SOURCE: "E. E. Cummings' Concept of Death," in Journal of Modem Literature, Vol. 7, No. 2, April, 1979, pp. 243-54.

In the following essay, Everson analyzes E. E. Cummings's multifaceted view of death in his poetic drama Santa Claus, which emphasizes death's destructive and rejuvenating qualities.

At the heart of E. E. Cummings' most characteristic work is a keen sense of the mystery and miracle of life. But this American poet has a great deal to say about death as well, not only in the lyrics, but also in a morality play in which Death is one of the leading characters. By analyzing particular passages in these writings, one may arrive at an understanding of Cummings' concept of death and of its place in his world of values. A study of this kind both presupposes and affirms a basic integrity among the values the poet upholds. And such an inquiry also...