Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Five Americans: 2. Mame" by E.E. Cummings is a vivid and somewhat grotesque portrait of a woman named Mame, presented in a way that emphasizes her physicality and her coarse, almost vulgar demeanor. Cummings captures the essence of Mame through a series of detailed and unflattering images, using his characteristic style to explore themes of appearance, self-perception, and the raw, unrefined aspects of human nature.

The poem opens with Mame putting down a hand mirror, signaling that she has been examining herself closely. She then displays "a mellifluous idiot grin," a description that juxtaposes the sweetness of "mellifluous" with the demeaning term "idiot." This contrast suggests that Mame's outward appearance or behavior might be superficially pleasing, but it is also foolish or lacking in depth. The "grin" is further described with "what was nose upwrinkled into nothing / earthly," indicating that her features have contorted into something almost unrecognizable or unnatural. The "slippery eyes" that "drown / in surging flesh" evoke a sense of overwhelming physicality, as if her body is consuming her features, further dehumanizing her.

Cummings then describes a gesture where Mame uses "A thumblike index downdragging" to pull back her skin, revealing something she wants the speaker to see. This action is forceful and unrefined, reflecting her lack of subtlety. The speaker, in response, is so taken aback that they "ceased / to breathe," highlighting the shocking or unsettling nature of what Mame is doing.

The poem continues with Mame's "plump left fist opening 'wisdom.'" The word "wisdom" is placed in quotes, suggesting irony—what she reveals is likely far from true wisdom. The mention of a "Flicker of gold" could indicate that she is showing off a piece of jewelry or something she considers valuable, but it is also fleeting, just a "flicker." This is followed by a casual, almost dismissive statement: "Yep. No gas. Flynn." The words are described as "drizzling untidily from released / cheeks," emphasizing the sloppiness of her speech and demeanor. The reference to "Flynn" might be an allusion to something specific, possibly a person or a situation, but it is delivered in such a disorganized manner that its significance is lost.

Mame continues speaking, expressing bravado: "I'll tell duh woild; some noive all right." Her words reflect a brash, confident attitude, as she comments on someone's boldness. The phrase "Aint much on looks but how dat baby ached" suggests that she is discussing someone (or something) that, despite not being attractive, had a significant impact—possibly in a physical or emotional sense. The use of colloquial language ("Aint much on looks") adds to the raw, unpolished image of Mame.

When the speaker tentatively suggests "novocaine?"—a reference to a painkiller, likely in response to the discomfort or grotesque nature of what Mame is showing—the poem takes a darker, more intense turn. Mame's eyes "outstart, curl, bloat," transforming into "newly baked / and swaggering cookies of indignant light." This description is both surreal and unsettling, as her eyes undergo a metamorphosis that turns them into exaggerated symbols of anger or indignation. The "swaggering cookies" of light suggest a puffed-up, almost comical display of fury, yet it is rooted in something real and visceral.

"Five Americans: 2. Mame" by E.E. Cummings is a striking depiction of a character who is bold, coarse, and unapologetically physical. Through his use of vivid, often grotesque imagery and colloquial language, Cummings creates a portrait that is both critical and fascinated by the rawness of Mame's presence. The poem explores the tension between appearance and reality, self-perception, and the ways in which individuals present themselves to the world—often in ways that are more complex and unsettling than they first appear.

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