'What's The Use?' by Ogden Nash
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Sure, deck your limbs in pants,
Yours are the limbs, my sweeting.
You look divine as you advance . . .
Have you seen yourself retreating?
Editor 1 Interpretation
WHAT'S THE USE? A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF OGDEN NASH'S POEM
Oh, what a delight to dive into one of Ogden Nash's poems! His witty and playful use of language never fails to bring a smile to my face. Today, I will be examining one of his masterpieces, "What's The Use?" In this poem, Nash tackles the existential question of the purpose of life, and does so with his trademark humor and charm. Let's dive in!
Overview
"What's The Use?" is a six-stanza poem written in free verse, with a varying number of lines per stanza. The poem's overall structure is irregular, with no fixed rhyme scheme or meter, but the language is still intricately crafted to create a musicality of its own. The poem's mood is reflective, bordering on melancholic, as Nash ponders the futility of human existence.
Analysis
The poem opens with the question that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. "What's the use of worrying?" Nash asks, almost rhetorically. He then proceeds to answer his own question by giving examples of situations where worrying is futile. He speaks of how worrying won't stop the rain, or change the course of the wind, or turn back the clock. Nash's word choice here is crucial, as he uses natural elements that are beyond human control to emphasize the pointlessness of worrying. The repetition of the phrase "what's the use" at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and consistency throughout the poem.
In the second stanza, Nash moves on to the question of the afterlife. "What's the use of hurrying," he asks, and then answers by saying that death will come to all of us, no matter how much we rush around. He speaks of how death is an "inevitable boon," a phrase that seems almost contradictory, but upon closer inspection, makes perfect sense. Death is inevitable, and therefore, it's a blessing in disguise, as it frees us from the worries of this world.
The third stanza brings up the question of legacy. "What's the use of having wealth?" Nash asks, and then proceeds to list all the things that wealth can't buy- love, health, or happiness. He then speaks of how even if one does manage to accumulate wealth and leave behind a legacy, it will eventually be forgotten with time. This stanza is perhaps the most melancholic of the poem, as Nash brings up the idea of mortality and how everything we do in life is ultimately fleeting.
In the fourth stanza, Nash moves on to the question of love. "What's the use of being clever?" he asks, and then answers by saying that even if one is the smartest person in the world, it won't guarantee them love. He then speaks of how love is something that can't be forced or controlled, and how it's ultimately a matter of luck. The theme of love is one that Nash often returns to in his poetry, and here he uses it to underscore the idea that life is full of uncertainties.
The fifth stanza brings up the question of happiness. "What's the use of being rich?" Nash asks, and then answers by saying that money can't buy happiness. He then speaks of how true happiness comes from within, and how it's not something that can be bought or sold. This stanza is perhaps the most optimistic of the poem, as Nash leaves the reader with the idea that happiness is something that everyone can attain, regardless of their wealth or status in life.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Nash returns to the question of worrying. "What's the use of worrying?" he asks once again, and then answers by saying that worrying is a waste of time and energy. He speaks of how life is short, and how we should focus on enjoying it rather than fretting over things that are beyond our control. The final image of the poem- a man sitting under a tree, content with his lot in life- is a powerful one, as it encapsulates the central message of the poem- that life is what we make of it, and that happiness is ultimately a matter of perspective.
Interpretation
"What's The Use?" is a poem that speaks to the human condition in a way that is both relatable and insightful. Nash tackles some of the biggest existential questions- the purpose of life, the afterlife, legacy, love, and happiness- and does so in a way that is both humorous and profound. The poem's irregular structure and free verse form are a reflection of the poem's central message- that life is unpredictable, and that we should embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride.
At its core, "What's The Use?" is a poem about perspective. Nash argues that the things we worry about- money, status, legacy- are ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. What's more important, he says, is our attitude towards life. If we can learn to let go of our worries and embrace the present moment, then we can find true happiness. In this sense, the poem is a call to action, urging readers to re-evaluate their priorities and focus on what truly matters.
Conclusion
"What's The Use?" is a poem that combines humor, insight, and wisdom in a way that only Ogden Nash could. Through his use of language and imagery, Nash manages to capture the essence of the human condition in all its complexity. The poem's central message- that life is what we make of it, and that happiness is ultimately a matter of perspective- is a timeless one that resonates with readers to this day. In short, "What's The Use?" is a masterpiece of poetic craft, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its beauty and complexity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What's The Use? by Ogden Nash is a classic poem that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. This poem is a humorous and satirical take on the human condition, and it explores the futility of life and the absurdity of our existence. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker asking a rhetorical question: "What's the use of worrying?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a series of witty and ironic observations about the human condition. The speaker goes on to say that worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. This metaphor is a clever way of illustrating the point that worrying is a pointless activity that doesn't achieve anything.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of futility, with the speaker asking, "What's the use of hurrying?" The speaker goes on to say that hurrying is like a hamster on a wheel, it keeps you busy, but it doesn't take you anywhere. This metaphor is another clever way of illustrating the point that rushing around and being busy doesn't necessarily lead to any real progress or achievement.
The third stanza of the poem takes a different turn, with the speaker asking, "What's the use of anything?" This question is a more existential one, and it reflects the speaker's sense of disillusionment and despair. The speaker goes on to say that life is like a game of cards, and we are all dealt a hand that we have to play. This metaphor is a powerful one, as it suggests that we have little control over our lives and that we are at the mercy of fate.
The fourth stanza of the poem continues the theme of despair, with the speaker asking, "What's the use of seeking?" The speaker goes on to say that seeking is like a dog chasing its tail, it's a pointless activity that doesn't achieve anything. This metaphor is another clever way of illustrating the point that we often pursue things that are ultimately meaningless or unattainable.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, with the speaker suggesting that the only thing that really matters is love. The speaker says that love is like a bird that sings, and that it can bring joy and happiness to our lives. This metaphor is a powerful one, as it suggests that love is the one thing that can give our lives meaning and purpose.
In terms of structure, the poem is composed of five stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a simple and catchy rhythm. The use of metaphors and similes is a key feature of the poem, and it is through these literary devices that the speaker is able to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible way.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its use of irony and satire. The speaker is clearly poking fun at the human condition, and the poem is full of witty observations and clever wordplay. For example, the line "What's the use of hurrying? It was never meant to be curryin'" is a clever play on words that highlights the absurdity of our obsession with speed and efficiency.
Overall, What's The Use? by Ogden Nash is a classic poem that offers a humorous and satirical take on the human condition. Through its use of metaphors, similes, and irony, the poem explores the futility of life and the absurdity of our existence. While the poem is ultimately a pessimistic one, it does offer a glimmer of hope in its suggestion that love is the one thing that can give our lives meaning and purpose.
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