'More About People' by Ogden Nash

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When people aren't asking question

They're making suggestions

And when they're not doing one of those

They're either looking over your shoulder or stepping on your toes

And then as if that weren't enough to annoy you

They employ you.

Anybody at leisure

Incurs everybody's displeasure.

It seems to be very irking

To people at work to see other people not working,

So they tell you taht work is wonderful medicine,

Just look at Firestone and Ford and Edison,

And they lecture you till they're out of breath or something

And then if you don't succumb they starve you to death or something.

All of which results in a nasty quirk:

That if you don't want to work you have to work to earn enough money so that you won't
have to work.

Editor 1 Interpretation

More About People: A Delightful Exploration of Human Behavior

If there is one thing that Ogden Nash knew how to do really well, it was writing poetry that was both funny and thought-provoking. In "More About People," he takes us on a journey of observations about different types of people and their peculiar quirks. This poem is more than just a lighthearted piece of entertainment; it is a deep exploration of human behavior and the complex interplay between our actions and our personalities.

Structure and Form: Simple Yet Effective

At first glance, "More About People" appears to be a simple poem. It consists of four stanzas, with each stanza having eight lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD, and the meter varies from line to line. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that Nash's use of form and structure is deliberate and effective.

For instance, the AABBCCDD rhyme scheme gives the poem a sing-song quality, which adds to its playful tone. The varying meter also keeps the poem from becoming monotonous, and it helps to emphasize certain words or phrases. Consider the following lines:

There are people who cannot see a rhinoceros without worrying about him, They invent mental pictures of him which show him at the head of a herd Of startled cows, Sweeping on over the horizon.

The use of anapestic meter in the first two lines gives the impression of someone anxiously pacing back and forth, while the trochaic meter in the third line creates a sense of rapid movement. This helps to emphasize the absurdity of the mental image being described.

The Absurdity of Human Behavior

Indeed, one of the central themes of "More About People" is the absurdity of human behavior. Nash highlights the strange and often irrational things that people do, and he does so with a keen eye for detail and a wry sense of humor.

Consider this stanza:

There are people who, when they see a chicken, Automatically cross the street. They're afraid they might catch something. There are others who cross the street So that they can catch something.

Here, Nash is poking fun at the different ways that people react to the same situation. Some are afraid of what the chicken might give them, while others are actively seeking to catch it. This highlights the arbitrary nature of human fears and desires, and it also underscores the fact that people are often driven by impulses that they don't fully understand.

The Complexity of Human Nature

However, while Nash is quick to point out the absurdities of human behavior, he is also careful to show us that people are more complex than we might think. In fact, one of the most impressive things about "More About People" is the way that it captures the many different facets of human nature.

For example, consider this stanza:

There are people who, in their eagerness to defend a supposed honor, Haven't the heart to fight, But will nevertheless plunge recklessly into vaudeville, The movies, diving, and other hazards Of life.

Here, Nash is showing us that even people who are afraid to physically fight for their honor are still willing to take risks in other areas of their lives. This suggests that people have a complex mix of strengths and weaknesses, and that our behavior is often shaped by a variety of factors, including our upbringing, our environment, and our personal values.

The Importance of Observation

Throughout "More About People," Nash emphasizes the importance of observation. He encourages us to pay attention to the world around us, and to take note of the many different types of people we encounter.

Consider this stanza:

There are people who constantly clamor for your audience, They have an infinite number of anecdotes of their own experiences, But they never let you get a word in edgewise, And when you recapture the floor, You discover that they have switched the subject.

Here, Nash is urging us to be wary of people who dominate conversations and don't allow us to speak. By observing this behavior, we can learn to identify when someone is more interested in talking at us than with us.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Humanity

In conclusion, "More About People" is a delightful exploration of human behavior that manages to be both funny and insightful. Nash's use of form and structure is effective in creating a playful tone, while his observations about human nature are astute and thought-provoking.

Ultimately, "More About People" is a celebration of humanity in all its complexity and absurdity. It reminds us that, despite our flaws and quirks, we are all part of a larger community, and that we can learn a lot about ourselves by paying attention to the behaviors of others. So, let us take Nash's advice and observe the world around us, for it is a fascinating place full of people just waiting to be understood.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

More About People: A Poem That Celebrates the Quirks of Humanity

Ogden Nash, the American poet known for his humorous and witty verses, penned a poem titled "More About People" that captures the essence of human nature in all its glory. The poem, written in 1936, is a celebration of the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us human. In this article, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it has become a classic in American literature.

Themes

At its core, "More About People" is a poem about the diversity of human experience. Nash celebrates the fact that no two people are alike, and that our differences are what make us interesting. He writes, "Some are wrapped up in themselves, / And some are wrapped up in others, / And some are wrapped up in bacon and eggs." This line captures the idea that we all have our own unique priorities and interests, and that these differences should be celebrated rather than judged.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea that humans are flawed. Nash writes, "Some are born to sweet delight, / Some are born to endless night." This line acknowledges that life is not fair, and that some people are dealt a better hand than others. However, Nash also suggests that our flaws are what make us human. He writes, "Some are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, / And some are born with a wooden spoon in their mouth, / And some are born with a spoonful of prussic acid in their mouth." This line suggests that even our flaws can be interesting and unique.

Structure

"More About People" is a free verse poem, meaning that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. Instead, Nash uses a variety of poetic devices to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, he uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases, such as "Some are" and "And some are not." He also uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem, such as in the line "Some are born to sweet delight."

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza introduces the idea that humans are diverse, while the second stanza focuses on our flaws. The third stanza explores the idea that humans are constantly changing, while the fourth stanza celebrates the fact that we are all connected in some way.

Language

Nash's language in "More About People" is playful and whimsical, with a touch of sarcasm. He uses puns and wordplay to create a sense of humor, such as in the line "Some are born to be forgotten, / And some are born to be remembered, / And some are born to raise tomatoes in the hotbed of the unrequited." This line is both funny and poignant, suggesting that even those who are forgotten can still make a difference in their own way.

Nash also uses metaphor to create vivid images in the reader's mind. For example, he writes, "Some are born to the purple, / And some are born to the plow." This line suggests that some people are born into privilege, while others are born into hard work and struggle.

Conclusion

"More About People" is a poem that celebrates the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us human. Nash's playful language and use of poetic devices create a sense of joy and wonder, reminding us that life is full of surprises and unexpected twists. The poem's themes of diversity, flaws, and connection are timeless, making it a classic in American literature. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is important to remember that we are all unique and valuable in our own way.

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