Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"One: 7" by E.E. Cummings is a playful and satirical poem that critiques the figure of Mr. Do-Nothing, a person who epitomizes laziness, superficiality, and the emptiness of modern pursuits. Cummings uses his characteristic wordplay and rhythmic structure to mock the hollow ambitions and lack of meaningful action that define Mr. Do-Nothing's life.

The poem begins with a nod to the famous opening of Longfellow's "Paul Revere's Ride" ("Listen my children and you shall hear"), setting the stage for what initially seems like a tale of heroism or significance. However, Cummings quickly subverts this expectation by introducing "the true / story of Mr Do- / nothing," a character who is notable precisely for his lack of accomplishment.

The description of Mr. Do-Nothing as a "wellknown parvenu" suggests that he is someone who has recently acquired wealth or status without earning it through hard work or merit. The term "parvenu" often carries connotations of social climbing and superficiality, further emphasizing the emptiness of Mr. Do-Nothing's achievements.

Cummings humorously details Mr. Do-Nothing's academic endeavors: "having dreamed of a corkscreW / studied with Freud a year or two." The image of dreaming of a corkscrew—a mundane, even trivial object—implies that Mr. Do-Nothing's aspirations are small and insignificant. Studying with Freud, a reference to the famous psychoanalyst, adds a layer of irony, as it suggests that even under the guidance of a great mind, Mr. Do-Nothing fails to gain anything of substance. The use of "a year or two" also suggests a lack of commitment or depth in his pursuits.

The poem continues with the revelation that after his time with Freud, "DonothingDo- / nothing could do / nothing." This line plays on the idea that Mr. Do-Nothing has become so adept at doing nothing that it has become his defining skill. The repetition and enjambment create a rhythmic and almost musical quality, reinforcing the idea that Mr. Do-Nothing's inaction is habitual and ingrained.

Cummings then compares Mr. Do-Nothing's "achievements" to those of ordinary people: "nothing which you / and i are accustomed to / accomplish two / or three times, and even a few / more depending on the remunerativeness / of the stimulus." Here, Cummings suggests that what Mr. Do-Nothing struggles with—basic actions or accomplishments—are things that most people do routinely and with little effort. The mention of "remunerativeness / of the stimulus" implies that Mr. Do-Nothing only acts when there is a financial incentive, highlighting his lack of intrinsic motivation or passion.

The poem ends with a playful and cryptic allusion: "eheu / fu- / gaces Postume / boo / who." This line references Horace's famous ode "Eheu fugaces, Postume, Postume," which reflects on the fleeting nature of time. By breaking up the words and introducing "boo / who," Cummings adds a layer of mockery, as if dismissing the gravity of the classical reference or reducing it to a childish taunt. This final twist underscores the emptiness of Mr. Do-Nothing's existence and the futility of his pursuits.

"One: 7" by E.E. Cummings is a satirical commentary on the emptiness of modern life, particularly as embodied by figures like Mr. Do-Nothing, who achieve little of substance despite their apparent status or education. Through his clever wordplay and rhythmic structure, Cummings highlights the contrast between superficial accomplishments and true action, ultimately questioning the value of a life spent doing nothing of real significance.

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