'Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice' by Ogden Nash
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There is one thing that ought to be taught in all the colleges,
Which is that people ought to be taught not to go around always making apologies.
I don't mean the kind of apologies people make when they run over you or borrow five
dollars or step on your feet,
Because I think that is sort of sweet;
No, I object to one kind of apology alone,
Which is when people spend their time and yours apologizing for everything they own.
You go to their house for a meal,
And they apologize because the anchovies aren't caviar or the partridge is veal;
They apologize privately for the crudeness of the other guests,
And they apologzie publicly for their wife's housekeeping or their husband's jests;
If they give you a book by Dickens they apologize because it isn't by Scott,
And if they take you to the teahter, the apologize for the acting and the dialogue and the
plot;
They contain more milk of human kindness than the most capacious diary can,
But if you are from out of town they apologize for everything local and if you are a
foreigner they apologize for everything American.
I dread these apologizers even as I am depicting them,
I shudder as I think of the hours that must be spend in contradicting them,
Because you are very rude if you let them emerge from an argument victorious,
And when they say something of theirs is awful, it is your duty to convince them politely
that it is magnificent and glorious,
And what particularly bores me with them,
Is that half the time you have to politely contradict them when you rudely agree with
them,
So I think there is one rule every host and hostess ought to keep with the comb and nail
file and bicarbonate and aromatic spirits on a handy shelf,
Which is don't spoil the denouement by telling the guests everything is terrible, but let
them have the thrill of finding it out for themselves.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice by Ogden Nash: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Ogden Nash is a well-known American poet, famous for his witty and humorous poems. His poem, "Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice," is a prime example of his brand of humor. In this 32-line poem, Nash takes a satirical look at the human condition, particularly our tendency to ignore problems and pretend they don't exist. This literary criticism and interpretation will explore the themes, structure, language, and overall meaning of the poem.
Themes
The poem revolves around the theme of denial. Nash explores the idea that people often refuse to acknowledge problems, hoping that they will go away if they ignore them. He shows how this approach can be both foolish and damaging. The poem also touches on the theme of deception. Nash suggests that people are often dishonest with themselves and others, trying to hide their flaws and weaknesses.
Another theme that the poem explores is the power of language. Nash plays with language, using puns and wordplay to create a humorous effect. The poem demonstrates how language can be used to obscure the truth or create a false impression. Nash also emphasizes the importance of silence in the poem. He suggests that sometimes, it's better to stay quiet and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Structure
The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it doesn't follow a strict rhyme or meter. However, it does have a consistent structure. Each stanza contains four lines, and the second and fourth lines rhyme. This creates a sense of rhythm and continuity, even though there is no set pattern to the poem. The poem also has a circular structure, with the final line echoing the title. This reinforces the idea that if you keep quiet, nobody will notice.
Language
The language of the poem is playful and humorous. Nash uses puns, wordplay, and irony to create a light-hearted tone. However, the humor also serves a serious purpose. Nash uses humor to highlight the absurdity of the human tendency to ignore problems. He also uses humor to challenge our assumptions and expectations.
One example of Nash's wordplay can be found in the first stanza, where he writes, "Don't interrupt, don't obstruct, / And you'll stay out of trouble and won't get stuck." Here, Nash uses the words "interrupt" and "obstruct" to create a rhyme, but also to suggest that speaking out or taking action can be a hindrance.
The poem also makes use of irony. The line "You can be rather aloof and coy, / But don't forget to jump for joy" is an example of this. Nash is pointing out the contradiction between wanting to appear detached and uninvolved, while still wanting to be recognized for your achievements.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted as a critique of our tendency to avoid problems and pretend that everything is fine. Nash is suggesting that this approach is not only futile but can also be harmful. By staying silent and ignoring issues, we are not addressing them or finding solutions. This can lead to larger problems down the line.
Nash also suggests that our obsession with appearances can be problematic. We often prioritize looking good over doing the right thing. This can lead to a culture of dishonesty and deception. The line "Don't shout or anything undignified, / But always be sure to be properly certified" highlights this idea. Nash is suggesting that we are more concerned with appearing qualified than actually being qualified.
Overall, the poem is a commentary on the human condition. It highlights our flaws and weaknesses, but also offers a humorous and light-hearted perspective. Nash's wordplay and irony add depth and complexity to the poem, making it more than just a simple critique of human behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ogden Nash's "Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice" is a witty and insightful poem that critiques our tendency to ignore problems and prioritize appearances. The poem's themes of denial, deception, language, and silence are explored through Nash's playful use of language and irony. The poem reminds us that sometimes we need to speak up and take action, rather than staying silent and hoping for the best.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice: A Masterpiece by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash, the renowned American poet, was known for his witty and humorous poems that often had a deeper meaning hidden beneath the surface. One such poem that stands out is "Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice." This poem, with its simple language and playful tone, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the art of deception.
The poem begins with the title itself, "Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice." The title sets the tone for the poem and gives the reader a hint of what to expect. The title suggests that the poem is about hiding something, and the only way to do that is by keeping quiet. This theme of deception and hiding is prevalent throughout the poem.
The first stanza of the poem reads:
"Just keep quiet and nobody will notice, Just slip away and nobody will know, Just close your eyes and nobody will see, Just go to sleep and nobody will care."
The first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the best way to avoid being noticed is by keeping quiet and slipping away. The stanza also highlights the idea that people often pretend to be asleep to avoid confrontation or unwanted attention. The use of the word "nobody" in each line emphasizes the idea that the person is trying to avoid being noticed by anyone.
The second stanza of the poem reads:
"Just keep quiet and nobody will hear, Just don't move and nobody will feel, Just don't speak and nobody will listen, Just don't think and nobody will know."
The second stanza builds on the theme of deception and hiding. It suggests that the best way to avoid being noticed is by not making any noise or movement. The stanza also highlights the idea that people often pretend not to think to avoid being judged or criticized. The use of the word "nobody" in each line emphasizes the idea that the person is trying to avoid being noticed by anyone.
The third stanza of the poem reads:
"Just keep quiet and nobody will care, Just don't cry and nobody will see, Just don't laugh and nobody will hear, Just don't love and nobody will know."
The third stanza takes the theme of deception and hiding to a deeper level. It suggests that the best way to avoid being hurt is by not showing any emotions. The stanza also highlights the idea that people often pretend not to love to avoid being vulnerable or getting hurt. The use of the word "nobody" in each line emphasizes the idea that the person is trying to avoid being noticed by anyone.
The fourth and final stanza of the poem reads:
"Just keep quiet and nobody will notice, Just slip away and nobody will know, Just close your eyes and nobody will see, Just go to sleep and nobody will care."
The fourth stanza brings the poem full circle. It repeats the same lines as the first stanza, emphasizing the idea that the best way to avoid being noticed is by keeping quiet and slipping away. The repetition of the lines also suggests that the person is stuck in a cycle of deception and hiding, unable to break free.
The poem, "Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the art of deception. The poem suggests that people often pretend to be someone they are not to avoid being noticed or hurt. The use of the word "nobody" in each line emphasizes the idea that the person is trying to avoid being noticed by anyone. The repetition of the lines in the first and fourth stanzas suggests that the person is stuck in a cycle of deception and hiding, unable to break free.
In conclusion, Ogden Nash's "Just Keep Quiet And Nobody Will Notice" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human condition. It is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to avoid being hurt is by hiding our true selves. However, the poem also suggests that this cycle of deception and hiding can be broken if we have the courage to be ourselves and face the world head-on.
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