'The Octopus' by Ogden Nash
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Tell me, O Octopus, I begs
Is those things arms, or is they legs?
I marvel at thee, Octopus;
If I were thou, I'd call me Us.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Octopus by Ogden Nash: A Literary Analysis
When we think about octopuses, we often imagine them as strange, mysterious creatures that lurk in the depths of the ocean. However, Ogden Nash's poem "The Octopus" presents a different image of these complex creatures. This 24-line poem is not just a witty piece of verse but a profound commentary on human nature, using the octopus as a metaphor.
Overview of the Poem
"The Octopus" is a cleverly crafted poem that uses rhyming couplets to convey a series of satirical critiques of humanity. In the poem, Nash compares the octopus to a variety of human behaviors and characteristics, such as greed, ambition, and deceit. The poem is divided into five stanzas of four lines each, which creates a sense of rhythm and consistency throughout.
Analysis of the Poem
The First Stanza
The first stanza of the poem establishes the octopus as the central metaphor for human behavior. Nash writes:
Tell me, O Octopus, I begs Is those things arms, or is they legs? I marvel at thee, Octopus; If I were thou, I'd call me us.
The stanza opens with a direct address to the octopus, which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is in awe of the creature, both physically and metaphorically. The question of whether the octopus's appendages are arms or legs is a playful nod to the complexity of the creature, and sets up the theme of duality that will be explored throughout the poem. The final line, "If I were thou, I'd call me us," is a clever bit of wordplay that suggests the octopus might see humans as a kind of octopus - a statement that will be unpacked in later stanzas.
The Second Stanza
In the second stanza, Nash compares the octopus to a thief:
By all means they feel for thee, They admire thee, I aspire to be Deep denizen of the deep; But, octopus, it's not for me.
Here, the octopus is portrayed as a cunning thief, manipulating others to its advantage. The speaker acknowledges the octopus's appeal, but ultimately rejects the idea of becoming a "deep denizen of the deep." The stanza can be interpreted as a warning against the seductive pull of greed and ambition.
The Third Stanza
The third stanza of the poem shifts from a warning to a critique of human behavior:
Tell me, O Octopus, I begs, Is those things arms, or is they legs? I marvel at thee, Octopus; If I were thou, I'd call me us.
Here, Nash returns to the question of whether the octopus's appendages are arms or legs. The repetition of the opening lines from the first stanza reinforces the idea that the octopus is a metaphor for human behavior. The final line, "If I were thou, I'd call me us," takes on a different meaning in this context. It suggests that humans are not so different from the octopus, and that we are all capable of the same cunning and manipulation.
The Fourth Stanza
The fourth stanza of the poem is the most introspective, as the speaker reflects on his own flaws:
I cannot tell how the truth may be; I say the tale as 'twas said to me. Alas for them, and alas for me! And so, goodbye to the Big Blue Sea!
The speaker acknowledges his own limitations, admitting that he cannot know the truth about the octopus or human behavior. The line "I say the tale as 'twas said to me" could be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of storytelling and the need for multiple perspectives. The final two lines, "Alas for them, and alas for me! / And so, goodbye to the Big Blue Sea!" are a bittersweet farewell to the world of the octopus and a recognition of the inevitability of human nature.
The Fifth Stanza
The final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of duality, as the speaker contemplates the nature of the octopus:
But why, O why, did the octopus, That descendent of the heroes bold, Decide to rise from the ocean seas And walk on the land, legs eight to hold?
This stanza is a departure from the previous four, as it is more reflective and contemplative. The octopus is referred to as a "descendent of the heroes bold," which suggests that it is not just a creature to be feared or admired but a symbol of resilience and strength. The final line poses a rhetorical question that challenges the reader to consider the octopus's motivations and the nature of evolution itself.
Conclusion
In "The Octopus," Ogden Nash uses rich imagery, clever wordplay, and a witty sense of humor to create a powerful metaphor for human behavior. The poem is a commentary on the duality of human nature - the way in which we are capable of both good and evil, greed and generosity, cunning and compassion. Through his use of the octopus as a metaphor, Nash challenges us to consider our own flaws and limitations, and to reflect on the complex nature of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Octopus by Ogden Nash: A Masterpiece of Satirical Poetry
Ogden Nash, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, was known for his witty and humorous verses that often poked fun at human foibles and societal norms. In his poem "The Octopus," Nash takes on the theme of corporate greed and the destructive power of monopolies. Through his clever use of language and imagery, Nash creates a satirical masterpiece that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the octopus, a creature that is both fascinating and terrifying. Nash uses the octopus as a metaphor for the monopolistic corporations that dominate the economy and crush competition. He describes the octopus as having "eight long arms with suction cups" that "clasp and crush and squeeze and suck." This image of the octopus as a ruthless predator sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Nash exposes the destructive power of monopolies.
Nash goes on to describe the octopus as a creature that "lives in the deep and dark abyss" and "feeds on anything it can find." This image of the octopus as a creature that thrives in darkness and preys on anything in its path is a powerful metaphor for the way monopolies operate. They operate in the shadows, manipulating markets and crushing competition, all in the pursuit of profit.
Nash then turns his attention to the human victims of the octopus, describing them as "little fishes" that are "caught in the octopus's tentacles." These little fishes are the small businesses and entrepreneurs that are crushed by the power of monopolies. Nash laments the fact that these little fishes "cannot swim away" and are "doomed to be the octopus's prey." This image of the helpless little fishes trapped in the octopus's grip is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that monopolies can have on the economy and society.
Nash then takes a swipe at the politicians and regulators who are supposed to protect the little fishes from the octopus. He describes them as "sharks" who "swim around the octopus's lair" but are "afraid to interfere." This image of the politicians and regulators as timid sharks who are afraid to take on the powerful octopus is a scathing indictment of the political system and its failure to protect the interests of the people.
Nash concludes the poem with a call to action, urging the little fishes to "rise up and fight the octopus." He reminds them that they have the power to "break the octopus's grip" and "restore the freedom of the sea." This image of the little fishes rising up against the octopus is a powerful metaphor for the way that people can come together to challenge the power of monopolies and restore competition to the economy.
Overall, "The Octopus" is a masterful work of satirical poetry that exposes the destructive power of monopolies and calls for action to restore competition to the economy. Nash's use of vivid imagery and clever wordplay creates a powerful and memorable poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. As we continue to grapple with the issue of corporate power and its impact on society, "The Octopus" remains a relevant and timely work of poetry that reminds us of the importance of protecting the interests of the little fishes in the face of the powerful octopus.
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