Overwhelming Patriotism

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E.E. Cummings poem “next to of course god America i” can be interpreted, on the surface, as a stark criticism of patriotism in general. However, he is not just criticizing patriotism, but, criticizing blind patriotism and abusing blind patriotism to further an agenda. The poem itself is a reflection of the picturesque American life portrayed in snap shots of patriotic songs and colloquialisms that are indicative to American life. These snap shots help highlight how excessive patriotism begins and how it can be overwhelming.

The poem begins almost as a preface to the real message that Cummings is trying to say. The first four lines, in a sense, is Cummings trying to make sure that the reader understands that he loves America. He wants the readers to understand that this poem is not to be misinterpreted as unpatriotic or un-American. Cummings makes a very bold and powerful statement in the first line placing America as, aside from God, his main love. By going to such lengths, it can be assumed that what Cummings is going to say next would have the reader call into question his loyalty...

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