'Tableau At Twilight' by Ogden Nash

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I sit in the dusk. I am all alone.
Enter a child and an ice-cream cone.
A parent is easily beguiled
By sight of this coniferous child.
The friendly embers warmer gleam,
The cone begins to drip ice cream.
Cones are composed of many a vitamin.
My lap is not the place to bitamin.
Although my raiment is not chinchilla,
I flinch to see it become vanilla.
Coniferous child, when vanilla melts
I'd rather it melted somewhere else.
Exit child with remains of cone.
I sit in the dusk. I am all alone,
Muttering spells like an angry Druid,
Alone, in the dusk, with the cleaning fluid.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Tableau At Twilight: A Masterpiece from Ogden Nash

If there is one name that comes to mind when we think of witty and humorous poetry, it is Ogden Nash. The American poet, famous for his light-hearted and often satirical verses, is also known for his uncanny ability to turn everyday observations into thought-provoking pieces of literature. One such gem that stands out from his vast repertoire of poems is Tableau At Twilight, published in 1941. In this literary criticism, we will take a deep dive into this masterpiece and unravel the layers of meaning hidden beneath its seemingly simple exterior.

Overview

Tableau At Twilight is a short poem comprising only six quatrains, each consisting of two rhyming couplets. The poem has a light and playful tone, and the language used is simple and easy to understand. The title of the poem, Tableau At Twilight, sets the scene for the readers, giving them a hint of the setting and mood of the piece. As we delve deeper into the poem, we see how Nash masterfully uses imagery, alliteration, and wordplay to create a vivid tableau of life at dusk.

Analysis

The poem begins with a description of the sun setting over the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything in its path. Nash uses alliteration to describe the "sunset's afterglow" and how it "spreads like spilled jam" over the landscape. The use of the word "spilled jam" not only creates a vivid image in the reader's mind but also hints at the fleeting nature of the beauty of the sunset.

The second quatrain introduces us to the central characters of the poem - a group of children playing in a field. Nash describes how they "tumble, rumpus, and roughhouse" as they play, creating a scene of joy and exuberance. However, the poet also hints at the transience of childhood and how quickly it slips away, just like the sunset.

In the third stanza, Nash shifts the focus to the animals in the field. He describes how the cows "chew and moo and do not care" and how the sheep "graze and graze and nothing dare." Through this imagery, the poet highlights the contrast between the carefree nature of the children and the placid acceptance of the animals.

The fourth stanza brings in a touch of nostalgia as Nash describes how the "old men sit and bide and stare." The use of the words "old men" and "bide" create a sense of melancholy and resignation, as if the men are waiting for something that will never come. The poet also contrasts the action of the old men with that of the children, highlighting the difference between youth and age.

In the fifth stanza, Nash brings in a religious element as he describes how the "church steeple points to heaven." The use of the word "points" creates a sense of aspiration and hope, as if the steeple is reaching towards something higher. The poet also creates a contrast between the church and the other elements in the tableau, highlighting the role of religion in people's lives.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as Nash describes how the "night creeps up like a guilty cat." The use of the imagery of a cat creates a sense of stealth and unpredictability, hinting at the darkness that is to come. The poet also contrasts the image of the setting sun with that of the rising night, highlighting the duality of life.

Interpretation

At its core, Tableau At Twilight is a poem about the transience of life and the inevitability of change. Through the use of imagery and metaphor, Nash creates a vivid tableau of life at dusk, showing how different elements - the sun, the children, the animals, the old men, the church, and the night - coexist in a delicate balance. The poem also highlights the contrast between youth and age, joy and acceptance, and hope and resignation.

In many ways, Tableau At Twilight is also a commentary on the human condition. It shows how we are all part of a larger picture, and how our actions and choices affect the world around us. The poem also highlights the role of religion in people's lives and how it provides a sense of hope and aspiration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tableau At Twilight is a masterpiece of modern poetry that showcases Ogden Nash's unique style and wit. Through the use of vivid imagery, alliteration, and metaphor, Nash creates a tableau of life at dusk that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem is a testament to the transience of life and the inevitability of change, and it serves as a reminder to cherish the moments of joy and beauty that we encounter along the way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Tableau At Twilight: An Analysis of Ogden Nash's Masterpiece

Ogden Nash, the American poet, is known for his witty and humorous poems that often poke fun at human nature. However, his poem "Poetry Tableau At Twilight" is a departure from his usual style. It is a poignant and reflective piece that captures the essence of poetry and its power to evoke emotions.

The poem is set at twilight, a time when the day is ending, and the night is about to begin. The speaker is observing a group of poets who are gathered together, each lost in their own thoughts. The scene is described as "a huddle of poets, all silent and sad, / As if they were thinking of something they had."

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "sad" creates a sense of melancholy and introspection. The poets are not just physically present; they are lost in their own thoughts, contemplating something that is weighing heavily on their minds.

The second stanza introduces the idea of poetry as a means of expressing emotions. The speaker notes that the poets are "thinking of something they had, / And trying to say it in verse that is sad." The act of trying to put their emotions into words is a difficult one, but it is also a necessary one. Poetry allows us to express our deepest feelings and connect with others who may be experiencing the same emotions.

The third stanza continues this theme, with the speaker noting that the poets are "trying to say what they feel in their heart, / And finding the words that will make it an art." This line is particularly powerful because it highlights the struggle that all poets face when trying to express themselves. It is not enough to simply convey an emotion; it must be done in a way that is beautiful and meaningful.

The fourth stanza takes a more philosophical turn, with the speaker questioning the purpose of poetry. "What is the use of a poem?" he asks. "It is not to tell us what happened, but what happens." This line is a reminder that poetry is not just about recounting events; it is about capturing the essence of a moment and conveying its emotional impact.

The fifth stanza returns to the idea of poetry as a means of connecting with others. The speaker notes that "a poem should not mean / But be." This line is often quoted by poets and critics alike because it captures the essence of what poetry is all about. A poem should not just convey a message; it should be a work of art that evokes emotions and connects with the reader on a deeper level.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker returning to the scene at twilight. He notes that "the poets are gone, / But the poem lingers on." This line is a reminder that even though the poets may have left, their words remain. Poetry has the power to transcend time and connect with readers long after the poet has passed away.

In conclusion, "Poetry Tableau At Twilight" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of what poetry is all about. It is a reminder that poetry is not just about conveying a message; it is about evoking emotions and connecting with others on a deeper level. Ogden Nash's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his skill as a poet.

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