies and self-realizations, "Him" characters get closer to revealing who they really are. The poet makes the argument that, in spite of the difficulties and fragmentation, people can still manage to make their way through the maze and accept who they truly are.

In summary:

E.E. Cummings' poem "Him" is a poetic examination of the broken self inside an identity maze. By using creative language and presenting people as mirror images of the self, Cummings creates a story that challenges readers to consider the difficulties involved in the quest for self-awareness. While acknowledging the broken character of the ego and hinting at the possibility of authenticity emerging from the complex dance of contradictions, the poet challenges us to traverse the maze of identity in this mysterious literary cosmos.