why did e. e. cummings write the poem Mariann Morre
--M in a vicious world-to love virtue
A in a craven world-to have courage
R in a treacherous world-to prove loyal
I in a wavering world-to stand firm
A in a cruel world-to show mercy
N in a biased world-to act justly
N in a shameless world-to live nobly
E in a hateful world-to forgive
M in a venal world-to be honest
O in a heartless world-to be human
O in a killing world-to create
R in a sick world-to be whole
E in an epoch of UNself-to be ONEself
Moore and cummings were part of a group of poets who exemplified the early 20th century. They were friends and "fellow commentors" on the times they lived in.
Here is an interesting site on Moore. Check out her bio, and her essay on poetry.
http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/poets/m_r/moore/moore.htm
This is an analysis of Moore's style, which will give you an idea of why cummings wrote the poem as he did
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE2DE1F3FF937A35752C0A9629C8B63
Here is a site to some letters that Moore wrote to her fellow poets.
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16808
P.S.
Main Entry: acros·tic
Pronunciation: &-'kros-tik, -'kräs-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French & Greek; Middle French acrostiche, from Greek akrostichis, from akr- acr- + stichos line; akin to steichein to go —more at STAIR
Date: 1530
1 : a composition usually in verse in which sets of letters (as the initial or final letters of the lines) taken in order form a word or phrase or a regular sequence of letters of the alphabet
2 : ACRONYM
- acrostic also acros.ti.cal adjective
- acros·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
E. E. Cummings wrote the poem "Mariann Morre" to express his thoughts on how to live a virtuous life in a challenging and corrupt world. The poem is composed of individual letters forming words, and each letter represents a quality or value that Cummings believed was important to uphold in the face of adversity.
To understand the meaning behind the poem and why Cummings wrote it, we can analyze the structure and symbolism used in the poem. The poem forms the name "Mariann Morre," and each letter represents a virtue or characteristic that is essential for navigating a hostile world.
Cummings starts with "M" for love of virtue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's moral compass in a world that often lacks integrity. He moves on to "A" for courage, suggesting that having bravery is necessary to confront the numerous challenges encountered in life. The letter "R" represents loyalty, urging individuals to remain faithful and trustworthy amidst treacherous circumstances.
The letter "I" stands for standing firm, indicating the need to remain resolute and unwavering in one's convictions. Cummings then continues with "A" for showing mercy, implying that being compassionate and forgiving is crucial in a cruel world. "N" represents acting justly, encouraging individuals to treat others fairly and without bias.
The next letter "N" signifies living nobly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of dignity and honor when faced with shameless acts. The letter "E" calls for forgiveness, highlighting the necessity of letting go of resentment and hate in a world filled with animosity.
Cummings proceeds with "M" for honesty, suggesting the significance of being truthful and trustworthy in a world often tainted by venality. The letter "O" represents being human in a heartless world, implying the need to remain compassionate and connected to our humanity despite the harshness around us.
The second "O" stands for creativity, suggesting that even in a world prone to destruction, one can still engage in acts of creation and beauty. The letter "R" symbolizes the desire to be whole in a world that often feels broken or sick.
Finally, the letter "E" represents being oneself, particularly in a time when conformity and selflessness dominate. Cummings encourages individuals to embrace their individuality and authenticity, advocating against the pressures of conformity.
Through "Mariann Morre," E. E. Cummings invites readers to reflect on the virtues and qualities that are essential to living a meaningful and honorable life, no matter the challenges that surround us. The poem serves as a reminder to cultivate and uphold these virtues in a world that often seems to contradict them.