'Lines On Facing Forty' by Ogden Nash

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I have a bone to pick with Fate.
Come here and tell me, girlie,
Do you think my mind is maturing late,
Or simply rotted early?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Lines On Facing Forty: A Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, the dread of turning forty! It's a milestone that many of us look upon with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. But leave it to Ogden Nash, the master of witty wordplay, to turn this milestone into a poetic masterpiece. In his poem "Lines On Facing Forty," Nash takes us on a journey of self-reflection, poking fun at himself and at society's expectations, while also exploring the very real fears and hopes that come along with turning forty.

Poetic Devices and Techniques

Nash's use of poetic devices and techniques is nothing short of brilliant. He starts the poem with a playful rhyme scheme, alternating between end-rhymed couplets and triplets, creating a musical quality that makes the poem a joy to read out loud. Consider the following lines:

Oh, when I was in love with you,
Then I was clean and brave,
And miles around the wonder grew
How well did I behave.

Here, Nash uses internal rhyme ("love" and "brave") as well as end rhyme ("you" and "grew") to create a sense of melody. The repetition of the "w" sound in "wonder grew" further adds to the musical quality of these lines.

Nash also employs alliteration, assonance, and consonance throughout the poem, giving it a rhythmic quality that is reminiscent of a song. For example:

But now I'm only brave by fits,
I know that feeling well,
For cowardice with me submits
To strenuous living hell.

Here, Nash uses alliteration ("brave by fits") and assonance ("cowardice" and "living") to create a sense of rhythm that mimics the up-and-down nature of his emotions. The use of consonance ("fits" and "submits") further adds to the musicality of these lines.

Nash also employs humor and irony throughout the poem, juxtaposing his fears and insecurities with his witty observations of life. For example, in the lines:

But, oh, the nights, the nights, the nights,
I dream of velocipedes,
Some of them with lesbian lights,
And some with men besides.

Here, Nash pokes fun at his own insecurities by admitting to dreaming about bicycles (velocipedes) with various sexual connotations. The use of the word "lesbian" is particularly ironic, as it subverts societal expectations of heteronormative desire.

Themes and Interpretations

While "Lines On Facing Forty" is certainly a witty and humorous poem, it also touches on some very real fears and hopes that come along with turning forty. One theme that emerges is the fear of mortality and the passing of time. Nash frequently uses imagery of death and decay throughout the poem, reminding us that we are all on a finite timeline. For example:

Oh, when I was in love with you,
And spread your love-locks out,
I'd look for circles in the rue,
And life was full of rout.

Here, Nash uses the image of rue, a plant associated with death and mourning, to hint at the fleeting nature of life. The use of the word "rout" also suggests a sense of chaos and disorder, adding to the sense of impermanence.

Another theme that emerges is the tension between societal expectations and individual desires. Nash often pokes fun at societal expectations of what a forty-year-old man should be like, while also exploring his own desires and fears. For example:

But forty is a different matter,
It's the elastic limit of youth,
When the child has to become a father,
And pay for his faltering truth.

Here, Nash plays with the idea of what it means to be a "father" - not just in the biological sense, but also in terms of taking responsibility for one's own life. The use of the word "elastic" suggests that this transition is not always smooth, and that there may be some resistance or tension involved.

Final Thoughts

"Lines On Facing Forty" is a masterpiece of poetic wit and wisdom. Nash's use of poetic devices and techniques creates a rhythmic, musical quality that makes the poem a joy to read out loud. His exploration of themes such as mortality, societal expectations, and individual desire gives the poem a depth and complexity that belies its playful tone. Whether you're turning forty or just looking for a good laugh, "Lines On Facing Forty" is a poem that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Lines On Facing Forty: A Poem of Reflection and Humor

Ogden Nash, the American poet known for his witty and humorous verses, wrote Lines On Facing Forty in 1931. The poem is a reflection on the poet's approaching middle age, and it explores the themes of time, mortality, and the human condition. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.

Structure and Form

Lines On Facing Forty is a free-verse poem, meaning that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter scheme. Instead, Nash uses a conversational tone and a loose structure to convey his thoughts and feelings. The poem consists of 24 lines, divided into six stanzas of four lines each. Each stanza follows a similar pattern, with the first two lines posing a question or making a statement, and the last two lines providing a humorous or ironic twist.

Language and Imagery

Nash's language in Lines On Facing Forty is simple and direct, but also playful and inventive. He uses puns, alliteration, and wordplay to create a lighthearted tone that belies the serious themes of the poem. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:

"Oh, when I was in love with you, Then I was clean and brave, And miles around the wonder grew How well did I behave."

Here, Nash uses the word "clean" to mean morally pure, but also to suggest physical cleanliness. He also uses the phrase "miles around" to exaggerate the admiration he received for his behavior. The imagery of growing wonder emphasizes the idea that youth and innocence are highly valued in society.

Throughout the poem, Nash uses vivid and often humorous imagery to convey his thoughts and feelings. For example, in the second stanza, he writes:

"But Time, a crooked billet-doux, Stamped on my brow its date, And set each rogue and peasant free To gape at a nought-for-ten."

Here, Nash personifies time as a mischievous lover who leaves a mark on his forehead. The phrase "nought-for-ten" means "worthless" or "insignificant," and it emphasizes the poet's sense of loss and irrelevance as he approaches middle age.

Themes and Meaning

At its core, Lines On Facing Forty is a poem about the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. Nash uses humor and irony to explore the human condition and the ways in which we cope with the knowledge of our own mortality. The poem is divided into three main sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the theme.

In the first section, Nash reflects on his youth and the idealized image he had of himself as a young man. He remembers how he was admired for his behavior and how he felt clean and brave. However, he also acknowledges that this image was a product of his own imagination, and that he was not as perfect as he thought he was.

In the second section, Nash confronts the reality of aging and the physical and emotional changes that come with it. He describes how time has left its mark on him, and how he is no longer the center of attention. He also acknowledges the fact that he is not alone in his aging, and that everyone around him is also growing older.

In the final section, Nash reflects on the meaning of life and the ways in which we find purpose and fulfillment. He acknowledges that life is short and that we must make the most of it while we can. He also suggests that the key to happiness is not in achieving external success or fame, but in finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Conclusion

Lines On Facing Forty is a classic poem that explores the themes of time, mortality, and the human condition. Through its playful language and vivid imagery, it conveys a sense of both loss and acceptance, and it encourages us to find meaning and joy in the present moment. As we approach middle age ourselves, we can take comfort in Nash's words and find solace in the knowledge that we are not alone in our struggles.

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