For Prodigal Read Generous

-          e e cummings (1894-1962)

The poet asks his readers to get knowledge step by step. One should know ‘generous’ to be able to know the meaning of ‘prodigal’. Generosity grows into prodigality. Only one who knows about the old age can enjoy one’s youth properly. One should be practising ‘surprise’ to know what ‘sheer wonder’ is.

‘Ecstasy’ or a feeling or state of very great happiness can be achieved only when one is content or satisfied with one’s situation. To be able to understand a poem one should have the capacity to understand the prose. ‘Curiosity’ is produced with ‘caution’ in one’s mind. When there is no curiosity, there is ignorance. So, lack of caution and curiosity pushes one into a state of ignorance or dumbness.