Joey Saves The Day!: Facts About E. E. Cummings

Learn Interesting Facts about

E.E. Cummings.

This week’s famous poet is E.E. Cummings. Last week’s famous poet was Edgar Allan Poe.

E.E. Cummings, one of the most intriguing figures in American poetry, began his creative journey at a remarkably young age, starting to write poetry when he was just eight years old. Throughout his life, he produced an impressive body of work, totaling around 2,700 poems that showcased his unique style and innovative use of language and form.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city known for its rich literary and intellectual heritage, he was raised in a nurturing environment that championed creativity and self-expression. His parents, Edward Cummings, a Harvard professor, and Rebecca Haswell, played significant roles in shaping his early love for literature. They chose the name Edward Estlin Cummings for their son, which later became widely known as E.E. Cummings.

In his formative years, he also enjoyed the companionship of his younger sister, Elizabeth, with whom he shared countless childhood adventures. Together, they experienced the world through the lens of their creative imaginations, setting the stage for Cummings’s future literary explorations. Cummings became known not just for his prolific output but also for his distinctive voice, which challenged conventional poetic forms and explored themes such as love, nature, and individuality.

Here is a list of some poems by E.E. Cummings:

I shall imagine life
Spring
I carry your heart with me
Since Feeling is First
If
Who Knows If the Moon’s
The Eagle
Little tree

Parents and caretakers, please ensure that the poems are child-friendly before reading them to your child or children.

Interesting facts about E. E. Cummings:

1. Edward Estlin Cummings, often known as E.E. Cummings, was born on October 14, 1894, in the vibrant city of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Growing up in an intellectually stimulating environment, he was the son of a Harvard professor and a prominent social activist, which influenced his artistic development and worldview. Cummings would go on to become an influential poet, painter, essayist, and playwright, celebrated for his unique style that broke traditional conventions of poetry and embraced innovation.

2. E.E. Cummings, the celebrated American poet, passed away at the age of 67 on September 3, 1962. He died from complications related to a stroke while receiving care at a hospital in New Hampshire. After his death, he was laid to rest at Forest Hills Cemetery, a serene and historically significant burial ground located in Boston, Massachusetts. Cummings' unique style and innovative approach to poetry left a lasting impact on the literary world, and his gravesite remains a point of interest for many admirers of his work.

3. One of E.E. Cummings' most famous poem is:

in time of daffodils

in time of daffodils (who know

the goal of living is to grow)

forgetting why, remember how

in time of lilacs who proclaim

the aim of waking is to dream,

remember so (forgetting seem)

in time of roses (who amaze

our now and here with paradise)

forgetting if, remember yes

in time of all sweet things beyond

whatever mind may comprehend,

remember seek (forgetting find)

and in a mystery to be

(when time from time shall set us free)

forgetting me, remember me.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem.)

4. E.E. Cummings, the renowned American poet and painter, was married twice throughout his life. However, both of his marriages were relatively short-lived and did not stand the test of time. Despite the challenges in his personal relationships, he was a father, and his only daughter, Nancy Thayer Andrews, carried on his legacy. Nancy's life and experiences reflect a connection to Cummings' artistic spirit, shaped by the complexities of his relationships and his distinctive literary voice.

5. E.E. Cummings, the renowned American poet, began his prolific writing journey at a remarkably young age. Starting around the age of eight, he developed a habit of composing a poem each day, a practice that he diligently maintained for nearly fifteen years until he reached the age of twenty-two. During this formative period, Cummings honed his unique style and voice, laying the groundwork for the innovative and unconventional poetry that would later distinguish his acclaimed body of work.

6. E.E. Cummings was not only passionate about writing poetry, but he also had a deep fondness for drawing and painting. His artistic pursuits included a variety of forms. He often captured the beauty of landscapes, showcasing his skill in depicting nature's vibrant colors and dynamic forms. In addition to these natural scenes, Cummings created intricate sketches and portraits that reflected his unique perspective on the human experience. His artistic styles were diverse, ranging from abstract concepts to realistic representations, highlighting both his creativity and versatility as an artist. This multifaceted approach to art allowed Cummings to express himself in ways that complemented his poetic works.

7. E.E. Cummings also wrote plays. Here is a list of some of his plays:

Tom
Him
Future of Art
Santa Claus: A Morality

8. E.E. Cummings, renowned for his innovative approach to poetry and distinctive style, began his academic journey at Cambridge Latin High School. It was here that he immersed himself in the classical languages, developing a deep appreciation for Latin and Greek literature. Following his high school education, he advanced to Harvard University, where he dedicated himself to studying literature and the arts. In 1916, after years of rigorous academic training, he graduated with a Master of Arts Degree, solidifying his foundation in the literary realm and setting the stage for his future contributions to poetry and modernist literature.

9. E.E. Cummings had a deep passion for exploration and adventure, often embarking on journeys that inspired his creative work. He made several trips to the vibrant city of Paris, where the artistic atmosphere and the enchanting Seine River repeatedly captivated him. His travels extended beyond France to various regions across Europe, where he encountered diverse cultures, landscapes, and artistic movements that influenced his writing. Additionally, Cummings ventured to Mexico, drawn by its rich heritage and stunning vistas, as well as to North Africa, where the alluring deserts and bustling markets offered him a unique perspective. Each destination contributed to his poetic vision and broadened his understanding of the world.

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Books about E.E. Cummings:

1. Little Tree by E.E. Cummings and Deborah Ray

2. I Carry Your Heart With Me by E.E. Cummings and Mati McDonough

3. Fairy Tales by E.E. Cummings

Parents and caregivers, ensure the books you read to your child or children are suitable for them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my poetry post! If you spot any mistakes, I would appreciate your feedback. Your insights mean a lot to me!

Tune in next time to learn some quick facts about Oscar Wilde!

You have the opportunity to acquire the Famous Poets Workbook on Amazon. Simply click on the book for additional details.