Joheva Buried, Satan Dead by E. E. Cummings

Poetic and rhetorical devices are used to create the tone of a poem. With a defined and structured tone, the meaning of a poem can be more clearly and effectively conveyed. The poem “Jehovah buried, Satan dead” by E.E. Cummings has a distinct meaning that has been heightened by its tone. The tone is also accented through the use of rhetorical and poetic devices. A few of these devices include onomatopoeia, conceit, slant rhyme, the form, sound, and repetition. Starting with an evaluation of the meaning, the tone and rhetorical and poetic devices become identifiable.

An interpretation of the title and first line, “Jehovah buried, Satan Dead” gives an immediate insight at the meaning of the poem. The absence of both Jesus and the devil in the world would lead to an absence of religion, and a spiritual void. Without spirituality, the world becomes desensitized to emotions and events. “Badness not being felt as bad,” (line 3) is a prime example of what Cummings sees as the numbing of people to the world. In place of spiritual worship is a constant struggle for, and reverence to, material items. People “hock” “Joy” and “Pain” (line 7), referring to the pawning of emotions in a quest for money. The reliance on technology and material belongings causes a loss of individuality, as well as personal freedom. This loss of individuality is seen in line 10 which reads “your Harry’s Tom, your Tom is Dick;” referring to all men becoming indiscernible from ea...