'Goody For Our Side And Your Side Too' by Ogden Nash

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Foreigners are people somewhere else,
Natives are people at home;
If the place you're at
Is your habitat,
You're a foreigner, say in Rome.
But the scales of Justice balance true,
And tit leads into tat,
So the man who's at home
When he stays in Rome
Is abroad when he's where you're at.
When we leave the limits of the land in which
Our birth certificates sat us,
It does not mean
Just a change of scene,
But also a change of status.
The Frenchman with his fetching beard,
The Scot with his kilt and sporran,
One moment he
May a native be,
And the next may find him foreign.
There's many a difference quickly found
Between the different races,
But the only essential
Differential
Is living different places.
Yet such is the pride of prideful man,
From Austrians to Australians,
That wherever he is,
He regards as his,
And the natives there, as aliens.
Oh, I'll be friends if you'll be friends,
The foreigner tells the native,
And we'll work together for our common ends
Like a preposition and a dative.
If our common ends seem mostly mine,
Why not, you ignorant foreigner?
And the native replies
Contrariwise;
And hence, my dears, the coroner.
So mind your manners when a native, please,
And doubly when you visit
And between us all
A rapport may fall
Ecstatically exquisite.
One simple thought, if you have it pat,
Will eliminate the coroner:
You may be a native in your habitat,
But to foreigners you're just a foreigner.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Goody For Our Side And Your Side Too: A Literary Criticism

Are you a fan of poetry that's humorous and witty? If so, then you must have come across Ogden Nash's "Goody for Our Side and Your Side Too." This famous poem, written in the 1940s, is a satirical take on war and its consequences. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve deeper into the themes, literary devices, and social commentary that Nash presents in this poem.

Summary

The poem's title is a play on the phrase "good for our side." It suggests that war brings benefits to both sides, which is a somewhat ironic statement given the poem's content. Nash uses humor to address the serious topic of war and its impact on society. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first two lines of each stanza are identical, while the last two lines rhyme with each other.

In the first stanza, Nash focuses on the propaganda that is used to promote war. He points out that both sides claim to be fighting for justice and freedom, but in reality, they are just trying to gain power. The second stanza deals with the horrors of war, such as death and destruction. Nash uses vivid imagery to describe the chaos of battle, with lines such as "Limbs can writhe and heads can jerk/For that is war and this is work." The final stanza discusses the aftermath of war and how both sides are left with scars.

Themes

One of the main themes of "Goody for Our Side and Your Side Too" is the futility of war. Nash is critical of the way war is glorified and the way propaganda is used to manipulate people into supporting it. He suggests that war only benefits those in power, while ordinary people suffer the consequences. Another theme is the idea that war affects everyone, regardless of which side they are on. Nash makes it clear that both sides are responsible for the destruction and loss of life that come with war.

Literary Devices

Nash uses several literary devices to convey his message in "Goody for Our Side and Your Side Too." One of the most prominent is irony. The poem's title is ironic, as are several lines within the poem. For example, "When cannons flash and rifles roars/Both sides are right and both are bores" is an ironic statement that highlights the absurdity of war. Nash also uses rhyme and repetition to create a rhythm that makes the poem more memorable. The use of vivid imagery, such as "A bed of straw, a crust of bread" and "The wounded lying flat and still/No use to them, no use to kill," helps to create a powerful visual image of war's consequences.

Social Commentary

Although "Goody for Our Side and Your Side Too" was written over 70 years ago, its message is still relevant today. Nash's criticism of propaganda and manipulation is particularly resonant in the current political climate. The poem also highlights the human cost of war and the fact that it affects everyone, regardless of which side they are on. This is an important message to remember, especially in a world where conflicts between nations continue to escalate.

Conclusion

Ogden Nash's "Goody for Our Side and Your Side Too" is a powerful poem that uses humor and irony to address the serious topic of war. The poem's message is still relevant today, and its criticism of propaganda and manipulation is particularly resonant. Through his use of literary devices, Nash creates a rhythm that makes the poem memorable, and his vivid imagery helps to create a powerful visual image of war's consequences. This poem is a reminder that war only brings suffering and that both sides are responsible for the human cost of conflict.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Goody For Our Side And Your Side Too: A Masterpiece by Ogden Nash

Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has been used to express a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Ogden Nash, a renowned American poet, was a master of this art form, and his poem "Poetry Goody For Our Side And Your Side Too" is a masterpiece that showcases his unique style and wit.

The poem, which was first published in 1943, is a satirical take on the role of poetry in society. Nash uses humor and irony to poke fun at the way poetry is often used to promote political and social agendas. He also highlights the power of poetry to bring people together, regardless of their differences.

The poem begins with the lines, "Oh, what a joy it is to be / A Poet and a Democrat / And write in praise of Liberty / And Homer and the Aeneid." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Nash establishes himself as a poet who is proud of his political beliefs and his love of classic literature.

Nash then goes on to describe the different types of poetry that exist in the world, including "the poetry of the rich and famous," "the poetry of the poor and unknown," and "the poetry of the middle class." He notes that each of these types of poetry has its own unique style and audience, but that they all have the power to inspire and move people.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way that Nash uses humor to make his points. For example, he writes, "Oh, what a joy it is to be / A Poet and a Republican / And write in praise of Property / And the everlasting Dollar." This line is a clear jab at the Republican Party and its focus on capitalism and wealth.

Nash also uses irony to great effect in the poem. For example, he writes, "Oh, what a joy it is to be / A Poet and a Pacifist / And sing the praises of Harmony / And universal Brotherhood." This line is ironic because pacifists are often seen as being opposed to war and conflict, yet Nash is suggesting that they can still find ways to promote unity and peace through poetry.

Throughout the poem, Nash emphasizes the power of poetry to bring people together. He writes, "For Poetry is a common bond / A link between the races / A bridge across the big Beyond / Where all true hearts have places." This line highlights the fact that poetry can transcend cultural and social barriers and bring people together in a shared appreciation of beauty and truth.

In conclusion, "Poetry Goody For Our Side And Your Side Too" is a masterpiece of satirical poetry that showcases Ogden Nash's unique style and wit. Through humor and irony, Nash pokes fun at the way poetry is often used to promote political and social agendas, while also highlighting its power to bring people together. This poem is a testament to the enduring appeal of poetry as an art form that can inspire, move, and unite people from all walks of life.

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