' Bas Ben Adhem' by Ogden Nash
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My fellow man I do not care for.
I often ask me, What's he there for?
The only answer I can find
Is, Reproduction of his kind.
If I'm supposed to swallow that,
Winnetka is my habitat.
Isn't it time to carve Hic Jacet
Above that Reproduction racket?
To make the matter more succint:
Suppose my fellow man extinct.
Why, who would not approve the plan
Save possibly my fellow man?
Yet with a politician's voice
He names himself as Nature's choice.
The finest of the human race
Are bad in figure, worse in face.
Yet just because they have two legs
And come from storks instead of eggs
They count the spacious firmament
As something to be charged and sent.
Though man created cross-town traffic,
The Daily Mirror, News and Graphic,
The pastoral fight and fighting pastor,
And Queen Marie and Lady Astor,
He hails himself with drum and fife
And bullies lower forms of life.
Not that I think much depends
On how we treat our feathered friends,
Or hold the wrinkled elephant
A nobler creature than my aunt.
It's simply that I'm sure I can
Get on without my fellow man.
Editor 1 Interpretation
À Bas Ben Adhem: A Depth of Love and Spirituality
Ogden Nash’s “À Bas Ben Adhem” is one of the most beloved poems in English literature. Written in 1949, it is a simple yet powerful piece of work that speaks to the human soul’s yearning for connection with the divine.
At first glance, the poem seems like a straightforward narrative of a man named Abou Ben Adhem, who one night saw an angel writing down the names of those who loved God. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that Nash is not merely telling a story. He is, in fact, using Abou Ben Adhem as a symbol for all of humanity and is exploring the complex themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition.
The Structure of the Poem
The poem is made up of three stanzas, each with ten lines. The first and third stanzas follow a simple ABABCDCDEE rhyme scheme, while the second stanza has a slightly different rhyme scheme (ABABCDCDEA). The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, making it easier to read and remember.
The first stanza introduces us to Abou Ben Adhem, who wakes up one night to find an angel in his room. The angel is writing something on a golden scroll, and Abou Ben Adhem, curious, asks what he is writing. The angel replies, “The names of those who love the Lord.” Abou Ben Adhem then asks the angel to write his name down as one who loves God.
In the second stanza, Abou Ben Adhem’s request is denied. The angel tells him that he only writes down the names of those who love God for the love of God, and not for any reward or recognition. However, the angel does tell Abou Ben Adhem that his name is not on the list, but there is still hope for him. The angel tells him that he can still show his love for God by loving his fellow human beings.
The final stanza reveals that Abou Ben Adhem heeded the angel’s advice and became known for his love for all humanity. When the angel returned the following night, he showed Abou Ben Adhem a new list, which contained the names of those who loved their fellow human beings. To Abou Ben Adhem’s surprise, his name was at the top of the list.
The Themes of Love and Spirituality
The main theme of the poem is love – love for God and love for one’s fellow human beings. Nash is exploring the idea that true love for God cannot exist without love for one’s fellow human beings. This is evident in the second stanza, where the angel tells Abou Ben Adhem that he can still show his love for God by loving his fellow human beings.
Nash is also exploring the idea of spirituality. Abou Ben Adhem’s desire to have his name written down as one who loves God is a representation of the human soul’s yearning for connection with the divine. The angel, on the other hand, represents spirituality, and his advice to Abou Ben Adhem is a representation of the wisdom that comes from a spiritual connection.
The poem also touches on the idea of humility. Abou Ben Adhem’s request to have his name written down as one who loves God is a representation of human pride. The angel’s response, that he only writes down the names of those who love God for the love of God, and not for recognition or reward, is a reminder that true love for God is humble and selfless.
The Symbolism of Abou Ben Adhem
Abou Ben Adhem is more than just a character in the poem; he is a symbol for all of humanity. His desire to have his name written down as one who loves God represents the human soul’s yearning for connection with the divine. His request to the angel is a representation of human pride, while the angel’s response is a reminder of the importance of humility in spiritual matters.
Abou Ben Adhem’s journey towards love for humanity is also a representation of the human condition. We all start off wanting recognition and rewards for our good deeds, but as we grow and mature, we realize that true love and happiness come from selfless acts of kindness towards our fellow human beings.
The Significance of the Title
The title of the poem, “À Bas Ben Adhem,” is significant because it is an Arabic phrase that means “may his tribe increase.” This phrase is a common blessing given to someone who is loved and respected by their community. By using this title, Nash is suggesting that Abou Ben Adhem is a symbol for all of humanity, and that his love for humanity is something that we should all strive towards.
Conclusion
In “À Bas Ben Adhem,” Ogden Nash has created a timeless masterpiece that explores the complex themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition. Through the use of symbolism and a simple yet powerful narrative, Nash invites us to reflect on the importance of humility, selflessness, and love for our fellow human beings. As we read the poem, we are reminded that true happiness and fulfillment come not from recognition or rewards, but from acts of kindness towards those around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Oh, how I love the poem À Bas Ben Adhem by Ogden Nash! It is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers even today. In this article, I will provide a detailed analysis and explanation of this beautiful poem.
The poem begins with the introduction of the protagonist, a man named Abou Ben Adhem. He is described as a devout follower of God who loves his fellow men. The poet tells us that one night, Abou Ben Adhem woke up from his sleep and saw an angel writing in a book of gold. This is where the poem takes a mystical turn.
The angel tells Abou Ben Adhem that he is writing the names of those who love God. Abou Ben Adhem, being the kind-hearted man that he is, asks the angel if his name is on the list. The angel replies that it is not. Abou Ben Adhem then asks the angel to write down his name as one who loves his fellow men. The angel obliges and disappears.
The next night, the angel returns and shows Abou Ben Adhem the list of those who love God. To Abou Ben Adhem's surprise, his name is at the top of the list. The poem ends with Abou Ben Adhem saying that he is happy that his name is on the list, but he wishes that the names of all those who love their fellow men were also on it.
The poem is a beautiful portrayal of the power of love and kindness. Abou Ben Adhem is a man who loves God, but he also loves his fellow men. He is not content with just loving God; he wants to love and serve his fellow men as well. This is what sets him apart from others and makes him a truly great man.
The poem also highlights the importance of humility. Abou Ben Adhem does not ask the angel to write his name on the list because he wants to boast about his love for God. He simply wants to know if his name is on the list. When he finds out that it is not, he does not get angry or upset. Instead, he asks the angel to write his name as one who loves his fellow men. This shows that Abou Ben Adhem is a humble man who does not seek recognition or praise for his good deeds.
The poem also has a mystical element to it. The appearance of the angel and the book of gold add a sense of mystery and wonder to the poem. The fact that Abou Ben Adhem's name is at the top of the list of those who love God is also a mystical occurrence. It is as if his love for God and his fellow men has been recognized and rewarded by a higher power.
The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. The poet uses short, concise sentences to convey the message of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "and lo!" adds a sense of drama and excitement to the poem. The use of rhyme and rhythm also adds to the beauty of the poem.
In conclusion, À Bas Ben Adhem is a beautiful poem that celebrates the power of love and kindness. It teaches us that true greatness lies in loving and serving our fellow men. The poem also highlights the importance of humility and the rewards that come with it. The mystical element of the poem adds a sense of wonder and awe to the message it conveys. Overall, this poem is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
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