'Crossing The Border' by Ogden Nash

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Editor 1 Interpretation

Crossing The Border: A Critical Analysis of Ogden Nash's Classic Poem

Ogden Nash is one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century, known for his witty and humorous poems. His poem "Crossing The Border" is a perfect example of his unique style. The poem is a commentary on the absurdity of national borders and the idea of nationality. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the various literary devices used by Nash to convey his message and explore the different interpretations of the poem.

Overview of the Poem

"Crossing The Border" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas, each four lines long. The poem is written in free verse, with no fixed rhyme or meter. The title of the poem is an allusion to the act of crossing a national border. However, the poem is not about immigration or the physical act of crossing a border. Instead, it is a commentary on the idea of nationality and the arbitrary nature of national borders.

Analysis of Literary Devices

Metaphor

The poem is full of metaphors that help convey the absurdity of national borders. The first metaphor is in the first line, where Nash compares nationality to a disease. He writes, "They take our patriotism like a disease". This metaphor is used to highlight the idea that nationality is often something that is forced upon individuals, rather than something they choose for themselves. It also suggests that nationalism can be harmful, like a disease.

The second metaphor is in the second line, where Nash compares national borders to "a joke". This metaphor is used to highlight the arbitrary nature of borders. Nash is suggesting that national borders are not based on any rational or logical criteria, but are instead a product of historical events, political decisions, and arbitrary lines on a map.

Irony

The poem is full of irony, which helps to highlight the absurdity of national borders. The first instance of irony is in the first line, where Nash suggests that patriotism is something that is forced upon individuals. He writes, "They take our patriotism like a disease". This is ironic because patriotism is often seen as a positive quality, something to be proud of. However, Nash is suggesting that it is often something that is imposed upon individuals, rather than something they choose for themselves.

The second instance of irony is in the second line, where Nash compares national borders to "a joke". This is ironic because borders are often seen as something serious and important, not something trivial like a joke. However, Nash is suggesting that borders are often arbitrary and ridiculous, like a joke.

Allusion

The title of the poem is an allusion to the act of crossing a national border. However, the poem is not about immigration or the physical act of crossing a border. Instead, it is a commentary on the idea of nationality and the arbitrary nature of national borders.

Repetition

The poem uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas. The repetition of the word "our" in the first line, "They take our patriotism like a disease", suggests that patriotism is something that is forced upon individuals, rather than something they choose for themselves.

The repetition of the phrase "you may" in the second stanza, "You may be a citizen of Paris or Prague", suggests that nationality is something that is arbitrary and can change depending on political circumstances.

Interpretations of the Poem

The poem can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Here are some possible interpretations of the poem:

Critique of Nationalism

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of nationalism. Nash is suggesting that the idea of nationality is arbitrary and often harmful. Nationalism can lead to wars, discrimination, and the dehumanization of individuals who are perceived as "other". By comparing nationality to a disease and national borders to a joke, Nash is suggesting that we should question the idea of nationality and the importance of national borders.

Celebration of Diversity

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of diversity. Nash is suggesting that individuals should be free to choose their own identity, rather than being forced into a particular nationality. By listing different cities and countries in the second stanza, Nash is suggesting that diversity is something to be celebrated and that individuals should be able to identify with any culture or nationality they choose.

Critique of Essentialism

A third interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of essentialism. Essentialism is the belief that individuals have an innate, unchanging identity based on factors such as race, gender, or nationality. Nash is suggesting that nationality is not an essential part of one's identity and can change depending on political circumstances. By comparing nationality to a disease and national borders to a joke, Nash is suggesting that we should question essentialist beliefs about nationality and identity.

Conclusion

"Crossing The Border" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that uses metaphors, irony, allusion, and repetition to convey the absurdity of national borders and the idea of nationality. The poem can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the reader's perspective, but it is clear that Nash is challenging essentialist beliefs about nationality and identity. Overall, "Crossing The Border" is a powerful critique of nationalism and a celebration of diversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. It is a medium that transcends borders and boundaries, allowing people from different cultures and backgrounds to connect and understand each other. Ogden Nash, a renowned American poet, captures the essence of poetry in his classic poem "Crossing The Border."

"Crossing The Border" is a short but powerful poem that explores the theme of crossing borders and the impact it has on people. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter, giving it a natural and conversational tone. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct message.

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the reader. Nash describes the border as a "line of death," emphasizing the seriousness of crossing it. He then goes on to describe the people who are crossing the border, saying that they are "poets and children." This line is significant because it highlights the vulnerability of the people who are crossing the border. Poets are often seen as sensitive and emotional individuals, while children are innocent and impressionable. By including these two groups of people, Nash is emphasizing the emotional impact that crossing the border can have on individuals.

The second stanza of the poem is where Nash really delves into the theme of crossing borders. He describes the people who are crossing the border as "dreamers, wizards, and warriors." These three words are powerful because they represent different aspects of human nature. Dreamers are imaginative and creative individuals who often have a unique perspective on the world. Wizards are individuals who possess knowledge and power, while warriors are strong and brave individuals who are willing to fight for what they believe in. By including these three groups of people, Nash is emphasizing the diversity of the individuals who are crossing the border. He is also highlighting the fact that crossing the border can be a transformative experience that can bring out different aspects of a person's personality.

The third and final stanza of the poem is where Nash brings everything together. He describes the people who have crossed the border as "new people, strange people, proud people." These three words are significant because they represent the changes that occur when people cross borders. When people cross borders, they are exposed to new cultures, ideas, and ways of life. This exposure can lead to a change in perspective and a newfound sense of pride in one's identity. By using these three words, Nash is emphasizing the positive impact that crossing borders can have on individuals.

Overall, "Crossing The Border" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of crossing borders. Nash uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the emotional impact that crossing borders can have on individuals. The poem is a reminder that poetry is a medium that transcends borders and boundaries, allowing people from different cultures and backgrounds to connect and understand each other. It is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to bring people together.

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