'The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus' by Ogden Nash
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In Baltimore there lived a boy.
He wasn't anybody's joy.
Although his name was Jabez Dawes,
His character was full of flaws.
In school he never led his classes,
He hid old ladies' reading glasses,
His mouth was open when he chewed,
And elbows to the table glued.
He stole the milk of hungry kittens,
And walked through doors marked NO ADMITTANCE.
He said he acted thus because
There wasn't any Santa Claus.
Another trick that tickled Jabez
Was crying 'Boo' at little babies.
He brushed his teeth, they said in town,
Sideways instead of up and down.
Yet people pardoned every sin,
And viewed his antics with a grin,
Till they were told by Jabez Dawes,
'There isn't any Santa Claus!'
Deploring how he did behave,
His parents swiftly sought their grave.
They hurried through the portals pearly,
And Jabez left the funeral early.
Like whooping cough, from child to child,
He sped to spread the rumor wild:
'Sure as my name is Jabez Dawes
There isn't any Santa Claus!'
Slunk like a weasel of a marten
Through nursery and kindergarten,
Whispering low to every tot,
'There isn't any, no there's not!'
The children wept all Christmas eve
And Jabez chortled up his sleeve.
No infant dared hang up his stocking
For fear of Jabez' ribald mocking.
He sprawled on his untidy bed,
Fresh malice dancing in his head,
When presently with scalp-a-tingling,
Jabez heard a distant jingling;
He heard the crunch of sleigh and hoof
Crisply alighting on the roof.
What good to rise and bar the door?
A shower of soot was on the floor.
What was beheld by Jabez Dawes?
The fireplace full of Santa Claus!
Then Jabez fell upon his knees
With cries of 'Don't,' and 'Pretty Please.'
He howled, 'I don't know where you read it,
But anyhow, I never said it!'
'Jabez' replied the angry saint,
'It isn't I, it's you that ain't.
Although there is a Santa Claus,
There isn't any Jabez Dawes!'
Said Jabez then with impudent vim,
'Oh, yes there is, and I am him!
Your magic don't scare me, it doesn't'
And suddenly he found he wasn't!
From grimy feet to grimy locks,
Jabez became a Jack-in-the-box,
And ugly toy with springs unsprung,
Forever sticking out his tongue.
The neighbors heard his mournful squeal;
They searched for him, but not with zeal.
No trace was found of Jabez Dawes,
Which led to thunderous applause,
And people drank a loving cup
And went and hung their stockings up.
All you who sneer at Santa Claus,
Beware the fate of Jabez Dawes,
The saucy boy who mocked the saint.
Donner and Blitzen licked off his paint.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus: A Critical Appreciation
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Santa Claus turned up at your doorstep and you laughed at him? Ogden Nash, the renowned American poet, explores this scenario in his delightfully witty and whimsical poem, "The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus." In this 32-line gem, Nash weaves a tale of a young boy who scoffs at Santa Claus's visit, only to regret his folly later. The poem, through its clever wordplay, vivid imagery, and underlying moral lesson, captures the essence of the holiday spirit and the importance of kindness and goodwill towards all.
At first glance, one might dismiss "The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus" as a mere children's rhyme, meant to amuse and entertain. However, a closer reading reveals the poem's depth and subtlety, as Nash employs a range of literary devices to convey his message. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with a consistent meter and rhythm that adds to its sing-song quality. Nash's choice of words is playful and whimsical, with puns, alliterations, and metaphors that create a lively and vivid picture in the reader's mind. For instance, in the first stanza, the boy is described as having a "heart like a roadway, and feet like a thicket," which not only paints a comical image but also emphasizes his lack of empathy and sensitivity.
As the poem progresses, Nash's wordplay becomes more nuanced, as he juxtaposes the boy's initial laughter with his later regret. When Santa Claus asks the boy what he wants for Christmas, the boy's response is to "laugh and chortle and grin / And say, 'I want nothing but N-O-T-H-I-N-G!'" The repetition of the letter 'N' emphasizes the boy's dismissiveness and arrogance, and his refusal to accept even a token gift from Santa Claus highlights his lack of gratitude and respect. However, as soon as Santa Claus departs, the boy's mood changes, and he feels a sense of emptiness and regret. Nash captures this transformation beautifully in the lines, "Then suddenly I did not know / How to laugh or grin or show / The least mirth or any gladness." The repetition of the word 'or' creates a sense of desperation and confusion, as the boy realizes the gravity of his actions.
