she being Brand

She Being Brand

By Unknown Author

she being Brand

new;and you
know consequently a
little stiff i was
careful of her and (having

thoroughly oiled the universal
joint tested my gas felt of
her radiator made sure her springs were O.

i went right to it flooded the carburetor cranked her

up, slipped the
clutch (and then somehow got into reverse she
kicked what
the hell) next
minute i was back in neutral tried and

again slowly; barely nudging (my

lever Right
oh and her gears being in
A 1 shape passed
from low through
second in to high like
greased lightning) just as we turned the corner of Divinity

avenue i touched the accelerator and give

her the juice, good

(it

was the first ride and believe i was
happy to see how nice she acted right up to
the last minute coming back down by the Public
Gardens i slammed on

the
internal expanding
&
external contracting
brakes both at once and

brought all of her trembling
to a head.

stand
Still)

Summary of She Being Brand

• Understanding “She Being Brand”: The piece does not appear in any published collection of E.E. Cummings and is likely an unpublished or incorrectly attributed work. It uses a distinctive style that breaks conventional grammatical and typographical rules, creating a fragmented aesthetic.
• “She Being Brand” as a Metaphor for First Encounter: The piece portrays a first intimate encounter through the extended metaphor of a man “driving” a new car—a “Brand” new woman. The speaker meticulously prepares for this experience, carefully checking and adjusting his “vehicle,” reflecting both excitement and a degree of trepidation. This careful preparation and the mechanics-focused language highlight the speaker’s attempt to control the situation and manage his own anxieties.
• Central Themes of the Piece: The work explores themes of first experiences, cautious intimacy, and the dynamic between control and surrender. It is not simply about a physical encounter but about navigating the unfamiliar territory of a new relationship. The speaker’s actions—checking, cautious maneuvering, and the final, somewhat abrupt “stop”—suggest a desire to protect both himself and his partner.

In-Depth Analysis of “She Being Brand”

The Extended Metaphor and its Implications

The central conceit of the piece—equating a woman to a new car—is intentionally provocative and complex. The writer does not present this metaphor as romantic or idealized; rather, it is a rather clinical and mechanical comparison. Consider the opening lines: “she being Brand / new; and you / know consequently a / little stiff i was.” The word “stiff” has a double meaning here—it describes both the speaker’s own cautious approach and the woman’s initial apprehension. The meticulous preparation—“thoroughly oiled the universal joint, tested my gas, felt her radiator”—is presented as a mechanical check‑up rather than tender courtship.

This approach serves several purposes. First, it highlights the speaker’s anxiety and insecurity. He needs to control the situation, to ensure everything runs smoothly. Second, it subtly objectifies the woman, reducing her to a collection of parts and functions. While the writer does not necessarily endorse this objectification, it is part of the speaker’s perspective.

Analyzing Poetic and Literary Devices

Enjambment and Fragmentation

The writer is a master of enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. Throughout “She Being Brand,” this technique disrupts the flow of the piece, mimicking the jerky, uncertain movements of the drive. For example, consider this passage:

clutch (and then somehow got into reverse she
kicked what
the hell) next
minute i was back in neutral tried and

The fragmented syntax and abrupt line breaks mirror the speaker’s struggle to maintain control. The parenthetical aside adds to the sense of chaos and uncertainty. It feels as if the speaker is caught off guard by the woman’s unexpected reaction.

Imagery and Sensory Detail

The piece is rich in automotive imagery, creating a vivid and often unsettling sensory experience. The reader “feels” the universal joint, “tests” the gas, and “feels” the radiator. This tactile imagery grounds the work in the physical realm, emphasizing the mechanical nature of the encounter. The line “from low through second in to high like greased lightning” is particularly striking. The simile “greased lightning” suggests a burst of speed and excitement, but it also carries a connotation of recklessness and loss of control.

Symbolism and Meaning

Beyond the obvious metaphor of the car, several elements in the piece carry symbolic weight. The “Divinity avenue” could represent a search for spiritual or emotional fulfillment. The sudden “slam” on the “internal expanding & external contracting brakes” and the final “stand Still” suggest a premature ending to the encounter—a reluctance to fully commit or surrender. The abrupt stop, bringing “all of her trembling” to a head, is both protective and controlling.

Examining Poetic Techniques

Diction and Tone

The writer’s diction is deliberately unconventional. He mixes technical jargon—“carburetor,” “radiator,” “clutch”—with colloquialisms—“what the hell.” This blend creates a unique tone—a mixture of mechanical detachment and emotional vulnerability. The speaker is trying to maintain a cool, objective stance, but his language reveals underlying anxieties.

Free Verse and Fragmentation

“She Being Brand” is a prime example of free verse style. There is no regular rhyme scheme or meter, allowing the piece to flow organically. However, the fragmentation—the use of short lines, parenthetical aside, and broken syntax—creates a sense of unease and disruption. This mirrors the speaker’s fractured emotional state.

Notable Lines for Discussion and Analysis

These lines provide excellent points for deeper analysis:

“she being Brand / new; and you / know consequently a / little stiff i was”

This opening establishes the central metaphor and reveals the speaker’s initial apprehension.

“from low through second in to high like greased lightning”

This line captures a moment of exhilaration but also hints at a loss of control.

“brought all of her trembling to a head.”

This final image is ambiguous and unsettling, suggesting both protection and control.

“She Being Brand” is a complex and provocative piece that challenges conventional notions of love, intimacy, and control. Through its unconventional form, vivid imagery, and ambiguous symbolism, the writer invites readers to explore the anxieties and uncertainties that lie beneath the surface of human connection.