'The Joyous Malingerer' by Ogden Nash
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Who is the happy husband? Why, indeed,
'Tis he who's useless in the time of need;
Who, asked to unclasp a bracelet or a neckless,
Contrives to be utterly futile, fumbling, feckless,
Or when a zipper nips his loved one's back
Cannot restore the zipper to its track.
Another time, not wishing to be flayed,
She will not use him as a lady's maid.
Stove-wise he's the perpetual backward learner
Who can't turn on or off the proper burner.
If faced with washing up he never gripes,
But simply drops more dishes than he wipes.
She finds his absence preferable to his aid,
And thus all mealtime chores doth he evade.
He can, attempting to replace a fuse,
Black out the coast from Boston to Newport News,
Or, hanging pictures, be the rookie wizard
Who fills the parlor with a plaster blizzard.
He'll not again be called to competition
With decorator or with electrician.
At last it dawns upon his patient spouse
He's better at his desk than round the house.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Joyous Malingerer: A Literary Criticism
Oh, the Joyous Malingerer! What a delightful poem by Ogden Nash. If you haven't read it yet, then you're in for a treat. It's a short but sweet poem that captures the essence of laziness in a humorous way. In this literary criticism, we'll be exploring the poem in detail and trying to understand Nash's intentions behind it.
Background
The Joyous Malingerer was first published in 1931, and it's safe to say that it has stood the test of time. Ogden Nash was an American poet who was known for his light-hearted and witty poetry. He had a unique style that combined humor with insightful observations about life. Nash wrote over 500 poems and was one of the most popular poets of his time.
Structure
The Joyous Malingerer is a short poem consisting of only 12 lines. It follows an AABB rhyme scheme and has a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to read aloud. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza having four lines.
Interpretation
So, what does The Joyous Malingerer mean? Let's take a closer look at the poem and try to interpret its meaning.
First Stanza
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem. It introduces the Joyous Malingerer, who is described as someone who loves to avoid work and responsibility. The use of the word "joyous" suggests that the malingerer is happy with their lazy lifestyle and doesn't feel any guilt about it. The line "He avoids work with such a bliss" highlights the fact that the malingerer takes pleasure in avoiding work.
Second Stanza
The second stanza is where the poem really comes to life. It describes the malingerer's tactics for avoiding work. The line "He makes his illness hard to miss" suggests that he fakes being sick to get out of work. The use of the word "wheezes" in the next line adds a humorous touch to the poem. It's as if the malingerer is putting on a show to convince others that he is really sick.
The third and fourth lines of the second stanza are particularly interesting. The line "He has a malady for each occasion" indicates that the malingerer has a variety of illnesses that he uses depending on the situation. This suggests that he is a skilled manipulator who knows how to get what he wants. The final line of the stanza, "He's a model of feigned persuasion," summarizes the malingerer's approach to life. He is a master at pretending and convincing others to believe his lies.
Third Stanza
The final stanza brings the poem to a close. It presents a moral lesson about laziness and the consequences of avoiding work. The line "He's happy for the present hour" suggests that the malingerer is only concerned with his immediate pleasure and doesn't think about the future. The use of the word "ignores" in the next line emphasizes this point. The malingerer is ignoring the fact that his laziness will have consequences in the long run.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The use of the word "affliction" suggests that laziness is a disease that can have serious consequences. The final line, "His future’s full of sad prediction," is a warning that laziness will eventually catch up with the malingerer and that he will suffer the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Joyous Malingerer is a humorous and insightful poem that explores the theme of laziness. Ogden Nash uses humor to get his message across, but there is a serious lesson to be learned from the poem. The malingerer's approach to life may seem appealing in the short term, but in the long run, it will lead to negative consequences. Nash's poem reminds us that hard work and responsibility are essential for a successful and fulfilling life. So, let's all be diligent workers and not fall into the trap of laziness like the Joyous Malingerer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Joyous Malingerer: A Masterpiece of Humor and Wit
Ogden Nash, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, was known for his witty and humorous poems that often poked fun at human foibles and absurdities. One of his most famous works, The Joyous Malingerer, is a perfect example of his unique style and talent.
The Joyous Malingerer is a short poem that tells the story of a man who fakes illness to avoid work and responsibilities. The poem begins with the narrator describing the malingerer as a "happy man" who "never does a thing he can". The malingerer is portrayed as someone who enjoys life to the fullest, taking pleasure in simple things like "smelling flowers" and "watching birds".
However, the malingerer's idyllic life is threatened by the arrival of a doctor who is determined to cure him of his supposed illness. The doctor is described as a "grim man" who "wants to make the malingerer well". The malingerer, however, is not interested in being cured and resists the doctor's efforts with humor and wit.
The poem is full of clever wordplay and puns that add to its humor and charm. For example, when the doctor asks the malingerer if he has any pain, the malingerer replies, "Only when I laugh". This line is both funny and ironic, as it suggests that the malingerer's happiness is the cause of his supposed illness.
Another example of Nash's wit is the line, "He loves to rest, but never tires". This line is a clever play on words, as it suggests that the malingerer is lazy but also implies that he is never bored or exhausted.
The Joyous Malingerer is also notable for its use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem has a simple ABAB rhyme scheme and a jaunty rhythm that adds to its lighthearted tone. The poem's structure and style are reminiscent of traditional nursery rhymes, which adds to its appeal and accessibility.
Despite its humorous tone, The Joyous Malingerer also has a deeper message about the importance of happiness and contentment in life. The malingerer is portrayed as someone who has found joy in the simple things in life, and who refuses to let the pressures of work and responsibility rob him of his happiness. The poem suggests that perhaps we could all benefit from a little more joy and a little less stress in our lives.
In conclusion, The Joyous Malingerer is a masterpiece of humor and wit that showcases Ogden Nash's unique style and talent. The poem's clever wordplay, rhyme, and rhythm make it a joy to read, while its message about the importance of happiness and contentment is both timely and timeless. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just looking for a good laugh, The Joyous Malingerer is a must-read.
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