'Further Reflections On Parsley' by Ogden Nash

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Parsley

Is gharsley.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Further Reflections on Parsley: A Literary Analysis

Are you a fan of poetry that is both humorous and thought-provoking? Look no further than Ogden Nash's classic poem, "Further Reflections on Parsley." In this 16-line masterpiece, Nash manages to weave together themes of power, pride, and prejudice through the simple and unassuming herb of parsley. Let's dive in and explore the deeper meanings behind this seemingly light-hearted poem.

Overview and Background

First published in The New Yorker in 1940, "Further Reflections on Parsley" is part of Nash's larger body of work that is known for its wit and whimsy. Nash was famous for his use of puns, clever wordplay, and absurd imagery, often inspired by the everyday objects and experiences of life. In "Further Reflections on Parsley," Nash uses the herb as a symbol for the complex issues of class and power that exist within society.

Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the herb of parsley directly, asking it why it is "so often chosen/As garnish for a dish." This seemingly innocent question sets up the central theme of the poem: the power dynamics at play in the choice of garnish.

The second stanza introduces the idea of class, as Nash writes that parsley is "a member of the family/Of which the carrot is the boss." By placing parsley within this hierarchy, Nash is commenting on the way in which different foods and ingredients are valued within our society. Carrots, a staple vegetable, are seen as more important than parsley, which is often relegated to a supporting role.

In the third stanza, Nash begins to draw parallels between the social hierarchy of food and the larger issues of power and prejudice that exist in society. He writes, "Parsley would seem to be/Nothing but parsley/Underneath the parsley/Is a poem." Here, Nash is suggesting that there is more to parsley than meets the eye – that even something as seemingly insignificant as a garnish can hold deeper meanings and implications.

The final stanza brings the themes of power and prejudice to the forefront, as Nash writes, "Parsley/Is ghastly." By using this word, Nash is suggesting that parsley is not just unimportant, but actively repulsive. He goes on to explain that this perception of parsley comes from its association with death – specifically, the way in which it was used as a symbol for the executed Haitian dictator, Henri Christophe.

Through this association, Nash is able to illuminate the ways in which power and prejudice can shape our perceptions of even the most innocent and unassuming objects. Just as parsley became associated with death because of its connection to Christophe, so too can people be judged and devalued based on their race, social class, or other arbitrary factors.

Interpretation

So what is the deeper meaning behind "Further Reflections on Parsley," and what can we take away from it? At its core, the poem is a commentary on the ways in which power and prejudice can shape our perceptions of the world around us. By using the humble herb of parsley as a symbol for these larger issues, Nash forces us to confront the ways in which we assign value and importance to different people and things.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of the ways in which we define and categorize things based on arbitrary factors like social class or race. Nash is suggesting that just as parsley is seen as less important than other foods because of its perceived low status, so too are certain people devalued and dismissed because of their position in society. By drawing this parallel, Nash is calling for a more equitable and just world in which people are judged based on their character and merit rather than their social status or other external factors.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance. Nash's use of the word "ghastly" to describe parsley suggests that our perceptions can be warped and distorted by our own biases and prejudices. When we become too attached to our own ideas and beliefs, we can lose sight of the true value and worth of things. By reminding us that even a simple herb like parsley can hold deeper meanings and implications, Nash is urging us to remain humble and open-minded in our approach to the world.

Conclusion

In "Further Reflections on Parsley," Ogden Nash manages to pack a powerful commentary on power, pride, and prejudice into just 16 lines. By using the herb as a symbol for these larger issues, Nash forces us to confront the ways in which we assign value and importance to different people and things. Whether you interpret the poem as a critique of social hierarchies or a warning against pride, "Further Reflections on Parsley" is a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Further Reflections on Parsley: A Poem Analysis

Ogden Nash, a renowned American poet, wrote Further Reflections on Parsley in 1940. The poem is a satirical take on the infamous Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic, which was known for its brutality and human rights violations. Nash uses the humble herb parsley as a metaphor to highlight the absurdity of the regime's obsession with power and control. In this article, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, literary devices, and historical context.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct tone and message. The first stanza sets the scene by describing the herb parsley as a "heraldic green" that is "worn" by the Trujillo regime's soldiers. The use of the word "heraldic" suggests that the herb has a symbolic significance, perhaps representing the regime's power and authority. However, the fact that it is "worn" by soldiers implies that it is merely a superficial ornament, devoid of any real meaning or value.

The second stanza takes a darker turn, as Nash describes how the regime uses parsley as a tool of oppression. He writes, "It is the custom of the present / To sprinkle it on prisoners' food." The use of the word "custom" suggests that this practice is not only accepted but also expected. The fact that it is used on prisoners' food implies that it is a form of punishment or torture. Nash further emphasizes this point by describing how the parsley "makes their subsequent elimination / More rapid and more thorough." The use of the word "elimination" is particularly chilling, as it suggests that the regime is not only punishing but also killing its own citizens.

The third and final stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as Nash turns the tables on the regime. He writes, "It is the herb of history, / Of song and story, / Of ritual and of medicine." By listing all the different contexts in which parsley has been used throughout history, Nash highlights the absurdity of the regime's obsession with it. He suggests that the herb is not just a tool of oppression but also a symbol of human culture and creativity. The fact that it has been used in "song and story" suggests that it has a deeper meaning and significance beyond its superficial use by the regime.

Nash's use of literary devices is also worth noting. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a conversational tone, as if Nash is speaking directly to the reader. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues onto the next line, creates a sense of momentum and urgency. For example, in the second stanza, Nash writes, "It is the custom of the present / To sprinkle it on prisoners' food / It is the duty of the past / To remember those who went down / Mouth open, to the damp earth." The use of enjambment here creates a sense of continuity between the present and the past, as if the atrocities committed by the regime are part of a larger historical pattern.

Nash also uses irony and satire to great effect. The fact that parsley, a seemingly innocuous herb, is used as a tool of oppression is itself ironic. Nash also uses humor to undercut the seriousness of the subject matter. For example, in the third stanza, he writes, "It is the herb of marriage, for you may use the leaves / Or seeds in soups or salads or what you please / And as for catarrh, if taken with vinegar and honey / Emetic or cathartic, the name is money." The fact that Nash is discussing the medicinal properties of parsley in the context of a poem about a brutal regime is both humorous and jarring.

Finally, it is worth considering the historical context in which the poem was written. The Trujillo regime was notorious for its brutality and human rights violations, including the massacre of thousands of Haitians in 1937. Nash's poem can be seen as a critique of the regime's obsession with power and control, as well as a call to remember the victims of its atrocities. The fact that he uses parsley, a seemingly insignificant herb, as a metaphor for the regime's absurdity and cruelty, is a testament to his skill as a poet.

In conclusion, Further Reflections on Parsley is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that uses humor, irony, and satire to critique a brutal regime. Nash's use of literary devices, such as free verse and enjambment, creates a sense of urgency and momentum, while his use of parsley as a metaphor highlights the absurdity of the regime's obsession with power and control. The poem is a reminder of the importance of human creativity and culture in the face of oppression and brutality, and a call to remember the victims of such atrocities.

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