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

Santa Claus: A Morality Unmasking the Holiday's True Monster
E.E. Cummings

The poem "Santa Claus" by E.E. Cummings offers a critical examination of the popular holiday character, revealing a darker undercurrent beneath the cheerful exterior. This essay will analyze Cummings' distinctive language style as well as the characters in "Santa Claus," revealing the moral depths that reveal the actual nature of the beloved Christmas figure.

Irony and Linguistic Subversion:

Cummings subverts the traditional narrative surrounding the cheerful figure in "Santa Claus" by using irony and language. The poem questions the overly sentimental picture of Santa Claus by using unusual syntax and twisted vocabulary, prompting readers to reevaluate the morality usually connected to this joyous figure.

The Real Monster of the Holidays: Santa Claus

According to Cummings' view, Santa Claus is shown as a horrible character who contradicts the morality that is commonly associated with him. The poem exposes a darker reality where the festive figure becomes a symbol of materialism, moral ambiguity, and possibly even exploitation. It does this by pulling back the benign exterior of gift-giving and joy. Cummings challenges readers to consider the morals ingrained in the Santa Claus cultural myth.

Characters Serving as Morality Symbols:

The characters in "Santa Claus" are meant to be metaphors for moral uncertainty. With a cast that defies traditional holiday happiness, Cummings offers a sophisticated viewpoint on the ideals connected to the season. The poet invites readers to consider the complexity of morality in the setting of joyous celebrations by defying convention.

Culture Criticism and Consumerism:

The commercialization ingrained in the holiday season is also included in Cummings' critique. The poet explores the darker side of gift-giving via the prism of Santa Claus, raising ethical concerns about materialism and the superficiality that frequently permeates the holiday. The poem invites readers to consider the moral ramifications of cultural customs and societal expectations around the holidays.

Festive morality's irony:

The irony in the poem resides in the juxtaposition between the revealed truth of "Santa Claus" and the expected celebratory morals. The contradiction between the romanticized story of the holidays and whatever moral failings that could be there beneath the surface is something that Cummings makes readers address. Using irony as a literary tactic, authors aim to elicit critical thought about the real meaning of the holiday season.

In summary:

In "Santa Claus," E.E. Cummings exposes the festive figure as a potential monster hiding behind the cultural story, offering a thought-provoking investigation of Christmas morality. Through characters that are allegorical, language subversion, and a critique of capitalism, Cummings asks readers to reevaluate the morals ingrained in holiday customs. The poem invites us to consider the morality that guides our shared cultural rituals and the true nature of the holiday's iconic figure, so provoking an analysis of the complexity inherent in celebratory gatherings.