'The Sniffle' by Ogden Nash

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In spite of her sniffle,
Isabel's chiffle.
Some girls with a sniffle
Would be weepy and tiffle;
They would look awful,
Like a rained-on waffle,
But Isabel's chiffle
In spite of her sniffle.
Her nose is more red
With a cold in her head,
But then, to be sure,
Her eyes are bluer.
Some girls with a snuffle,
Their tempers are uffle,
But when Isabel's snivelly
She's snivelly civilly,
And when she is snuffly
She's perfectly luffly.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Sniffle by Ogden Nash: A Masterful Display of Wit and Humor

As a lover of poetry, I have had the pleasure of reading works from a vast array of poets, each with their unique style and voice. But there is something incredibly special about Ogden Nash's "The Sniffle." This poem, with its clever wordplay and masterful use of rhyme, displays Nash's unparalleled wit and humor.

At first glance, "The Sniffle" may seem like a simple poem about a common cold. However, upon closer inspection, one can see that Nash has crafted a multifaceted piece that speaks to the human experience in a way that is both relatable and entertaining.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the woes of the sniffle, noting that it "comes on like the measles" and "spreads like the rose." Here, Nash employs a clever use of simile to emphasize just how quickly and easily the common cold can spread. The comparison to the rose is particularly effective, as it conjures up images of something beautiful and desirable, but also potentially dangerous.

As the poem continues, Nash delves into the physical symptoms of the sniffle, describing how it makes one's nose "red as a lobster" and causes a "hack like a seal." These vivid descriptions not only add to the humor of the poem but also serve to highlight the discomfort and inconvenience that a cold can cause.

One of the most impressive aspects of "The Sniffle" is how seamlessly Nash weaves in references to various cultural touchstones. He mentions "Berkeley and Harvard" and "Proust and Keats," demonstrating his vast knowledge and cultural savvy. Furthermore, he uses these references to further emphasize the universality of the human experience. After all, even the most brilliant minds can fall victim to the common cold.

Despite the lighthearted tone of the poem, there are moments where Nash delves deeper into the more serious aspects of illness. He notes that the sniffle can make one feel "alone in a bleak December." This line is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the isolation that can come with being sick. Even in a crowded room, one can feel alone and disconnected from others when dealing with an illness.

Another notable aspect of "The Sniffle" is Nash's use of repetition. He repeats the word "sniffle" throughout the poem, driving home the central theme and creating a sense of rhythm that is both pleasing to the ear and effective at conveying the poem's message.

Overall, "The Sniffle" is a masterful display of wit and humor. Nash's use of simile, cultural references, and repetition all work together to create a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you have experienced the sniffle or not, this poem speaks to the human experience in a way that is both relatable and memorable.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and capture the essence of life in a few words. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "The Sniffle" by Ogden Nash. This classic poem is a humorous take on the common cold, and it has been enjoyed by generations of readers. In this article, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

Firstly, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. "The Sniffle" is a short poem consisting of only six lines. It follows a simple rhyme scheme of AABBCC, with each line containing four syllables. The poem is written in a light-hearted and playful tone, which is typical of Ogden Nash's style. The brevity of the poem adds to its impact, as it captures the essence of the common cold in just a few words.

Now, let's move on to the meaning of the poem. "The Sniffle" is a humorous take on the common cold, which is a viral infection that affects millions of people every year. The poem personifies the cold as a mischievous creature that takes pleasure in causing discomfort to its victims. The first two lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the poem, as they describe the cold as a "nasty ailment" that "lurks in the nose and throat." This imagery creates a sense of unease, as the reader can almost feel the cold creeping up on them.

The next two lines of the poem describe the symptoms of the cold, which include a runny nose and a cough. The use of the word "sniffle" in the title of the poem is particularly effective, as it captures the sound of someone with a blocked nose trying to breathe. The word "sniffle" is also repeated in the last line of the poem, which adds to its impact.

The final two lines of the poem are perhaps the most humorous, as they describe the cold as a "villain" that takes pleasure in causing discomfort to its victims. The use of the word "villain" is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of animosity towards the cold. The personification of the cold as a villain also adds to the playful tone of the poem, as it turns a common ailment into a character that can be laughed at.

Now, let's move on to the literary devices used in the poem. One of the most prominent literary devices used in "The Sniffle" is personification. The cold is personified as a mischievous creature that takes pleasure in causing discomfort to its victims. This personification adds to the playful tone of the poem, as it turns a common ailment into a character that can be laughed at.

Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. The first two lines of the poem create a vivid image of the cold lurking in the nose and throat. This imagery creates a sense of unease, as the reader can almost feel the cold creeping up on them. The use of the word "sniffle" also creates a vivid image of someone with a blocked nose trying to breathe.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is also worth noting. The poem follows a simple AABBCC rhyme scheme, with each line containing four syllables. This simple rhyme scheme adds to the playful tone of the poem, as it creates a sing-song rhythm that is easy to remember.

In conclusion, "The Sniffle" by Ogden Nash is a classic poem that captures the essence of the common cold in just a few words. The poem is written in a light-hearted and playful tone, which is typical of Ogden Nash's style. The personification of the cold as a mischievous creature adds to the playful tone of the poem, as it turns a common ailment into a character that can be laughed at. The use of imagery and a simple rhyme scheme also add to the impact of the poem. Overall, "The Sniffle" is a humorous and relatable poem that has stood the test of time.

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