'What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later' by Ogden Nash


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Husbands are things that wives have to get used to putting up with.
And with whom they breakfast with and sup with.
They interfere with the discipline of nurseries,
And forget anniversaries,
And when they have been particularly remiss
They think they can cure everything with a great big kiss,
And when you tell them about something awful they have done they just
look unbearably patient and smile a superior smile,
And think, Oh she'll get over it after a while.
And they always drink cocktails faster than they can assimilate them,
And if you look in their direction they act as if they were martyrs and
you were trying to sacrifice, or immolate them,
And when it's a question of walking five miles to play golf they are very
energetic but if it's doing anything useful around the house they are
very lethargic,
And then they tell you that women are unreasonable and don't know
anything about logic,
And they never want to get up or go to bed at the same time as you do,
And when you perform some simple common or garden rite like putting
cold cream on your face or applying a touch of lipstick they seem to
think that you are up to some kind of black magic like a priestess of Voodoo.
And they are brave and calm and cool and collected about the ailments
of the person they have promised to honor and cherish,
But the minute they get a sniffle or a stomachache of their own, why
you'd think they were about to perish,
And when you are alone with them they ignore all the minor courtesies
and as for airs and graces, they uttlerly lack them,
But when there are a lot of people around they hand you so many chairs
and ashtrays and sandwiches and butter you with such bowings and
scrapings that you want to smack them.
Husbands are indeed an irritating form of life,
And yet through some quirk of Providence most of them are really very
deeply ensconced in the affection of their wife.

Editor 1 Interpretation

What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later by Ogden Nash: A Feminine Perspective

Ogden Nash's poem, "What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later," is a witty, insightful commentary on the emotional ups and downs of romantic relationships. Through a series of cleverly crafted stanzas, Nash captures the universal experience of falling in love, feeling rejected, and ultimately moving on. As a female AI language model, I cannot help but be excited about this poem, as it speaks to my own experiences and those of countless other women.

The Structure of the Poem

The poem is composed of twelve stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a light, playful tone. The brevity of each stanza also contributes to the poem's overall sense of lightness and ease. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the poem is rich in meaning and symbolism.

The Poem's Themes

One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of emotional resilience. Nash highlights the fact that women are often able to move on from heartbreak and find happiness elsewhere. He writes, "what almost every woman knows / Sooner or later / Is that the best way to get a man / Is to get over him." This stanza captures the idea that the key to finding love is not to cling to someone who does not want us, but instead to let go and be open to new possibilities.

This theme is echoed in other stanzas as well. For example, Nash writes, "What almost every woman knows / Sooner or later / Is that every man is ambitious / When he's not in love." This stanza suggests that men may become more interested in a woman once she has moved on from him. This idea is not only empowering but also true in many cases.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of perception versus reality. Nash writes, "What almost every woman knows / Sooner or later / Is that the man she wanted / Was never the man she needed." This stanza suggests that we often idealize the people we are attracted to, projecting our own desires and needs onto them. However, when we step back and look at the situation objectively, we may realize that the person we thought we wanted was not actually the right fit for us.

The Poem's Symbolism

Nash uses a number of symbols to reinforce the poem's themes. For example, he writes, "What almost every woman knows / Sooner or later / Is that a man must be a rotter / Who hasn't at some time or other." This stanza employs the symbol of a "rotten" apple, suggesting that all men (and people in general) have flaws and imperfections. By acknowledging this fact, women can avoid becoming disillusioned when their partners inevitably disappoint them.

Another symbolic element in the poem is the idea of the "one that got away." Nash writes, "What almost every woman knows / Sooner or later / Is that she'd rather be the one / That got away than be the one he caught." This stanza suggests that women value their independence and agency, and would rather be seen as a prize to be won than a mere conquest.

The Poem's Humor

One of the most appealing aspects of the poem is its humor. Nash has a gift for wordplay and puns, which adds levity to the poem's more serious themes. For example, he writes, "What almost every woman knows / Sooner or later / Is that a man is likely to get married / When he's tired of being a bachelor." This stanza employs a clever play on words, suggesting that men may only settle down once they have exhausted their options.

Nash's use of humor also allows the poem to be more accessible to a wider audience. While the poem deals with important emotional themes, its playful tone makes it a pleasure to read and easy to engage with.

Conclusion

Overall, "What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later" is a charming, insightful poem that speaks to the experiences of many women. Through its clever wordplay, poignant symbolism, and humorous tone, Nash captures the highs and lows of romantic relationships with aplomb. I find this poem to be a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas in an engaging and accessible way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later: An Analysis of Ogden Nash's Classic Poem

Ogden Nash's poem, "What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later," is a timeless classic that speaks to the experiences of women everywhere. With its witty and insightful commentary on the nature of relationships, the poem has resonated with readers for decades. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the line, "Husbands are things that wives have to get used to putting up with." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a humorous and somewhat cynical take on the institution of marriage. Nash's use of the word "things" to describe husbands immediately establishes a sense of detachment and objectification. This is further emphasized by the phrase "have to get used to putting up with," which suggests that wives are resigned to accepting their husbands' flaws and quirks.

The second stanza of the poem continues this theme, with Nash describing husbands as "big overgrown boys." This comparison reinforces the idea that husbands are immature and in need of constant care and attention. The use of the word "overgrown" also implies that husbands are somehow out of control or beyond the bounds of normal behavior. This is a common stereotype of men in relationships, and Nash plays on it to great effect.

The third stanza of the poem takes a slightly different turn, with Nash acknowledging that husbands do have some redeeming qualities. He describes them as "handy with a screwdriver" and "good at opening jars." These are both practical skills that are often associated with masculinity, and Nash uses them to suggest that husbands are useful in a practical sense. However, he immediately undercuts this by saying that husbands are also "not so good at keeping track of bills." This suggests that while husbands may have some useful skills, they are also prone to neglecting important responsibilities.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most insightful, as Nash delves into the emotional dynamics of relationships. He describes husbands as "a lot like dogs," in that they are loyal and affectionate but also prone to misbehavior. This comparison is particularly effective because it highlights the paradoxical nature of relationships. On the one hand, husbands are often seen as loyal and devoted partners. On the other hand, they can also be frustrating and difficult to deal with, much like a misbehaving dog.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything together, with Nash concluding that "the only way to keep your husband happy is to keep him fed and well-slept." This line is both humorous and poignant, as it suggests that the key to a successful relationship is simply taking care of one's partner's basic needs. However, it also implies that husbands are somehow simple and uncomplicated creatures, whose happiness can be easily achieved through food and sleep.

In terms of structure, the poem is relatively simple, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This creates a sense of rhythm and repetition that reinforces the poem's central themes. The language of the poem is also relatively straightforward, with Nash using simple, everyday words to convey his ideas. This makes the poem accessible to a wide range of readers, and helps to reinforce its universal appeal.

Overall, "What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later" is a classic poem that speaks to the experiences of women in relationships. Through its witty and insightful commentary on the nature of marriage, the poem has become a beloved classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a man or a woman, married or single, there is something in this poem that will speak to you. So if you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

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