'One Third Of The Calendar' by Ogden Nash

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In January everything freezes.
We have two children. Both are she'ses.
This is our January rule:
One girl in bed, and one in school.In February the blizzard whirls.
We own a pair of little girls.
Blessings upon of each the head ----
The one in school and the one in bed.March is the month of cringe and bluster.
Each of our children has a sister.
They cling together like Hansel and Gretel,
With their noses glued to the benzoin kettle.April is made of impetuous waters
And doctors looking down throats of daughters.
If we had a son too, and a thoroughbred,
We'd have a horse,
And a boy,
And two girls
In bed.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Poetry is the art of using words to evoke emotions and paint vivid pictures in the minds of readers. Ogden Nash, a renowned American poet, is famous for his witty and humorous poems that have stood the test of time. One of his notable works, "One Third of the Calendar," is a collection of poems that reflect on the seasons, events, and experiences that people go through in the course of a year. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the themes, literary devices, and figurative language used in the poems to understand Nash's view of life and the world.

Theme

The central theme in "One Third of the Calendar" is the cyclical nature of life. Nash uses the seasons, holidays, and events that occur in a year to reflect on the different stages of life. For example, in the poem "January," Nash reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of aging. He writes, "Time marches on, and not even the wise / Can stop the calendar's remorseless rise." The poem "February" captures the mood of winter, with its bleakness and gloom. Nash writes, "February has twenty-eight, but leap year one more, / And that one more is February the sore." The poem "March" speaks of hope and renewal as spring approaches. Nash writes, "March is the month when the gardens wake up, / And the daffodil lays his gold in the cup."

The other recurring theme in the poems is humor. Nash uses wit and satire to poke fun at human foibles and the absurdities of life. In the poem "April," Nash humorously describes the erratic weather of spring. He writes, "April is the cruelest month, they say, / But not in my experience, and I've known some gay / Aprils in my time, for spring is capricious, / And you never know what she's going to do next."

Literary Devices

Nash uses a variety of literary devices to bring his poems to life. One of these is rhyme. Nash's poems are characterized by their simple, yet catchy rhymes that make them easy to read and remember. For example, in the poem "May," Nash writes, "May is a month of flowers and showers, / And outdoor games that last for hours."

Another literary device that Nash uses is alliteration. Alliteration involves using words that start with the same sound in close proximity to each other. Nash uses alliteration to create a musical effect and emphasize certain words. In the poem "June," Nash writes, "June is the month of weddings and moonlight, / And long days that end in a quiet night."

Nash also uses metaphor and simile in his poems to create vivid images and comparisons. In the poem "July," Nash compares the heat of summer to a "red-hot frying pan." He writes, "July is a red-hot frying pan, / And the sun is a sizzling egg."

Figurative Language

In addition to literary devices, Nash uses figurative language to create a deeper meaning in his poems. One of the most common forms of figurative language he uses is personification. Personification involves giving human qualities to non-human things. In the poem "August," Nash personifies the wind as a "wandering minstrel." He writes, "August is the month of the wandering minstrel, / When the wind is a minstrel that makes the leaves rustle."

Nash also uses hyperbole to exaggerate certain aspects of life for comedic effect. In the poem "September," Nash exaggerates the importance of education. He writes, "September is the month of learning and books, / And the child who hates school has a lot of dirty looks."

Conclusion

In conclusion, "One Third of the Calendar" is a collection of poems that reflect on the cyclical nature of life and the absurdities of the world. Nash uses humor, literary devices, and figurative language to create a unique and entertaining poetic style. His poems are a reminder that life is short, and we should make the most of the time we have. Nash's wit and humor have made him a beloved poet in American literature, and his legacy lives on to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry One Third Of The Calendar: A Masterpiece by Ogden Nash

If you are a poetry enthusiast, you must have come across the name Ogden Nash. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his witty and humorous poems. Among his many works, Poetry One Third Of The Calendar stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of each season in a unique and entertaining way. In this article, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to understand why it is a classic that still resonates with readers today.

Structure

Poetry One Third Of The Calendar is a four-stanza poem, with each stanza dedicated to a season. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of AABBCCDD, with each line consisting of eight syllables. The use of a consistent rhyme scheme and syllable count gives the poem a musical quality that makes it easy to read and remember. Additionally, the poem's structure is simple, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Themes

The poem's overarching theme is the passing of time and the cyclical nature of the seasons. Nash uses each season to convey different emotions and experiences associated with that time of year. For example, in the first stanza, he describes spring as a time of renewal and growth, with flowers blooming and birds singing. In contrast, he portrays winter as a time of stillness and hibernation, with animals and people retreating indoors to escape the cold. By using each season to convey different emotions, Nash highlights the diversity of human experiences and the importance of embracing change.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the beauty of nature. Nash's descriptions of each season are vivid and evocative, painting a picture of the natural world that is both enchanting and awe-inspiring. For example, in the second stanza, he describes summer as a time of abundance, with fruits and vegetables ripening in the sun. He also highlights the joy of swimming in the ocean and feeling the sand between your toes. By celebrating the beauty of nature, Nash encourages readers to appreciate the world around them and to find joy in simple pleasures.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking literary devices used in Poetry One Third Of The Calendar is personification. Nash gives human qualities to non-human entities, such as the sun, the wind, and the snow. For example, in the third stanza, he describes autumn as a time when "the wind is a thief" and "the leaves are traitors." By giving the wind and leaves human qualities, Nash creates a sense of drama and intrigue that draws the reader in.

Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Nash's descriptions of each season are rich in sensory detail, allowing the reader to visualize the natural world in vivid detail. For example, in the fourth stanza, he describes winter as a time when "the snow is a blanket" and "the ice is a glass." These descriptions create a sense of coziness and warmth that contrasts with the cold and harsh reality of winter. By using imagery, Nash creates a world that is both familiar and fantastical, inviting the reader to explore and imagine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry One Third Of The Calendar is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of each season in a unique and entertaining way. Through its structure, themes, and literary devices, the poem invites readers to explore the beauty of nature, the passing of time, and the diversity of human experiences. Whether you are a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to delight and inspire. So take a moment to read it, and let yourself be transported to a world of wonder and imagination.

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