Study Guide: Buffalo Bill ’s by E. E. Cummings
(Based only on the provided text)
Complete Chapter Summary
The poem begins by referring to “Buffalo Bill ’s” and immediately describes him as “defunct,” meaning that he is no longer alive. The speaker then recalls what Buffalo Bill used to do. He is remembered as someone who rode a “watersmooth-silver stallion.” The description creates an image of a remarkable horse and highlights Buffalo Bill’s impressive presence.
The speaker further remembers Buffalo Bill’s extraordinary skill. He could “break onetwothreefourfive pigeonsjustlikethat.” This suggests that he was able to shoot or destroy pigeons very quickly and effortlessly. The unusual arrangement of words makes the action seem fast and continuous.
After describing these impressive abilities, the poem suddenly includes the word “Jesus.” This serves as a strong exclamation and emphasizes the speaker’s amazement at Buffalo Bill’s remarkable feats.
The poem then states that “he was a handsome man.” The speaker therefore remembers Buffalo Bill not only for his skill but also for his attractive appearance.
In the final part of the poem, the focus changes dramatically. Instead of continuing to praise Buffalo Bill, the speaker asks a question addressed to “Mister Death.” The question is:
“how do you like your blue-eyed boy Mister Death”
This suggests that Death has taken Buffalo Bill away. The speaker directly addresses Death and asks what Death thinks of this admired, blue-eyed man. The poem therefore moves from admiration of Buffalo Bill’s abilities and appearance to the reality that even such an impressive person is no longer alive.
Detailed Explanation of the Poem
1. Buffalo Bill as the Central Figure
The poem centers on Buffalo Bill. The speaker remembers him as:
- Defunct (dead).
- A rider of a watersmooth-silver stallion.
- A person capable of breaking five pigeons quickly.
- A handsome man.
- A blue-eyed boy.
These details create a picture of a person who was admired and impressive.
2. Contrast Between Life and Death
The poem first focuses on Buffalo Bill’s energy and abilities.
Examples:
- Riding a stallion.
- Breaking pigeons rapidly.
- Being handsome.
These actions suggest life, movement, strength, and skill.
However, the very first important description is “defunct.” This reminds the reader that all these impressive qualities belong to the past because Buffalo Bill is dead.
The poem therefore creates a contrast between:
| Life | Death |
|---|---|
| Riding a stallion | Defunct |
| Breaking pigeons | Mister Death |
| Handsome appearance | No longer alive |
3. Admiration of Buffalo Bill
The speaker appears impressed by Buffalo Bill.
Evidence:
- The detailed description of the horse.
- The emphasis on his skill.
- The statement that he was handsome.
- The exclamation “Jesus.”
All these details show that Buffalo Bill is remembered as a remarkable figure.
4. Direct Address to Death
In the final lines, the speaker stops talking about Buffalo Bill and begins speaking directly to Death.
The speaker asks:
“how do you like your blue-eyed boy Mister Death”
This changes the poem from a description into a question.
Death is treated as if it can hear and respond.
The final question emphasizes that even an admired person cannot avoid death.
Important Line-by-Line Explanation
“Buffalo Bill ’s”
The poem introduces Buffalo Bill as its subject.
“defunct”
This tells the reader immediately that Buffalo Bill is dead.
It establishes the poem’s serious tone.
“who used to”
These words indicate that the following actions belong to the past.
The speaker is remembering Buffalo Bill.
“ride a watersmooth-silver stallion”
Buffalo Bill rode a stallion described as watersmooth-silver.
This creates an image of beauty, smoothness, and elegance.
“and break onetwothreefourfive pigeonsjustlikethat”
This line presents Buffalo Bill’s extraordinary skill.
The joined words create a feeling of speed and instant action.
The phrase “just like that” suggests ease and confidence.
“Jesus”
This acts as a strong exclamation.
It highlights the speaker’s amazement.
“he was a handsome man”
The speaker adds another positive quality.
Buffalo Bill was not only skilled but also attractive.
“and what i want to know is”
The poem shifts from description to questioning.
The speaker prepares to ask an important question.
“how do you like your blue-eyed boy”
The speaker refers to Buffalo Bill as a blue-eyed boy.
The phrase suggests affection and admiration.
“Mister Death”
The speaker directly addresses Death.
Death is presented as the one who has taken Buffalo Bill.
The poem ends with this powerful address.
Themes
Theme 1: Death
The most obvious theme is death.
Evidence:
- “defunct”
- “Mister Death”
The poem reminds readers that death affects everyone.
Theme 2: Memory
The speaker recalls Buffalo Bill’s past actions and qualities.
Evidence:
- “who used to”
- descriptions of riding and breaking pigeons.
The poem is based on remembering someone who is gone.
Theme 3: Admiration
The speaker clearly admires Buffalo Bill.
Evidence:
- His riding ability.
- His shooting skill.
- His handsome appearance.
Theme 4: Human Mortality
The poem shows that even impressive people eventually die.
Buffalo Bill’s talents and appearance could not prevent death.
Character Analysis
Buffalo Bill
Qualities
- Dead (“defunct”).
- Skilled rider.
- Expert at breaking pigeons.
- Handsome.
- Blue-eyed.
