'Lines On Facing Forty' by Ogden Nash


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I have a bone to pick with Fate.
Come here and tell me, girlie,
Do you think my mind is maturing late,
Or simply rotted early?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ogden Nash's Lines On Facing Forty: A Critique and Interpretation

Ogden Nash’s Lines on Facing Forty is a thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of aging and the passage of time. Written in Nash’s signature whimsical style, the poem uses playful language and clever wordplay to explore the feelings of regret, nostalgia, and acceptance that come with reaching middle age.

The Poem

Before diving into a detailed analysis of the poem, let us first take a look at the text in its entirety:

Oh, when I was in love with you, Then I was clean and brave, And miles around the wonder grew How well did I behave.

And now the fancy passes by And nothing will remain, And miles around they’ll say that I Am quite myself again.

They’ll say that I am mad with hate And bitter word I deal, I say that you are but a plate Of warm and common meal.

They’ll say that I am heartless, A wicked man, a cad, I say that you are vicious And that’s why you are sad.

And all the world will say it’s true, And all the world will know, That when I loved, I only knew How to be good and glow.

But when I cease to love you, That’s when I’ll be a man, And there’s a lot of men alive Who haven’t learned to understand.

And there’s a lot of women too Who’ll write “I never knew How to be good and sweet like you And stay away from you.”

And then when I have reached my goal, And I am safe and warm, I’ll sit and wonder at my soul And how it grew this storm.

Interpretation

At first glance, Lines on Facing Forty may seem like a simple love poem, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is much more complex than that. The poem is not just about love and heartbreak, but also about the universal experience of aging and the changes that come with it.

The poem begins by describing the speaker’s past love for someone, and how that love made him feel “clean and brave”. The speaker is proud of how he behaved when he was in love, and his behavior is held in high regard by those around him. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker’s love for this person has faded, and he now sees them as nothing more than a “warm and common meal”. He no longer feels the same way about them that he once did, and his behavior has changed accordingly.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker imagines what others will say about him now that his love has faded. He predicts that people will say he is “mad with hate” and “heartless”, and that they will see him as a “wicked man” and a “cad”. However, the speaker does not see himself this way. Instead, he sees his former lover as “vicious” and “sad”, and he feels that his own behavior is justified.

As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the nature of love and how it can change a person. He acknowledges that when he was in love, he “only knew how to be good and glow”. However, he also recognizes that there are many people who have not learned this lesson, and who continue to make mistakes in their relationships.

The poem concludes with the speaker imagining a future in which he has reached his goal and is “safe and warm”. He reflects on the storm that has grown inside him, and wonders at how his soul has changed over time.

Analysis

One of the most striking things about Lines on Facing Forty is the way that Nash uses language to create a sense of playfulness and whimsy. The poem is full of clever wordplay, such as the use of “clean and brave” to describe the speaker’s behavior when he was in love. This phrase not only describes the speaker’s conduct, but also suggests a sense of purity and righteousness that is often associated with love.

Similarly, the phrase “warm and common meal” is used to describe the speaker’s former lover. This phrase is both playful and cutting, suggesting that the speaker no longer sees this person as special or unique.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way that it explores the idea of self-perception. The speaker is aware of how others perceive him, but he also has his own sense of who he is and what he believes. This is seen most clearly in the way that the speaker sees his former lover. While others may see this person as innocent and sweet, the speaker sees them as “vicious” and “sad”. This contrast highlights the subjective nature of perception, and how different people can have very different interpretations of the same events.

Finally, the poem is notable for its exploration of the universal themes of aging and change. The speaker reflects on how his own behavior has changed over time, and how his perception of love has shifted as he has grown older. This is a theme that is relevant to people of all ages, and one that Nash explores with empathy and insight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ogden Nash’s Lines on Facing Forty is a rich and complex poem that explores the themes of love, aging, and self-perception. Through his use of playful language and clever wordplay, Nash creates a sense of whimsy that belies the seriousness of the poem’s subject matter. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the ways in which it can change us all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Lines On Facing Forty: A Masterpiece by Ogden Nash

Ogden Nash, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, wrote a masterpiece titled "Poetry Lines On Facing Forty." This poem is a reflection of Nash's thoughts and emotions as he approached his 40th birthday. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and overall impact.

The poem begins with the line, "I have a bone to pick with fate." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as Nash expresses his frustration with the inevitability of aging. He goes on to say, "Come here and tell me, girlie, / Do you think my mind is maturing late?" Here, Nash addresses a young woman, asking her if she thinks he is too old to still be learning and growing. This line highlights the societal expectation that people should have everything figured out by the time they reach middle age.

Nash then goes on to say, "Or has it just begun to sprout / Those faculties that make me scream and shout?" Here, he acknowledges that he still has a lot to learn and experience, and that he is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. This line also introduces the theme of growth and development, which is a recurring motif throughout the poem.

The next stanza begins with the line, "These mummied thoughts would rise and race." Here, Nash is referring to the idea that as people age, their thoughts and ideas become stagnant and lifeless, like mummies. However, he is determined to break free from this pattern and continue to have vibrant, lively thoughts and experiences. He goes on to say, "To stir my brain to think apace." This line highlights Nash's desire to keep his mind active and engaged, even as he gets older.

The third stanza begins with the line, "And I would hurl them in your face." Here, Nash is expressing his frustration with the societal expectation that people should have everything figured out by the time they reach middle age. He wants to challenge this idea and show that there is still so much to learn and experience, even as we get older. He goes on to say, "But you have stopped me with your embrace." This line is a reminder that even as we strive to grow and develop, we should also take time to appreciate the people and relationships in our lives.

The fourth stanza begins with the line, "Do not ask me to be kind." Here, Nash is acknowledging that as he gets older, he may become more cynical and less patient with others. He goes on to say, "Just let me burn and leave me blind." This line highlights the idea that sometimes, growth and development can be painful and difficult. However, Nash is willing to endure this pain in order to continue to learn and grow.

The fifth stanza begins with the line, "Do not ask me to be kind." Here, Nash is repeating the same line from the previous stanza, emphasizing the idea that as we get older, we may become less patient and more cynical. He goes on to say, "Nor yet forgive all that you've done." This line highlights the idea that as we grow and develop, we may also become more aware of the mistakes and shortcomings of others. However, Nash is still willing to forgive and move forward.

The sixth and final stanza begins with the line, "Nor ask me to forget a babe." Here, Nash is acknowledging the importance of memories and experiences from our past. He goes on to say, "I am a woman getting on in years." This line is a reminder that even as we get older, we should still embrace our femininity and our emotions. The final line of the poem is, "And you, whoever you are, / Have got to be kind to me." This line is a plea for kindness and understanding, even as we face the challenges and difficulties of aging.

Throughout "Poetry Lines On Facing Forty," Nash uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. Nash repeats the line, "Do not ask me to be kind," several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that as we get older, we may become less patient and more cynical. He also repeats the phrase, "I have a bone to pick with fate," which serves as a refrain throughout the poem.

Another literary device that Nash uses is metaphor. He compares his thoughts to mummies, highlighting the idea that as people age, their thoughts and ideas can become stagnant and lifeless. He also compares his mind to a sprouting plant, emphasizing the theme of growth and development.

In conclusion, "Poetry Lines On Facing Forty" is a masterpiece by Ogden Nash that explores the challenges and opportunities of aging. Through his use of repetition, metaphor, and other literary devices, Nash conveys a powerful message about the importance of growth, development, and kindness. This poem is a timeless reminder that even as we get older, there is still so much to learn and experience, and that we should always strive to be kind and understanding to ourselves and others.

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