A letter was left off in my previous question, changing the meaning.
What is the TONE of ee cummings Anyone lived in a pretty how town and Old age sticks? Examples from poems?
To determine the tone of a poem, it is important to closely examine the language, imagery, and overall mood conveyed by the poet. In the case of E.E. Cummings' poems "Anyone lived in a pretty how town" and "Old age sticks," we can explore the poetic devices and themes to decipher the tone.
"Anyone lived in a pretty how town" portrays the life cycle of individuals in a town using repetitive phrases and ambiguous language. While the poem does not have a single, definitive tone, it progresses from a tone of observance to a melancholic tone. In the beginning, the tone is detached and neutral, emphasizing the collective nature of the town's inhabitants. As the poem progresses, the tone transitions into a more somber and melancholic mood, reflecting the struggles and loneliness faced by individuals.
Example from the poem: "spring summer autumn winter he sang his didn’t he danced his did." The repetition of "he sang his didn't he danced his did" in an almost sing-song manner creates a playful and whimsical tone, showcasing the cycle of life. However, this also underlines the monotony and lack of individuality in the town.
In "Old age sticks," Cummings adopts a more direct and sarcastic tone to convey his frustration with societal expectations around aging. The poem criticizes the tendency to view old age negatively and reflects a rebellious tone against societal norms.
Example from the poem: "who whispers 'Is there any truth in this tale that youth (only)? means anything?' – the asked-for grace." In this line, Cummings uses irony and rhetorical questioning to challenge the conventional wisdom that youth holds all value. This reflects the sarcastic and critical tone of the poem.
Remember, interpretations of poetry can vary, so it's always a good practice to engage with the text attentively and consider various perspectives to understand the possible tones.