cummings's+Is+5

Exemplary pieces from cummings's //Is 5// (1954) include [|the foreword] that challenges conventional perspective (and punctuation) and utilizes the modernist theme of individuality by saying, in essence and due to the process of creativity, two plus two is five if you want it to be; "XXXVI" that is meant to represent jazz music; "XL" that is meant to represent confetti in a ticker-tape parade; "III" that sounds like a politician during war-time spouting romantic ideals about war; and [|"POEM, OR BEAUTY HURTS MR. VINAL"]that emphasizes the effect of mass production on individuality, or beauty, of art in the world (as well as takes a stab at a former secretary for The Poetry Society of America).