'A Word To Husbands' by Ogden Nash
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To keep your marriage brimming
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Word To Husbands by Ogden Nash
Introduction
A Word To Husbands is a classic poem written by Ogden Nash. It is a witty and humorous take on the nature of marriage and the roles that husbands and wives play in it. The poem is a satire that pokes fun at the stereotypical expectations that society places on husbands, while also highlighting the importance of communication and compromise in a healthy marriage.
Analysis
The poem consists of 12 stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which adds to the playful and lighthearted tone of the poem.
The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem by stating that husbands are expected to be the providers and protectors of their wives, but they also need to be patient and understanding:
To keep your marriage brimming
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
This stanza is a perfect example of the wit and humor that Nash employs throughout the poem. The idea that husbands should admit when they are wrong and keep quiet when they are right is a reversal of the traditional gender roles that have been imposed on men for centuries.
The second and third stanzas continue with the theme of communication and compromise:
It pays to have a stammering spouse
As long as they say what they mean.
It's hard to beat a really humble person,
Since they won't have much to retract.
Marriage is the alliance of two people,
One of whom never remembers birthdays
And the other who never forgets them.
These stanzas highlight the importance of being honest and humble in a marriage. It is better to have a spouse who stammers but speaks their mind than one who is eloquent but hides their true feelings. And while forgetting birthdays may seem like a minor issue, it can cause real problems in a marriage if one partner feels unappreciated.
The fourth and fifth stanzas introduce the idea that husbands should not try to control their wives:
A good husband makes a good wife.
It is not always the other way around.
Every man should marry;
After all, happiness is not the only thing in life.
A man is incomplete until he is married.
After that, he is finished.
These stanzas are particularly humorous because they turn the traditional gender roles on their head. Instead of the wife being subservient to the husband, Nash suggests that the husband is incomplete without the wife. And while the idea that marriage is the end of a man's life may seem depressing, it is also a reminder that marriage is just one part of a full and fulfilling life.
The sixth and seventh stanzas address the issue of infidelity:
A husband is what's left of a lover,
After the nerve has been extracted.
Marriage is like a bank account.
You put it in, you take it out, you lose interest.
Bigamy is having one wife too many.
Monogamy is the same.
These stanzas are a commentary on the fragility of marriage and the temptation of infidelity. The idea that a husband is what's left of a lover after the nerve has been extracted is a clever way of saying that the passion and excitement of a new relationship often fades over time. And while the idea of putting and taking out of a marriage may seem callous, it is a reminder that relationships require constant effort and attention.
The eighth and ninth stanzas return to the theme of communication and understanding:
A husband should be like a box of chocolates:
Sweet, rich, and often enjoyed.
It's not what you say that counts,
It's what your wife thinks you said.
Love is blind, but marriage is an eye-opener.
Marriage is a three-ring circus:
Engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffering.
These stanzas are particularly funny because they play with common sayings and proverbs. The idea that a husband should be like a box of chocolates is a twist on the famous line from Forrest Gump. And the idea that marriage is a three-ring circus is a clever way of saying that it can be both joyful and painful.
The final three stanzas are a reflection on the nature of marriage:
The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.
The best way to remember your wife's birthday
is to forget it once.
Marriage is not just spiritual communion;
It is also remembering to take out the trash.
These stanzas are a reminder that marriage is not always easy, but it is worth the effort. The idea that the secret of a happy marriage remains a secret is both funny and true. And the idea that remembering to take out the trash is just as important as spiritual communion is a reminder that the small things in a marriage can make a big difference.
Conclusion
A Word To Husbands is a humorous and witty poem that pokes fun at the stereotypes and expectations that society places on husbands. It is also a reminder that communication and compromise are essential to a healthy marriage. Nash's use of clever wordplay and reversals of traditional gender roles make the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Word To Husbands: A Timeless Poem by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash, the American poet, humorist, and satirist, is known for his witty and clever wordplay in his poems. One of his most famous works is "A Word To Husbands," a short but powerful poem that has stood the test of time. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and overall impact.
The poem begins with a simple but profound statement: "To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you're wrong, admit it; Whenever you're right, shut up." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a humorous but insightful commentary on the dynamics of marriage.
The first line of the poem, "To keep your marriage brimming," suggests that the speaker is addressing husbands who are already married. The phrase "love in the loving cup" is a metaphor for the love that should be present in a marriage. The use of the word "cup" implies that love is something that needs to be contained and protected, like a precious liquid in a vessel.
The second line of the poem, "Whenever you're wrong, admit it," is a piece of advice that is often given to couples in marriage counseling. The speaker is suggesting that admitting one's mistakes is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy relationship. By acknowledging one's faults, a person can show humility and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. This can help to prevent conflicts from escalating and can lead to a more harmonious relationship.
The third line of the poem, "Whenever you're right, shut up," is a humorous twist on the traditional advice to speak up for oneself. The speaker is suggesting that sometimes it is better to remain silent, even when one is in the right. This can be interpreted in a few different ways. One interpretation is that arguing over small things can be a waste of time and energy, and it is better to let things go. Another interpretation is that constantly asserting one's superiority can be damaging to a relationship, and it is better to show humility and respect for one's partner.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of humility and respect in a marriage. The first line of the stanza reads, "It's hard to learn with your mouth open." This line suggests that listening is an essential part of learning. In a marriage, it is important to listen to one's partner's perspective and to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. The second line of the stanza, "A sage once said, 'It is time to stop talking; wisdom is listening,'" reinforces this idea.
The third line of the stanza, "No man is an island," is a reference to the famous quote by John Donne. This line suggests that no one can exist in isolation, and that we all need other people in our lives. In a marriage, it is important to remember that both partners are part of a team, and that they need to work together to achieve their goals.
The final line of the poem, "So, husbands, learn to compromise," is a call to action. The speaker is suggesting that compromise is a crucial part of a successful marriage. By compromising, both partners can feel heard and respected, and conflicts can be resolved in a way that benefits both parties.
Throughout the poem, Nash uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is rhyme. The poem has a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, which makes it easy to remember and gives it a sing-song quality. Nash also uses alliteration, such as in the phrase "love in the loving cup," which adds to the poem's musicality.
Another literary device that Nash uses is metaphor. The phrase "love in the loving cup" is a metaphor for the love that should be present in a marriage. The use of the word "cup" implies that love is something that needs to be contained and protected, like a precious liquid in a vessel.
Nash also uses humor throughout the poem to make his point. The line "Whenever you're right, shut up" is a humorous twist on the traditional advice to speak up for oneself. The use of humor makes the poem more engaging and memorable, and helps to soften the impact of the more serious advice.
In conclusion, "A Word To Husbands" is a timeless poem that offers valuable advice for maintaining a healthy and happy marriage. Nash's use of rhyme, metaphor, and humor make the poem both entertaining and insightful. The poem's message of humility, respect, and compromise is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Whether you are married or not, this poem is a reminder of the importance of listening, admitting one's faults, and working together to achieve common goals.
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