E.E Cummings, a successful and immortal poet of the 19th century, has once proclaimed "...artist, a man, a failure is a naturally and miraculously whole human being, whose only happiness is to transcend himself, whose every agony is to grow" (Unger 428). The spontaneity of trying to change oneself implicates the standard of transcendentalism, Cummings' most common theme and style encrypted in his works. His father, the main supporter of most of his decisions, played an important part in molding the young Estlin into one of the most prolific poet of all time.
Edward Estlin Cummings, son of Reverend Edward Cummings and Rebecca Haswell Clarke Cummings, sprung into this world on October 14, 1894 at Cambridge, Massachusetts (Unger 429). Young Estlin grew up in a cozy and familial house on Irving Street, for the Reverend has arranged for close relatives to surround his son, chiefly to promote inspiration for Cummings. Contrary to traditional belief, Estlin, with his father's approval and encouragement, began to express his interests by drawing, sketching and making notes and observations in a journal. As early as nine years old, Cummings has comprised countless sketches and beautiful poetry pieces. His conducive childhood experience had better prepared him for the prosperous academic achievements later on. Harvard accepted such a phenomenal talent. While in college, Estlin challenged the traditional literary style of his professors, Ludicrously experimenting with form, content and diction, Estlin subjectively turned in assignments that he intended to shock and appall readers. Explicit mention of women's breasts, a repercussion of his time in Boston's strip clubs, appeared in his articles in Harvard's literary magazines. Cummings finally emerged from Harvard with a Masters Degree in English and Classical Studies. Although Estlin's rebellion in college strained his relationship with his father, the Reverend still remained Cummings' strongest foothold and support.
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