'My Nose Is Growing Old' by Richard Brautigan
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Yup.
A long lazy September look
in the mirror
say it's true.
I'm 31
and my nose is growing
old.
It starts about 1/2
an inch
below the bridge
and strolls geriatrically
down
for another inch or so:
stopping.
Fortunately, the rest
of the nose is comparatively
young.
I wonder if girls
will want me with an
old nose.
I can hear them now
the heartless bitches!
"He's cute
but his nose
is old."
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Nose Is Growing Old: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Richard Brautigan's poem "My Nose Is Growing Old" is a witty and poignant exploration of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. In this 20-line poem, Brautigan uses a clever metaphor to examine the changes that occur over a lifetime. The nose, typically associated with smell and breath, becomes a symbol of experience and wisdom. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes and devices used in Brautigan's poem, exploring the deeper meaning behind the clever wordplay and the emotions it evokes.
Analysis
Metaphor and Symbolism
"My Nose Is Growing Old" is a powerful example of metaphor and symbolism. Brautigan uses the nose as a symbol of personal experience and age. The nose, which is often associated with smell, is a natural symbol for experience. As we age, we accumulate more experiences and memories, and our sense of smell becomes more refined. By making the nose the focus of the poem, Brautigan is able to explore the idea of aging in a unique and thought-provoking way.
Imagery
Brautigan creates vivid imagery throughout the poem. The lines "It's full of wrinkles / and has a mind of its own," paint a clear picture of an old, wrinkled nose. The use of the word "mind" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the nose has a life of its own and is separate from the person it belongs to. This personification of the nose adds a layer of depth to the poem and makes it easier for readers to connect with the emotions being expressed.
Tone
The tone of "My Nose Is Growing Old" is both humorous and melancholic. Brautigan's use of wordplay and clever metaphors creates a lighthearted tone that belies the serious subject matter. However, the underlying theme of aging and the passage of time creates a sense of sadness and nostalgia. The final line of the poem, "It's been around a long time," is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the nose has seen and experienced more than the person it belongs to.
Structure
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. The 20 lines are broken up into four stanzas of five lines each. Each stanza explores a different aspect of the nose's aging process, from the wrinkles that appear to the changes in its shape. The use of repetition throughout the poem, particularly in the lines "My nose is growing old," creates a sense of unity and reinforces the central theme of the poem.
Language and Wordplay
One of the most striking features of "My Nose Is Growing Old" is its use of language and wordplay. Brautigan's use of puns and homophones, such as "smellegant" and "knows," adds a layer of wit and humor to the poem. However, these playful elements are balanced by the more serious themes of aging and the passage of time. This combination of lighthearted language and serious subject matter creates a unique and powerful effect.
Interpretation
The Inevitability of Aging
At its core, "My Nose Is Growing Old" is a meditation on the inevitability of aging. The nose, which is typically seen as a neutral or even unimportant body part, becomes a symbol of personal experience and the passage of time. By examining the changes that occur in the nose over a lifetime, Brautigan is able to explore the changes that occur in all of us as we grow older. The poem suggests that aging is a natural and necessary part of life, and that our experiences and memories are what give us value and meaning.
The Impermanence of Youth
Another theme that runs throughout "My Nose Is Growing Old" is the impermanence of youth. The poem suggests that youth and beauty are fleeting, and that the changes that occur as we age are inevitable. This theme is explored in lines such as "It's losing its shape / and its youthful look," which suggest that the nose, like the rest of us, is subject to the ravages of time. However, this theme is balanced by the idea that our experiences and memories are what give us value, regardless of our physical appearance.
The Importance of Experience
Finally, "My Nose Is Growing Old" is a celebration of personal experience and the wisdom that comes with age. The nose, which is typically associated with smell and breath, becomes a symbol of personal experience and the accumulation of memories. The poem suggests that our experiences, both good and bad, are what give us meaning and value, and that the changes that occur over a lifetime are what make us unique and interesting.
