Buffalo Bill’s
defunct
who used to
ride a watersmooth-silver
stallion
and break one two three four five pigeons just like that
Jesus
he was a handsome man
and what i want to know is
how do you like your blue-eyed boy
Mister Death
Unpacking E.E. Cummings’s “Buffalo Bill’s”
Welcome to an exploration of E.E. Cummings’s remarkable poem, “Buffalo Bill’s.” This seemingly brief work, first published in 1920, offers a profound meditation on fame, mortality, and the often-unexamined aspects of heroism. Far from a simple tribute, the poem uses its unconventional structure and striking imagery to challenge perceptions and invite readers into a deeper consideration of life’s ultimate truths. Understanding “Buffalo Bill’s” provides insight into Cummings’s innovative poetic style and its enduring relevance.
“Buffalo Bill’s” Summary and Central Idea
The poem “Buffalo Bill’s” begins with the blunt declaration of the famous showman’s death, stating he is “defunct.” It then vividly recalls his legendary prowess: his magnificent riding on a “watersmooth-silver stallion” and his astonishing marksmanship, effortlessly shooting “one two three four five pigeons just like that.” A sudden exclamation, “Jesus,” acknowledges his striking appearance and skill. However, the poem takes a sharp turn, shifting its address from Buffalo Bill to a personified “Mister Death,” asking a poignant question about this “blue-eyed boy.”
The central idea of “Buffalo Bill’s” is a powerful commentary on the fleeting nature of earthly fame and skill in the face of inevitable mortality. It suggests that even the most celebrated and seemingly invincible figures are ultimately subject to death’s dominion. The poem subtly critiques the glorification of actions, particularly those involving violence or the taking of life, by placing them in stark contrast with the ultimate equalizer. It prompts reflection on what truly holds value when all lives, regardless of their earthly achievements, conclude in the same way.
A noteworthy aspect for common readers is Cummings’s distinctive use of lowercase letters and unconventional spacing. This is not a mistake, but a deliberate artistic choice that challenges traditional poetic forms and forces readers to engage with the poem in a fresh, often more intimate, way. This unique presentation is integral to the poem’s meaning and impact.
In-Depth Analysis of “Buffalo Bill’s”
The Impact of the Opening Lines
The poem opens with the subject’s name, “Buffalo Bill’s,” immediately followed by the stark, one-word declaration, “defunct.” This abruptness is a hallmark of Cummings’s style and serves several critical functions. It bypasses traditional eulogistic language, presenting Bill’s death as a simple, undeniable fact rather than a cause for elaborate mourning. The possessive “s” in “Buffalo Bill’s” might initially suggest ownership or a show, but its immediate juxtaposition with “defunct” transforms it into a statement about the end of an era, or even the end of the man himself. This opening sets a tone of unsentimental realism, signaling that the poem will not be a straightforward celebration but a deeper examination of the figure.
Deconstructing the Image of the Hero
The lines describing Buffalo Bill’s skills are crafted to evoke a romanticized image, only to subtly undermine it. The phrase “who used to
ride a watersmooth-silver
stallion” paints a picture of grace, power, and almost mythical heroism. The compound adjective “watersmooth-silver” creates a vivid, almost ethereal visual of the horse, elevating Bill’s stature. However, this grandeur is immediately followed by a stark description of his marksmanship:
and break one two three four five pigeons just like that
The casual enumeration of the pigeons, “one two three four five,” strips the act of any heroism, reducing it to a mechanical, almost trivial exercise. The phrase “just like that” further emphasizes the ease and lack of emotional investment in the act of killing. This juxtaposition forces a re-evaluation of Bill’s celebrated skills. Is the ability to kill with such efficiency truly admirable? The exclamation “Jesus” can be interpreted in multiple ways: as genuine awe at his prowess, as shock at the casual violence, or even as a sarcastic commentary on the misplaced admiration for such destructive talent. The subsequent line, “he was a handsome man,” further complicates the image, suggesting that physical attractiveness often contributes to the uncritical idolization of figures, regardless of their actions.
The Profound Shift to Mortality
The poem’s true depth emerges in its final lines, which pivot dramatically from Buffalo Bill to the ultimate force of nature. The question, “and what i want to know is
how do you like your blue-eyed boy
Mister Death,” is deeply unsettling and central to the poem’s meaning. The direct address to “Mister Death” personifies death, transforming it from an abstract concept into a tangible, almost conversational figure. This personalization makes death seem more immediate and powerful. The phrase “your blue-eyed boy” is particularly poignant. It suggests that Buffalo Bill, despite his fame and skill, is ultimately just another possession, another conquest, for Death. The question implies a possessive relationship, with Death claiming even the most celebrated individuals. By linking Buffalo Bill directly to Death in this manner, Cummings underscores the poem’s core message: all human achievements, all fame, all power, are ultimately rendered meaningless in the face of mortality. Death is the great equalizer, reducing heroes and common people alike to its “boys.”
