e.e. cummings

1894 - 1962 *

American poet, who experimented extensively with language and form.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, cummings was educated at Harvard University.

During World War I, he was an ambulance driver in France and was detained for three months in a military detention centre on a false charge.

cummings' experiments with language made his unique work famous. He rejected conforming to society. He saw spaces and capital letters as literary obstacles, and saw little reason to use them. Some of the unconventional techniques cummings employed included omission of lower-case letters, unusual punctuation, unusual and striking imagery, new words, and the use of jazz rhythms and slang.

cummings' work is mainly lyrical and romantic in nature, although it is difficult to ascertain this at first glance given the unusual nature of his work.

          Source: Classics Network Editorial Team

These essays offer analysis of the author's life and works. Many of them have been submitted by users, and are assigned an Editorial Rating on a scale from one to five stars to assist you in evaluating their worth. See also: Note on Essays, Editorial Policy.

     

No essays about this author have been added yet. Our database is growing rapidly -- check back soon!

     

No links about this author have been added yet. Our database is growing rapidly -- check back soon!

     

No quotes by this author have been added yet. Our database is growing rapidly -- check back soon!

Additional searches

cummings at Encarta Encyclopedia

cummings at Britannica Encyclopedia

cummings at Xrefer.com