E. E. Cummings Group

Question:

twilightfan89
twilightfan89
Student
College - Sophomore

I have to characterize the "anyone" who "sang his didn't" and "danced his did".

1. I have to characterize the "anyone" who "sang his didn't" and "danced his did". How does he differ from the people who "sowed their isn't they reaped their name"?

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Posted by twilightfan89 on Thursday October 30, 2008 at 7:24 AM and tagged with anyone who lived in a pretty how town, e. e. cummings.

Answers:

  1. catharinek
    catharinek Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    In the poem, anyone represents the individual. When anyone "sang his didn't" and "danced his did," he is celebrating life in a sense. The idea of "sang his didn't" means he is looking toward his dreams and what he would like to accomplish in life. In working toward fulfilling his dreams, anyone is "dancing his did." He is living his life fully and the idea of dancing is celebratory; his life has meaning. In contrast, the rest of the town "sowed their isn't they reaped their same," which indicates that they didn't live fully. The saying goes, "You reap what you sow." So, if they don't do anything - or live shallow, meaningless lives, then that's what they reap . . . nothing; they remain shallow and meaningless.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/e-e-cummings-salem/e-e-cummings-200...

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    Posted by catharinek on Thursday October 30, 2008 at 11:37 AM