Analyzing Poetic and Literary Devices in “Buffalo Bill’s”
Free Verse and Enjambment
“Buffalo Bill’s” is a prime example of free verse, a poetic form that does not adhere to a regular meter or rhyme scheme. This allows Cummings to create a natural, almost conversational rhythm, mirroring the flow of thought rather than strict poetic convention. The poem’s structure is also heavily reliant on enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or clause across a line break without a pause. For instance, consider:
who used to
ride a watersmooth-silver
stallion
Each line flows into the next, creating a sense of continuous movement and urgency. This technique forces the reader to move quickly through the lines, much like Bill’s swift actions, and also emphasizes individual words by placing them at the beginning or end of a line. The pervasive use of enjambment contributes to the poem’s abruptness and its unsettling, relentless march towards the final question.
Imagery and Diction
Cummings employs vivid imagery to create striking mental pictures, even within the poem’s brevity. The phrase “watersmooth-silver
stallion” is a powerful example, combining visual and tactile sensations to create an almost mythical creature. This imagery initially elevates Bill’s status. However, the diction, or word choice, is deliberately sparse and understated, particularly when describing the act of killing. The simple enumeration “one two three four five pigeons” and the casual “just like that” create a sense of detachment, reinforcing the poem’s cynical undertone. The contrast between the romantic imagery of the stallion and the stark diction of the pigeon shooting highlights the poem’s critique of unexamined heroism.
Irony and Satire
The poem is steeped in irony, a literary device where there is a contrast between expectation and reality. Initially, the poem might appear to be a tribute to Buffalo Bill, a celebrated American figure. However, a closer reading reveals a subtle but biting critique. Cummings satirizes the cultural tendency to idolize figures for their destructive capabilities, or for skills that are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. The glorification of Bill’s marksmanship, which involves killing, is ironically juxtaposed with his ultimate fate as “Mister Death’s” “blue-eyed boy.” This irony challenges readers to question the values society often places on certain forms of fame and power.
Assonance and Consonance
While avoiding traditional rhyme, Cummings masterfully uses sound devices to create musicality and emphasis. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within non-rhyming words, can be observed in phrases like “watersmooth-silver,” where the repeated ‘o’ and ‘i’ sounds create a flowing, liquid quality. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within words, is evident in lines such as “break one two three four five pigeons.” The repeated ‘r’ and ‘s’ sounds, along with the hard ‘k’ and ‘p’ sounds, contribute to the poem’s rhythm and texture, adding a subtle sonic layer that enhances its impact without relying on overt rhyme.
Allusion and Symbolism
The poem makes a clear allusion to William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a real historical figure famous for his Wild West shows and marksmanship. This allusion immediately brings a wealth of cultural associations to the poem. Symbolically, the “watersmooth-silver stallion” represents the idealized, almost mythical status of the American cowboy hero, while the “pigeons” symbolize the casual destruction often associated with such figures. “Mister Death” is a powerful symbol of ultimate mortality, an inescapable force that transcends all earthly achievements and fame. The “blue-eyed boy” symbolizes the vulnerability and ultimate subservience of even the most celebrated individuals to death’s power.
Key Lines for Discussion and Interpretation
The following lines are particularly rich for deeper analysis and can spark insightful discussions about the poem’s themes and Cummings’s craft:
Buffalo Bill’s
defunct
These opening words immediately establish the poem’s blunt, unsentimental tone and its central theme of mortality. Discussion can focus on the impact of this abrupt declaration and what it reveals about Cummings’s perspective on heroism.
ride a watersmooth-silver
stallion
and break one two three four five pigeons just like that
This passage presents the core contrast between the romanticized image of the hero and the brutal reality of his actions. It invites exploration of how Cummings uses imagery and diction to subtly critique the glorification of violence and the uncritical admiration of skill.
how do you like your blue-eyed boy
Mister Death
These concluding lines are the poem’s emotional and thematic climax. They prompt discussion on the personification of Death, the unsettling implication of Bill being Death’s “boy,” and the poem’s ultimate message about the triumph of mortality over earthly fame and power.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of “Buffalo Bill’s”
E.E. Cummings’s “Buffalo Bill’s” remains a compelling and thought-provoking poem, demonstrating how brevity and unconventional structure can convey profound meaning. Through its innovative use of language, stark imagery, and subtle irony, the poem masterfully dissects the nature of fame, the consequences of violence, and the inescapable reality of death. It challenges readers to look beyond superficial admiration and consider the deeper implications of human actions and achievements. The poem’s enduring power lies in its ability to provoke reflection on universal themes, making it a timeless piece for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of life and mortality through the lens of masterful poetry.