Stylistic Foregrounding in E.E. Cumming's Poems

Abstract

Stylistic foregrounding is a dynamic process, which seeks to de-familiarize some aspects of language to make them strange and prominent for the purpose of laying much impact on readers and hearers. The main aim of this study is to conduct an analytical study to examine the extent of Edward Estlin Cummings' incorporation of foregrounded style in his poems. In order to conduct this study, two questions have been asked. The first inquiries into the way Cummings use foregrounding. The second is related to how the meaning generated from the use of foregrounding help in understanding his poems. In order to investigate the validity of our hypotheses, we implemented the following methods. We used the analytic method to explain the basic concepts: style, stylistics, and foregrounding in details. For more accuracy, we used the practical method for applying foregrounding and its types within the Cumming's poems, which is conducted by the analytical method. The use of foregrounding and its types appears clearly in his poems, and the selected poems are the embodiment of it. It shows us that he is a unique poet who has a special way in writing. The study has also revealed that he is anti-traditionalist poet who breaches the traditional rules of poetry. The purpose behind his unique style is to create a sense of surprise, innovation, and deeper engagement with his readers.