When interpreting the meaning of the poem "My Sweet Old Etcetera" by E.E. Cummings, the greatest consideration should be given to the poet’s feelings about war. The poem reveals a contrast between the perceptions of family members regarding war and the poet's own experience and feelings, particularly the disillusionment and personal impact of war. Cummings uses personal reflections and specific family anecdotes to illustrate the complexities of his emotions towards war, making his feelings a central aspect of the poem's meaning.
My Sweet Old Etcetera
by E.E.Cummings
my sweet old etcetera
aunt lucy during the recent
war could and what
is more did tell you just
what everybody was fighting
for, my sister
Isabel created hundreds
(and hundreds) of socks not to
mention fleaproof earwarmers
etcetera wristers etcetera, my
mother hoped that
i would die etcetera
bravely of course my father used
to become hoarse talking about how it was
a privilege and if only he
could meanwhile my
self etcetera lay quietly
in the deep mud etcetera
(dreaming, et cetera, of Your smileeyes knees and of your Etcetera)
"my sweet old etcetera". Copyright 1926, 1954, (c) 1991 by the Trustees for the E. E. Cummings Trust. Copyright (c) 1985 by George James Firmage, from COMPLETE POEMS: 1904-1962 by E. E. Cummings, edited by George J. Firmage. Used by permission of Liveright Publishing Corporation.
Question
Use the poem to answer the question.
What should be taken into the greatest consideration when interpreting the meaning of the poem?
(1 point)
Responses
the poet’s family relationships
the poet’s family relationships
the symbolism that is used
the symbolism that is used
the poet’s feelings about war
the poet’s feelings about war
the historical context of the time
1 answer