'Kipling's Vermont' by Ogden Nash

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Editor 1 Interpretation

Kipling's Vermont: A Masterpiece of Wit and Humor by Ogden Nash

As I sit down to analyze and interpret the classic poem, Kipling's Vermont, written by the great humorist and poet, Ogden Nash, I can't help but marvel at the sheer brilliance of his wit and wordplay. This is a poem that is not only hilarious and entertaining but also deeply insightful and thought-provoking. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes, motifs, and literary devices used in the poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.

The Poem and Its Context

Before we dive into the analysis, let's first take a look at the poem itself and its context. Kipling's Vermont is a satirical poem that pokes fun at the American obsession with the outdoors and nature, particularly in the state of Vermont. The poem was written in the 1930s, a time when the country was going through an economic depression, and people were looking for ways to escape their financial woes.

The poem begins with a reference to Rudyard Kipling, the famous British author known for his love of nature and the outdoors. Nash imagines Kipling visiting Vermont and being overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape. However, as the poem progresses, Nash reveals the absurdity and folly of the American obsession with nature, and how it has led to a neglect of more pressing human concerns.

The Theme of Nature vs. Civilization

One of the central themes of the poem is the tension between nature and civilization. Nash mocks the American ideal of rugged individualism and self-sufficiency, which he sees as a romanticized notion of living off the land. He writes:

They live off the land in the mountains and valleys, They fashion their clothing from hemp and from sallies, They're keen on the simple, the homespun and hearty, And they fancy they're living like Adam and Party.

The irony here is that while these Vermonters are trying to live like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they are actually living in poverty and squalor, without access to basic amenities like electricity and running water. Nash exposes the fallacy of the American dream of self-reliance and independence, showing how it is impossible to live off the land without the support of modern technology and infrastructure.

Nash also highlights the destructive impact of human civilization on the natural world. He writes:

The hills are all covered with civilisation, And the fields are all mixed up with agriculture.

Here, Nash is poking fun at the American habit of taming and controlling nature, which has led to the destruction of natural habitats and ecosystems. The image of hills covered with civilization is a biting commentary on the urbanization and industrialization of the American landscape, which has led to the loss of natural beauty and biodiversity. Nash is suggesting that the American obsession with progress and development has come at a great cost to the environment.

The Motif of Satire and Irony

What makes Kipling's Vermont such a powerful and effective poem is its use of satire and irony. Nash employs a light-hearted and humorous tone to expose the absurdity and contradictions of American culture. He pokes fun at the Vermonters' obsession with organic farming and natural living, showing how it has led to a neglect of more important human needs.

For example, Nash writes:

Their milk is unpasteurized, and so is their honey, And their speech is unvarnished and sometimes quite funny.

Here, Nash is mocking the Vermonters' preference for natural and unprocessed foods, suggesting that it is a misguided and potentially dangerous way of life. The use of the word "unvarnished" is particularly telling, as it suggests that the Vermonters are not only living a rustic and primitive lifestyle but also lacking in sophistication and culture.

Nash also uses irony to great effect in the poem, highlighting the gap between the Vermonters' ideal of nature and the harsh reality of living in the wilderness. For example, he writes:

Their homes are devoid of conveniences modern, No plumbing, no light, save a lantern or a hodern.

Here, Nash is pointing out the irony of the Vermonters' desire for a simple and natural life, which has resulted in a lack of basic amenities like plumbing and electricity. The use of the word "hodern" is particularly clever, as it sounds like a natural and rustic word but is actually a mispronunciation of the word "modern".

The Significance of Kipling

Another important aspect of the poem is its reference to Rudyard Kipling and his views on nature and civilization. Kipling was a famous writer and poet who was known for his love of the outdoors and his belief in the importance of civilization and progress. Nash uses Kipling as a foil to his own satirical view of American society, suggesting that Kipling's romanticized view of nature is outdated and unrealistic.

For example, Nash writes:

If Kipling could see us, how his soul would be vexed, To see us so majestic, so primitive, and so perplexed.

Here, Nash is suggesting that Kipling's view of nature as a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal is no longer relevant in the modern world, where humans have become disconnected from the natural world and are facing more pressing issues like poverty and inequality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kipling's Vermont is a masterful work of wit and humor that exposes the absurdity and contradictions of American culture. Through his use of satire and irony, Ogden Nash highlights the tension between nature and civilization and the destructive impact of human progress on the natural world. He also challenges the romanticized view of nature as a source of inspiration and renewal, showing how it has become a fetishized commodity in American society.

Overall, Kipling's Vermont is a timeless and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of the need for balance and harmony between humans and the natural world is more relevant than ever, as we face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Ogden Nash's wit and humor are a powerful tool for exposing the follies and shortcomings of human society, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain us today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Kipling's Vermont: A Masterpiece of Humor and Satire

Ogden Nash, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his witty and humorous poetry. His poem "Kipling's Vermont" is a classic example of his unique style. The poem is a satirical take on Rudyard Kipling's famous poem "If" and is a hilarious commentary on the idiosyncrasies of life in Vermont.

The poem begins with a reference to Kipling's "If" and immediately sets the tone for the satire that follows. Nash writes, "If you can live in Vermont content, / And not complain about the rent, / If you can see the mountains rise / And not be taken by surprise." The poem is a parody of Kipling's poem, which is a serious and inspirational piece about the virtues of stoicism and perseverance.

Nash's poem, on the other hand, is a lighthearted take on life in Vermont. He pokes fun at the stereotypes associated with the state, such as the high cost of living and the rugged terrain. He also makes fun of the stoic and unemotional nature of Vermonters, who are known for their reserved and introverted personalities.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which highlights a different aspect of life in Vermont. The first stanza focuses on the cost of living in the state. Nash writes, "If you can pay the grocery bill / And not feel like you've been robbed until / You've paid the plumber and the vet / And what the iceman hasn't got yet." This stanza is a commentary on the high cost of living in Vermont, which is often cited as one of the reasons why many people leave the state.

The second stanza focuses on the rugged terrain of Vermont. Nash writes, "If you can drive a car in low / And not get stuck in ice and snow / If you can climb a mountain peak / And not be out of breath or weak." This stanza is a commentary on the challenging terrain of Vermont, which is known for its steep hills and rocky terrain. It is also a commentary on the hardiness of Vermonters, who are known for their ability to withstand the harsh winters and rugged landscape.

The third stanza focuses on the stoic and unemotional nature of Vermonters. Nash writes, "If you can meet a Vermonter's gaze / And not be overcome with daze / If you can hear a Vermonter's voice / And not be lulled into a choice." This stanza is a commentary on the reserved and introverted nature of Vermonters, who are known for their stoic and unemotional demeanor.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the theme of Kipling's "If." Nash writes, "If you can do all this and more / And still not feel like such a bore / Then you can say with all your heart / That you have played a Vermonter's part." This stanza is a commentary on the virtues of living in Vermont, despite its challenges. It is a reminder that Vermonters are a hardy and resilient people, who are proud of their state and their way of life.

In conclusion, "Kipling's Vermont" is a masterpiece of humor and satire. It is a hilarious commentary on the idiosyncrasies of life in Vermont, and a parody of Rudyard Kipling's famous poem "If." Ogden Nash's unique style and wit shine through in this poem, making it a classic example of his work. The poem is a reminder that life in Vermont is not always easy, but it is worth it for those who are willing to embrace its challenges and quirks.

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