Conclusion
"My Nose Is Growing Old" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of aging, impermanence, and the importance of personal experience. Brautigan's use of metaphor, symbolism, language, and structure creates a unique and powerful effect that is both humorous and melancholic. By examining the changes that occur in the nose over a lifetime, Brautigan is able to explore the changes that occur in all of us as we grow older. The poem suggests that aging is a natural and necessary part of life, and that our experiences and memories are what give us value and meaning.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Nose Is Growing Old: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire
Richard Brautigan, the renowned American poet, novelist, and short story writer, is known for his unique style of writing that blends humor, irony, and satire. One of his most famous poems, My Nose Is Growing Old, is a perfect example of his mastery of these literary devices. In this 16-line poem, Brautigan uses the metaphor of a nose to explore the themes of aging, mortality, and the human condition. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "My nose is growing old." At first glance, this line may seem like a mundane observation, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper meaning. The nose, which is often associated with the sense of smell, is a symbol of our ability to perceive the world around us. As we age, our senses deteriorate, and our perception of the world becomes less acute. Thus, the line "My nose is growing old" is a metaphor for the aging process and the gradual loss of our faculties.
The second line of the poem, "It's getting longer every day," introduces an element of irony. While the nose does not actually grow longer with age, the line suggests that the speaker's perception of their nose is changing. As they age, their nose appears to be growing longer, which is a metaphor for the distortion of reality that comes with aging. The line also hints at the idea that the speaker's nose is becoming more prominent, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's growing awareness of their own mortality.
The third line of the poem, "It used to be embroiled in the face," is a clever use of language that highlights the importance of the nose in our perception of the face. The word "embroiled" suggests that the nose was once an integral part of the face, but is now becoming separate and distinct. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's growing sense of isolation and detachment from the world around them.
The fourth line of the poem, "But now it's getting a life of its own," is a continuation of the metaphor of the nose as a separate entity. The line suggests that the nose is becoming more prominent and independent, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's growing sense of individuality and self-awareness.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "It's out there in front / Like a big, lonely elephant," introduce a new metaphor that compares the nose to an elephant. The elephant is a symbol of strength, power, and intelligence, but it is also a solitary animal that is often associated with loneliness. The metaphor suggests that the speaker's nose is becoming more prominent and powerful, but it is also becoming more isolated and lonely.
The seventh and eighth lines of the poem, "And I'm afraid to pet it / Because it might bite me," introduce an element of humor and irony. The line suggests that the speaker is afraid of their own nose, which is a ridiculous idea. However, it also hints at the idea that the speaker is afraid of their own mortality and the inevitability of death.
The ninth and tenth lines of the poem, "It's getting bigger and bigger / And I can't see where it's going," continue the metaphor of the nose as a separate entity. The line suggests that the nose is becoming more powerful and independent, but it is also becoming more unpredictable and uncontrollable.
The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem, "It's like a runaway train / And I'm tied to the tracks," introduce a new metaphor that compares the nose to a train. The train is a symbol of power and speed, but it is also a dangerous and destructive force. The metaphor suggests that the speaker's nose is becoming more powerful and uncontrollable, and the speaker is powerless to stop it.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem, "I'm getting scared of my nose / And what it might do," introduce an element of fear and anxiety. The line suggests that the speaker is becoming more aware of their own mortality and the inevitability of death. The nose, which is a symbol of the aging process, is becoming more powerful and uncontrollable, and the speaker is afraid of what it might do.
The fifteenth and sixteenth lines of the poem, "It's like a big, old dog / That's starting to turn," introduce a new metaphor that compares the nose to a dog. The dog is a symbol of loyalty and companionship, but it is also a symbol of aging and mortality. The metaphor suggests that the speaker's nose is becoming more like a loyal companion, but it is also becoming more like an aging and dying animal.
In conclusion, My Nose Is Growing Old is a masterpiece of irony and satire that explores the themes of aging, mortality, and the human condition. Through the metaphor of a nose, Brautigan creates a powerful and thought-provoking poem that is both humorous and poignant. The poem's structure and literary devices, such as metaphor, irony, and humor, add depth and complexity to the poem, making it a timeless work of art that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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