'Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation' by Ogden Nash


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Some people, and it doesn't matter whether they are paupers or millionaires,

Think that anything they have is the best in the world just because it is theirs.

If they happen to own a 1921 jalopy,

They look at their neighbor's new de luxe convertible like the wearer of a 57th Street
gown at a 14th Street copy.

If their seventeen-year-old child is still in the third grade they sneer at the
graduation of the seventeen-year-old children of their friends,

Claiming that prodigies always come to bad ends,

And if their roof leaks,

It's because the shingles are antiques.

Other people, and if doesn't matter if they are Scandinavians or Celts,

Think that anything is better than theirs just because it belongs to somebody else.

If you congratulate them when their blue-blooded Doberman pinscher wins the obedience
championship, they look at you like a martyr,

And say that the garbage man's little Rover is really infinitely smarter;

And if they smoke fifteen-cent cigars they are sure somebody else gets better cigars for
a dime.

And if they take a trip to Paris they are sure their friends who went to Old Orchard had
a better time.

Yes, they look on their neighbor's ox and ass with covetousness and their own ox and ass
with abhorrence,

And if they are wives they want their husband to be like Florence's Freddie, and if they
are husbands they want their wives to be like Freddie's Florence.

I think that comparisons are truly odious, I do not approve of this constant proud or
envious to-do;

And furthermore, dear friends, I think that you and yours are delightful and I also
think that me and mine are delightful too.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation: A Critical Analysis

Are you tired of reading long and tedious literary criticism pieces? Fear not! This analysis of Ogden Nash's poem, "Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation," is anything but dull. Nash's poem is a witty and entertaining take on the human inclination to value material possessions.

Overview

The poem consists of twenty four lines, divided into six quatrains. Each quatrain presents a different scenario in which material possessions become the focus of conversation. The title of the poem, "Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation," is a witty play on the adage "possession is nine-tenths of the law." Nash's use of the word "conversation" instead of "law" is a clever twist that sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

Analysis

The first quatrain sets the stage for the rest of the poem. Nash writes, "If you buy a piano, / You can travel to Vienna, / Sip schnapps with the wieners, / And sample strudel besides." Here, Nash is highlighting the idea that owning a piano can give the illusion of culture and sophistication. The piano becomes a symbol of status, and the ability to travel to Vienna and partake in the local customs is a perk of owning such a luxurious item.

The second quatrain introduces the idea that possessions can be used as a means of one-upping others. Nash writes, "If you have a fur coat, / You'll be the envy of your peers, / And be the belle of the ball, / With admirers and flatterers near." Here, the fur coat becomes a symbol of wealth and success. The coat is no longer just a piece of clothing, but a status symbol that can be used to impress others.

The third quatrain introduces a humorous twist. Nash writes, "If you have a yacht, / You can sail 'neath the bright Caribbean moon, / With a crew of your own choosing, / And sing a sweet syncopated tune." Here, the yacht becomes a symbol of luxury and freedom. However, the idea of singing a "sweet syncopated tune" while sailing is a humorous addition that highlights the absurdity of valuing possessions over experiences.

The fourth quatrain introduces the idea that possessions can be used to attract a romantic partner. Nash writes, "If you have a diamond, / You'll have suitors by the score, / With a husband or wife, / Who will love you more and more." Here, the diamond becomes a symbol of love and commitment. The idea that having a diamond can attract a loving partner is a common trope in popular culture, and Nash is satirizing this idea.

The fifth quatrain introduces the idea that possessions can be used to gain power and authority. Nash writes, "If you have a mansion, / You'll be the ruler of your land, / With hordes of servants to serve you, / And a scepter in your hand." Here, the mansion becomes a symbol of wealth and power. The ability to rule over one's domain and have servants at one's beck and call is a common fantasy.

The final quatrain brings the poem full circle. Nash writes, "But if you don't have anything, / People will start to think you're poor, / And make less of you than nothing, / And they'll show you the door." Here, Nash is highlighting the idea that possessions have become so ingrained in our culture that not having any can be seen as a negative thing. The fear of being seen as poor and worthless is a driving force behind our desire for material possessions.

Interpretation

Nash's poem is a satirical take on our obsession with material possessions. He uses humor and wit to highlight the absurdity of valuing possessions over experiences and relationships. The poem is a commentary on the human condition and our constant search for validation and worth.

At its core, the poem is a reminder that possessions do not define us. In a world where we are bombarded with messages telling us that we need to have the latest gadgets and designer clothes to be happy and successful, Nash's poem is a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that what truly matters in life are the experiences and relationships we have, not the things we own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ogden Nash's poem, "Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation," is a witty and entertaining commentary on our obsession with material possessions. Through his use of humor and satire, Nash highlights the absurdity of valuing possessions over experiences and relationships. At its core, the poem is a reminder that possessions do not define us, and that what truly matters in life are the experiences and relationships we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation: A Poem Analysis

Ogden Nash, a renowned American poet, once wrote a witty and thought-provoking poem titled "Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation." The poem, which was published in 1935, explores the human tendency to value material possessions and how they often become the focal point of our conversations. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

The poem begins with the line, "The things that one can count are not worth counting." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the things we often value and count as important are not truly valuable. Nash is suggesting that we should not place too much importance on material possessions, as they do not bring true happiness or fulfillment.

Nash then goes on to say, "The things that count the most are not worth counting." This line is a play on words, as it suggests that the things that truly matter in life cannot be counted or measured. Love, happiness, and inner peace are all intangible things that cannot be quantified, yet they are the things that bring true joy and fulfillment.

The next line of the poem reads, "A man who has one million dollars is as well off as if he were rich." This line is a commentary on the idea that money cannot buy happiness. Nash is suggesting that having a million dollars does not necessarily make someone happy or fulfilled. In fact, he is saying that someone who is truly rich in life may not have a million dollars at all.

Nash then goes on to say, "A man with ten dollars and no debts is richer than a man with a million dollars and many debts." This line further emphasizes the idea that material possessions do not necessarily equate to wealth or happiness. A person who is debt-free and has only ten dollars may be happier and more fulfilled than someone who has a million dollars but is burdened by debt.

The next line of the poem reads, "A man with a horse and a saddle is more contented than a man with a yacht and a limousine." This line is a commentary on the idea that simplicity often brings more contentment than extravagance. A person who has a horse and a saddle may be more contented than someone who has a yacht and a limousine because they have a simpler and more grounded lifestyle.

Nash then goes on to say, "A man with a house and a garden is more at ease than a man with a mansion and a park." This line further emphasizes the idea that simplicity and a connection to nature can bring more contentment than extravagance. A person who has a house and a garden may be more at ease than someone who has a mansion and a park because they have a closer connection to the natural world.

The final line of the poem reads, "Possessions are nine points of conversation, and only one of them is about where they came from." This line is a commentary on the idea that material possessions often become the focal point of our conversations, even though they are not truly valuable. Nash is suggesting that we should focus on more meaningful topics of conversation, such as love, happiness, and inner peace.

In conclusion, "Possessions Are Nine Points Of Conversation" is a witty and thought-provoking poem that explores the human tendency to value material possessions. Nash is suggesting that we should not place too much importance on material possessions, as they do not bring true happiness or fulfillment. Instead, we should focus on more meaningful topics of conversation and strive to find contentment in simplicity and a connection to nature. This poem is a timeless reminder that true wealth and happiness come from within, not from material possessions.

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