Apart from its linguistic and poetic merits, "The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus" also contains a powerful moral lesson that is relevant to readers of all ages. The poem is a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and selfishness, and the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. Nash's portrayal of the boy as initially haughty and dismissive, but later contrite and regretful, is a reminder that it is never too late to make amends and seek forgiveness.
At the heart of "The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus" is the idea of the holiday spirit and the joy of giving. Nash reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas lies not in receiving gifts but in sharing love and kindness with those around us. The figure of Santa Claus, with his jolly demeanor and benevolent nature, embodies this spirit of generosity and goodwill. The poem celebrates the magic of Santa Claus, but also reminds us that we can all be Santa Claus in our own way, by spreading cheer and making others happy.
Overall, "The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus" is a charming and thought-provoking poem that captures the magic of the holiday season. Through its clever wordplay, vivid imagery, and moral lesson, Nash reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and gratitude. Whether read aloud to children or enjoyed by adults, this poem is a timeless classic that speaks to the heart and soul of the holiday spirit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ogden Nash's "The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus" is a delightful and insightful poem that captures the essence of the holiday season. Its clever wordplay, vivid imagery, and moral lesson make it a timeless classic that appeals to readers of all ages. The poem reminds us of the importance of treating others with kindness, generosity, and respect, and of the joy that comes from giving rather than receiving. As we celebrate the holiday season, let us all be like Santa Claus and spread love and cheer wherever we go.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus: A Timeless Poem That Teaches Us The True Meaning of Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the magic and wonder that surrounds us during this time of year. From the twinkling lights to the warm fires and the joyous carols, Christmas is a time of celebration and giving. However, amidst all the festivities, it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. That is where Ogden Nash's classic poem, The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus, comes in. This timeless poem teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas and the power of kindness.
The poem tells the story of a young boy who, upon seeing Santa Claus, bursts out laughing. The boy's mother scolds him for his behavior, telling him that he should never laugh at Santa Claus. The boy, however, is unrepentant and continues to mock Santa Claus. As a result, Santa Claus leaves the boy a lump of coal instead of the presents he had hoped for. The boy is devastated and learns a valuable lesson about the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas.
At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple cautionary tale about the consequences of bad behavior. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is much more than that. The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and the magic of Christmas.
The poem begins with the boy laughing at Santa Claus. This act of mockery is not only disrespectful but also shows a lack of empathy for the person behind the costume. The boy sees Santa Claus as nothing more than a silly old man in a red suit, rather than the embodiment of the spirit of Christmas. This lack of understanding is a common problem in our society today. We often forget the true meaning of Christmas and focus instead on the materialistic aspects of the holiday. We forget that Christmas is about giving, kindness, and love.
The boy's mother scolds him for his behavior, telling him that he should never laugh at Santa Claus. This is an important lesson for all of us. We should never mock or belittle others, especially during the holiday season. Christmas is a time for compassion and understanding, not for cruelty and ridicule.
However, the boy is unrepentant and continues to mock Santa Claus. This behavior leads to Santa Claus leaving the boy a lump of coal instead of the presents he had hoped for. This is a powerful lesson about the consequences of our actions. The boy's behavior had consequences, and he learned that the hard way. This is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we should always strive to be kind and compassionate.
The boy is devastated by the lump of coal, and this is where the true meaning of the poem comes into play. The boy learns a valuable lesson about the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas. The lump of coal is not just a punishment for bad behavior, but also a reminder that Christmas is about more than just presents. It is about the magic and wonder that surrounds us during this time of year. The boy learns that he should believe in the magic of Christmas and that kindness and empathy are the true gifts of the season.
In conclusion, The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus is a timeless poem that teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas and the power of kindness. The poem reminds us that Christmas is about more than just presents and material possessions. It is about the magic and wonder that surrounds us during this time of year. We should always strive to be kind and compassionate, especially during the holiday season. The Boy Who Laughed At Santa Claus is a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, and it is a poem that should be read and cherished by all.
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