When interpreting the meaning of E.E. Cummings' poem "my sweet old etcetera," the greatest consideration should be given to the poet's feelings about war. The poem juxtaposes personal and familial sentiments with the broader context of war, revealing a blend of irony, disillusionment, and critique of wartime attitudes. Cummings uses a playful, yet poignant tone to explore how different family members perceive and react to the war, emphasizing the contrast between glorified accounts of bravery and the harsh, often uncomfortable realities experienced by soldiers.
My Sweet Old Etceteraby E.E.Cummingsmy sweet old etceteraaunt lucy during the recentwar could and whatis more did tell you justwhat everybody was fightingfor, my sisterIsabel created hundreds(and hundreds) of socks not tomention fleaproof earwarmersetcetera wristers etcetera, mymother hoped thati would die etceterabravely of course my father usedto become hoarse talking about how it wasa privilege and if only hecould meanwhile myself etcetera lay quietlyin 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.QuestionUse the poem to answer the question.What should be taken into the greatest consideration when interpreting the meaning of the poem?(1 point)Responsesthe symbolism that is usedthe symbolism that is usedthe poet’s family relationshipsthe poet’s family relationshipsthe historical context of the timethe historical context of the timethe poet’s feelings about warthe poet’s feelings about war
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