'À Bas Ben Adhem' by Ogden Nash

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My fellow man I do not care for.
I often ask me, What's he there for?
The only answer I can find
Is, Reproduction of his kind.
If I'm supposed to swallow that,
Winnetka is my habitat.
Isn't it time to carve Hic Jacet
Above that Reproduction racket?To make the matter more succint:
Suppose my fellow man extinct.
Why, who would not approve the plan
Save possibly my fellow man?
Yet with a politician's voice
He names himself as Nature's choice.The finest of the human race
Are bad in figure, worse in face.
Yet just because they have two legs
And come from storks instead of eggs
They count the spacious firmament
As something to be charged and sent.Though man created cross-town traffic,
The

Editor 1 Interpretation

"À Bas Ben Adhem": A Poem Worth Remembering

Have you ever read a poem that made you think, "Wow, this is truly something special"? A poem that captures your heart and imagination, that lingers in your mind long after you've read it? If not, then you need to read "À Bas Ben Adhem" by Ogden Nash. This classic poem is a work of art that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for its beauty, humor, and wisdom.

The Poem

"À Bas Ben Adhem" is a short poem that tells the story of a man named Ben Adhem who loves his fellow human beings. The poem begins with the narrator telling us that he woke up in the middle of the night to find Ben Adhem sitting in his room. The narrator is surprised and asks Ben Adhem what he wants. Ben Adhem responds, "Write me as one that loves his fellow men." The narrator obeys and writes down Ben Adhem's name.

The next night, the narrator wakes up to find an angel in his room. The angel is writing in a book and tells the narrator that he is writing down the names of those who love God. The narrator looks for Ben Adhem's name, but he doesn't see it. He asks the angel if Ben Adhem's name is in the book. The angel responds, "Nay, not so," and adds that the names of those who love God are the ones who are blessed.

The next night, the narrator wakes up to find Ben Adhem in his room again. He asks Ben Adhem why his name isn't in the book. Ben Adhem responds, "I pray thee, then, write me as one that loves his fellow men." The poem ends with the narrator saying that the next night, the angel appeared again and showed him the names of those who love God. And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

The Interpretation

At first glance, "À Bas Ben Adhem" seems like a simple story about a man who loves his fellow human beings. But as you dive deeper into the poem, you begin to see the layers of meaning and the lessons it teaches us.

One of the most obvious themes of the poem is the importance of loving your fellow human beings. Ben Adhem is a man who is known for his love of others, and he wants to be remembered as such. He doesn't care about being remembered as a wealthy or famous man, but rather as one who loves his fellow men.

But the poem also touches on the idea that love for others is connected to love for God. When the angel appears, he is writing down the names of those who love God. And while Ben Adhem's name isn't in the book, the angel reveals that his love for others is what makes him a truly blessed person. In other words, Ben Adhem's love for others is an expression of his love for God.

The poem also reminds us that we have the power to shape our own legacy. Ben Adhem chooses to be remembered as someone who loves his fellow human beings, and his actions reflect that desire. By contrast, the names in the angel's book are those who love God, but we don't know anything else about them. They could be remembered as selfish or cruel people, but we don't know because that's not the focus of the poem. The point is that we have the power to choose how we're remembered, and the best way to be remembered is as someone who loves others.

Finally, the poem has a sense of humor that makes it even more enjoyable to read. The fact that Ben Adhem shows up in the narrator's room twice is a bit absurd, and it's hard not to laugh at the idea of an angel writing down names in a book. But the humor doesn't detract from the poem's message; rather, it makes the message more accessible and enjoyable to read.

The Criticism

It's hard to find fault with "À Bas Ben Adhem." It's a beautifully written poem that delivers a powerful message in a concise and memorable way. However, if we had to criticize the poem, we could say that it's a bit simplistic. The message is clear and straightforward, but there aren't many layers of meaning to explore. The poem doesn't leave much room for interpretation or debate, which could make it less interesting for some readers.

Additionally, the poem's message is one that is frequently discussed in literature and philosophy. The idea that love for others is connected to love for God is a common theme in religious and secular writing. While "À Bas Ben Adhem" delivers this message in a unique and memorable way, some readers might feel that it's a bit predictable and unoriginal.

But these criticisms are minor compared to the poem's strengths. "À Bas Ben Adhem" is a work of art that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for its beauty, humor, and wisdom. It's a poem that reminds us of the importance of loving others and choosing our own legacy. And it's a poem that, despite its simplicity, has a profound impact on those who read it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry À Bas Ben Adhem: A Masterpiece of Humor and Irony

Ogden Nash, the renowned American poet, is known for his witty and humorous poems that often take a satirical look at human behavior. One of his most famous works is Poetry À Bas Ben Adhem, a poem that is both funny and thought-provoking. In this article, we will take a closer look at this masterpiece of humor and irony.

The poem tells the story of a man named Bas Ben Adhem, who wakes up in the middle of the night to find an angel writing in a book of gold. Bas Ben Adhem asks the angel what he is writing, and the angel replies that he is writing down the names of those who love God. Bas Ben Adhem, eager to see his name in the book, asks the angel to write it down. The angel tells him that his name is not in the book, but he adds that Bas Ben Adhem's name will be in another book, a book of those who love their fellow men.

The poem is only twelve lines long, but it is packed with humor and irony. Let's take a closer look at some of the key elements of the poem.

First of all, the poem is written in a light and humorous tone. Nash uses simple language and a playful rhyme scheme to create a lighthearted atmosphere. For example, the first line of the poem reads, "Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)" This line is both funny and ironic because it is a traditional Arabic blessing that is often used to wish someone prosperity and success. However, Nash uses it in a humorous way to introduce his character, Bas Ben Adhem.

Another key element of the poem is its use of irony. The poem is full of ironic twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and amused. For example, when Bas Ben Adhem asks the angel to write his name in the book of those who love God, the angel tells him that his name is not in the book. This is an ironic twist because Bas Ben Adhem is clearly a devout man who loves God, yet his name is not in the book. However, the angel adds that Bas Ben Adhem's name will be in another book, a book of those who love their fellow men. This is another ironic twist because Bas Ben Adhem had not even considered the possibility that there might be another book.

The poem also has a deeper meaning that goes beyond its humor and irony. The poem is a commentary on the nature of true piety and devotion. Bas Ben Adhem is a devout man who loves God, but he is also a man who loves his fellow men. The angel's response to Bas Ben Adhem's request to have his name written in the book of those who love God suggests that true piety and devotion are not just about loving God, but also about loving one's fellow men. This is a powerful message that is still relevant today.

In conclusion, Poetry À Bas Ben Adhem is a masterpiece of humor and irony that also has a deeper meaning. Nash's use of humor and irony creates a lighthearted atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged and amused. However, the poem also has a powerful message about the nature of true piety and devotion. Bas Ben Adhem is a reminder that true piety and devotion are not just about loving God, but also about loving one's fellow men. This is a message that is still relevant today, and it is one that we should all take to heart.

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