'One Third Of The Calendar' by Ogden Nash

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In January everything freezes.
We have two children. Both are she'ses.
This is our January rule:
One girl in bed, and one in school.

In February the blizzard whirls.
We own a pair of little girls.
Blessings upon of each the head ----
The one in school and the one in bed.

March is the month of cringe and bluster.
Each of our children has a sister.
They cling together like Hansel and Gretel,
With their noses glued to the benzoin kettle.

April is made of impetuous waters
And doctors looking down throats of daughters.
If we had a son too, and a thoroughbred,
We'd have a horse,
And a boy,
And two girls
In bed.

Editor 1 Interpretation

One Third Of The Calendar: A Playful Exploration of Time

Ogden Nash's "One Third Of The Calendar" is a delightful poem that invites readers on a playful exploration of time. With his signature wit and humor, Nash uses clever wordplay and rhyme to create a whimsical world where the months of the year come to life and interact with one another.

At its core, "One Third Of The Calendar" is a celebration of the passage of time. Nash acknowledges that time can be both a blessing and a curse, but ultimately emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and enjoying the fleeting beauty of life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and overall impact of Nash's poem.

Themes

One of the central themes of "One Third Of The Calendar" is the passage of time. Nash personifies the months of the year, giving them unique personalities and quirks that reflect their respective places in the annual cycle. For example, January is portrayed as a stern, austere figure, while June is depicted as carefree and whimsical. By bringing the months to life in this way, Nash highlights the cyclical nature of time and encourages readers to appreciate the ebb and flow of the seasons.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of impermanence. Nash acknowledges that time marches on, and that all things must eventually come to an end. This is captured in lines such as "All months are cruel, all months are kind / But none can keep the moment that they find." By recognizing the fleeting nature of time, Nash encourages readers to savor every moment and make the most of the time they have.

Finally, "One Third Of The Calendar" is a celebration of life and all its joys and challenges. Nash acknowledges that life can be difficult at times, but ultimately emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the present moment. For example, he writes, "Sing ho for the good that is to be / And the good that is we'll keep." This message of hope and resilience is a key theme that runs throughout the poem.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking aspects of "One Third Of The Calendar" is the use of rhyme and wordplay. Nash's playful use of language adds to the whimsical tone of the poem and creates a sense of joy and playfulness. For example, he rhymes "May" with "okay," "October" with "sober," and "November" with "ember." These clever word choices not only add to the musicality of the poem, but also reinforce the unique personalities of each month.

Another literary device that Nash employs in "One Third Of The Calendar" is personification. By giving each month its own personality and quirks, he allows readers to see time in a more relatable and accessible way. For example, he describes February as "the month of despair" and August as "the month of lust." These personifications add to the overall sense of whimsy and playfulness in the poem.

Nash also uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "One third of the calendar" throughout the poem, emphasizing the cyclical nature of time. He also uses parallel structure in lines such as "All months are cruel, all months are kind / But none can keep the moment that they find." This repetition and parallelism not only adds to the musicality of the poem, but also reinforces its central themes.

Impact

"One Third Of The Calendar" is a poem that has resonated with readers for generations. Its playful tone and clever wordplay make it accessible to readers of all ages, while its themes of time, impermanence, and resilience speak to the human experience in a universal way. Nash's clever use of language and personification make the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on the passage of time and the importance of living in the present moment.

Overall, "One Third Of The Calendar" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexity and beauty of the human experience. Nash's playful exploration of time reminds us that life is a fleeting and precious gift, and encourages us to embrace every moment with joy and gratitude.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

One Third Of The Calendar: A Masterpiece by Ogden Nash

Ogden Nash, the renowned American poet, is known for his witty and humorous poetry. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "One Third Of The Calendar." This poem is a masterpiece that showcases Nash's unique style and his ability to use language to create vivid images and convey complex ideas.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each representing a different season. The first stanza is about spring, the second about summer, and the third about fall. Nash uses a variety of literary devices to describe each season and create a distinct mood for each stanza.

In the first stanza, Nash describes the arrival of spring. He uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the season, saying "The crocus and the daffodil / Are in their annual duel." This line creates a sense of competition between the two flowers, as if they are fighting for dominance in the garden. Nash also uses personification to describe the flowers, saying that they "thrust and parry with a will." This personification gives the flowers human-like qualities, making them seem more alive and active.

Nash then goes on to describe the weather in spring, saying "The sun is warm, the breeze is cool / And all the world is fresh and new." This line creates a sense of renewal and rejuvenation, as if the world is waking up from a long sleep. Nash also uses alliteration to emphasize the freshness of spring, saying "The air is sweet with scents of dew / And every bird is in the blue." The repetition of the "s" sound in "sweet," "scents," and "sents" creates a soft and soothing effect, like the gentle breeze of spring.

In the second stanza, Nash shifts his focus to summer. He describes the season as "a time of ease and plenty," where "the sun is high and hot and heavy." Nash uses alliteration again to emphasize the heat of summer, saying "The grass is green, the sky is blue / And every bee is in the clover too." The repetition of the "e" sound in "green," "bee," and "clover" creates a buzzing effect, like the sound of bees in a field.

Nash also uses personification to describe the sun, saying that it "beats upon the land like a hammer." This personification creates a sense of power and intensity, as if the sun is a force to be reckoned with. Nash then goes on to describe the activities of summer, saying "The children play, the grown-ups laze / And all the world is in a haze." This line creates a sense of relaxation and leisure, as if everyone is taking a break from their busy lives to enjoy the summer.

In the third stanza, Nash describes the arrival of fall. He uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of change and transition. Nash describes the leaves changing color, saying "The leaves turn red, the leaves turn gold / And all the world is growing old." This line creates a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as if the world is mourning the passing of summer.

Nash also uses personification to describe the wind, saying that it "whistles through the trees like a song." This personification creates a sense of movement and change, as if the wind is carrying the world into a new season. Nash then goes on to describe the activities of fall, saying "The apples ripen, the pumpkins grow / And all the world is in a glow." This line creates a sense of abundance and harvest, as if the world is preparing for the winter ahead.

Overall, "One Third Of The Calendar" is a masterpiece of poetry. Nash's use of vivid imagery, personification, and alliteration creates a distinct mood for each season and captures the essence of each one. The poem is a celebration of the changing seasons and the beauty of nature, and it reminds us to appreciate the world around us and the passing of time.

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