Role in the Poem
He is the figure being remembered and admired by the speaker.
Mister Death
Qualities
- Addressed directly by the speaker.
- Associated with Buffalo Bill’s death.
Role in the Poem
Death serves as the final focus of the poem and contrasts with Buffalo Bill’s former vitality.
Important Questions and Answers
Q1. Who is the central figure in the poem?
Answer
The central figure is Buffalo Bill. The poem remembers him as a dead man who once rode a watersmooth-silver stallion, broke five pigeons quickly, and was handsome. The speaker recalls his impressive abilities before addressing Death.
Q2. What does the word “defunct” indicate?
Answer
The word “defunct” indicates that Buffalo Bill is dead. It immediately informs the reader that the poem is about someone who no longer lives. This creates a contrast between his past achievements and his present condition.
Q3. How is Buffalo Bill described?
Answer
Buffalo Bill is described as:
- Defunct.
- A rider of a watersmooth-silver stallion.
- Someone who could break five pigeons quickly.
- A handsome man.
- A blue-eyed boy.
These descriptions present him as talented, attractive, and memorable.
Q4. Why does the speaker mention Buffalo Bill’s abilities?
Answer
The speaker mentions Buffalo Bill’s abilities to show how remarkable he was during his lifetime. His riding and pigeon-breaking skills demonstrate speed, confidence, and talent, making the contrast with his death more striking.
Q5. What is the significance of “Mister Death”?
Answer
“Mister Death” is the figure addressed in the final line. The speaker speaks directly to Death and asks how it likes its blue-eyed boy. This highlights the fact that even a skilled and admired person has been taken by death.
Long-Answer Questions
Q1. Explain how the poem presents Buffalo Bill and his relationship with death.
Answer
The poem presents Buffalo Bill as a remarkable individual. The speaker remembers him as someone who rode a watersmooth-silver stallion and could break five pigeons with great speed. These actions show talent, skill, and confidence. The speaker also calls him a handsome man, suggesting admiration for both his abilities and appearance.
Despite these qualities, Buffalo Bill is described as “defunct,” meaning dead. This introduces the reality that all his achievements belong to the past. The poem ends with the speaker directly addressing Mister Death and asking how it likes its blue-eyed boy. This question emphasizes that death has claimed Buffalo Bill. The poem therefore contrasts his impressive life with the unavoidable fact of death.
Q2. Discuss the speaker’s attitude toward Buffalo Bill.
Answer
The speaker’s attitude appears admiring and respectful. Buffalo Bill is remembered through descriptions of his riding skill, his ability to break pigeons rapidly, and his handsome appearance. The exclamation “Jesus” further suggests amazement at his talents.
At the same time, the speaker is aware that Buffalo Bill is dead. The final question directed at Mister Death suggests that the speaker is thinking about how someone so impressive could still be taken away by death. Therefore, the speaker’s attitude combines admiration, remembrance, and reflection on mortality.
Q3. Explain the development of ideas in the poem.
Answer
The poem develops through several stages. First, it introduces Buffalo Bill as dead. Next, it recalls his impressive actions, including riding a watersmooth-silver stallion and breaking five pigeons quickly. Then it comments on his handsome appearance. After describing these qualities, the speaker shifts from description to questioning. Finally, the speaker addresses Mister Death and asks about Buffalo Bill. The poem therefore moves from memory and admiration to a reflection on death.
Important Passages for Explanation
Passage 1
“ride a watersmooth-silver stallion”
Explanation
This passage describes Buffalo Bill riding a stallion. The unusual description “watersmooth-silver” creates an image of smoothness and beauty. It contributes to the admiration of Buffalo Bill and his impressive image.
Passage 2
“and break onetwothreefourfive pigeonsjustlikethat”
Explanation
This passage emphasizes Buffalo Bill’s extraordinary skill. The combined words create a rapid rhythm that reflects speed and ease. The phrase “just like that” suggests effortless performance.
Passage 3
“how do you like your blue-eyed boy Mister Death”
Explanation
This is the poem’s concluding question. The speaker addresses Death directly and refers to Buffalo Bill as a blue-eyed boy. The passage highlights the fact that death has taken an admired individual and forms the emotional climax of the poem.
Concise Revision Notes
Quick Facts
- Poem: Buffalo Bill ’s
- Poet: E. E. Cummings
- Central figure: Buffalo Bill
- Important figure: Mister Death
Buffalo Bill
- Defunct (dead).
- Rode a watersmooth-silver stallion.
- Broke five pigeons quickly.
- Handsome man.
- Blue-eyed boy.
Main Ideas
- Memory of Buffalo Bill.
- Admiration of his abilities.
- Contrast between life and death.
- Death affects even remarkable people.
Important Expressions
- “defunct” → dead.
- “who used to” → actions remembered from the past.
- “Jesus” → expression of amazement.
- “Mister Death” → direct address to Death.
Exam Keywords
- Death
- Memory
- Admiration
- Mortality
- Skill
- Contrast
- Remembrance
- Question to Death
One-Sentence Summary
The poem remembers the dead Buffalo Bill as a skilled, handsome, and admired man before ending with a direct question to Mister Death about the fate of this “blue-eyed boy.”