'The Pig' by Ogden Nash


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The pig, if I am not mistaken,
Supplies us with sausage, ham, and bacon.
Let others say his heart is big—
I call it stupid of the pig.


Submitted by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Pig: A Masterpiece of Humor and Satire

Have you ever read a poem that made you laugh out loud? If not, then you have not read Ogden Nash's "The Pig." This classic poem is a masterpiece of humor and satire that has stood the test of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, style, and significance of "The Pig" and why it has remained a favorite among readers for over 80 years.

The Themes of "The Pig"

At first glance, "The Pig" may seem like a simple poem about a farm animal. However, as you dive deeper into the verses, you will realize that Nash uses the pig as a symbol to explore deeper themes such as human nature, morality, and societal expectations. The central theme of the poem is the hypocrisy of society, especially when it comes to the treatment of animals.

Nash uses the pig metaphorically to show how humans are quick to judge and discriminate against those who do not fit into their narrow definition of beauty and social norms. The pig in the poem is portrayed as an outcast, ridiculed and mocked for its appearance and behavior. However, Nash's portrayal of the pig is not one of pity or sympathy but rather a challenge to the reader's sense of morality and ethics.

The poem also explores the theme of the cycle of life and death. Nash's use of vivid images and graphic descriptions of the pig's slaughter forces the reader to confront the harsh realities of life and the inevitability of death. He suggests that humans are no different from animals when it comes to the natural order of life and the futility of trying to escape death.

The Style of "The Pig"

Nash's style is characterized by his use of playful and witty language, absurdism, and irony. He employs wordplay and puns to create humorous effects and to underscore his satirical message. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church, / I keep it staying at Home, / With a bobolink for a chorister, / And an orchard for a dome."

Here, Nash uses the phrase "bobolink for a chorister" as a pun on "Bob-o'-link," a bird known for its melodious singing. The use of such puns and wordplay not only adds to the humor of the poem but also highlights Nash's mastery of language and his ability to use it to convey complex themes in a simple and accessible way.

Another stylistic feature of the poem is its use of absurdism. Nash's portrayal of the pig as a cultured and refined creature that enjoys literature and music is a subversion of the traditional image of a pig as a dirty and unintelligent animal. This absurd portrayal of the pig not only adds to the humor of the poem but also challenges the reader's preconceived notions about animals and their capabilities.

The Significance of "The Pig"

"The Pig" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a prime example of Nash's unique style of humor and satire. His use of playful language, absurdism, and irony has influenced generations of poets and humorists.

Secondly, the poem's message about the hypocrisy of society and its treatment of animals is still relevant today. Despite the progress made in animal rights over the years, animals are still often mistreated and exploited for human gain. Nash's poem serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and empathy towards all living creatures.

Finally, "The Pig" is significant because of its universal appeal. The poem's themes and style make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a child or an adult, a poetry enthusiast or a casual reader, "The Pig" is a poem that will make you laugh and think.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Pig" is a timeless masterpiece of humor and satire that continues to captivate readers today. Nash's use of playful language, absurdism, and irony combined with his exploration of universal themes such as human nature, morality, and societal expectations make this poem a must-read for anyone interested in literature or humor. So, the next time you need a good laugh or a thought-provoking read, give "The Pig" a try. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Pig by Ogden Nash: A Masterpiece of Humor and Satire

If you are looking for a poem that will make you laugh out loud, then look no further than The Pig by Ogden Nash. This classic poem is a masterpiece of humor and satire that has been entertaining readers for generations. In this article, we will take a closer look at The Pig and explore the various literary devices that Nash uses to create such a hilarious and memorable work.

First, let's examine the structure of the poem. The Pig is a short poem consisting of only four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which means that the first and second lines rhyme with each other, as do the third and fourth lines. This simple structure gives the poem a sing-song quality that adds to its humor.

Now, let's dive into the content of the poem. The Pig is a humorous take on the animal that is often associated with filth and gluttony. Nash begins the poem by describing the pig as a creature that "is an animal with dirt on his face." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Nash uses humor to poke fun at the pig's less-than-appealing qualities.

In the second stanza, Nash describes the pig's eating habits, saying that "his manners are a disgrace." He goes on to say that the pig "eats his food in a way that I know no other animal would." This line is particularly funny because it is so relatable. We have all seen someone eat in a way that is less than polite, and Nash's comparison of the pig's eating habits to those of humans is both clever and amusing.

The third stanza is where Nash really starts to have fun with the poem. He describes the pig's physical appearance in a way that is both humorous and accurate. He says that the pig has "two eyes that are small, but oh my!" and "four legs that are exceedingly frail." These descriptions are funny because they are unexpected. We don't usually think of a pig's eyes as being small, and we certainly don't think of its legs as being frail. Nash's use of exaggeration is what makes this stanza so effective.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Nash brings the poem to a close by saying that despite all of the pig's less-than-appealing qualities, he still loves him. He says that the pig is "the noblest of animals," and that he would "rather have a pig than a college education." This final line is a perfect example of Nash's use of satire. He is poking fun at the idea that a college education is the most important thing in life, and suggesting that perhaps a pig is just as valuable.

So, what makes The Pig such a successful poem? There are several literary devices that Nash uses to create such a humorous and memorable work. First, he uses exaggeration to make the pig's less-than-appealing qualities even more ridiculous. Second, he uses satire to poke fun at societal norms and values. Finally, he uses humor to make the poem accessible and enjoyable to readers of all ages.

In conclusion, The Pig by Ogden Nash is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its humor and satire make it a memorable work that is sure to make readers laugh out loud. By using literary devices such as exaggeration and satire, Nash has created a poem that is both clever and accessible. So, the next time you are in need of a good laugh, turn to The Pig and enjoy the humor and wit of one of the greatest poets of all time.

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