Poem Analysis - A Man Hired By John Smith And Co

A Whimsical Encounter with Bureaucracy

Mark Twain's "A Man Hired By John Smith and Co" is a brief, humorous ditty that mocks the absurdity of language and bureaucratic processes. The poem's tone is lighthearted and playful, relying on its nonsensical rhyme to create a comedic effect. There is no discernable mood shift, as the poem maintains its silly premise from beginning to end. The poem does not delve into any deep emotions but serves more as a witty observation on communication breakdowns.

The Power of 'Tho' and Linguistic Anarchy

One of the central themes of the poem is the power of language, or, perhaps more accurately, the abuse of language. The entire poem hinges on the peculiar word "tho," and its strategic placement within the context of the poem, the man loudly declares that he would say 'tho', but he doesn't finish his thought. This unexpected use, particularly with the archaic spelling, causes the situation to be confusing. This is further supported by the ending, where the driver therefore did not do what they were hired to do. All because of a single word.

The Absurdity of Bureaucracy

The poem subtly critiques bureaucracy. The man hired by John Smith and Co. is presumably meant to prevent the dumping of dirt. However, his method—loudly declaring an unfinished sentence involving "tho"—is completely ineffective and ultimately causes confusion. This highlights the often-inefficient and illogical nature of bureaucratic systems, where rigid rules and procedures can hinder rather than help achieve desired outcomes. The implication is that sometimes, bureaucracy creates more problems than it solves.

Deconstructing Meaning Through Rhyme

The poem's most striking feature is its unconventional rhyme scheme. The use of "tho" to rhyme with "Co," "saw," "door," and "do" is deliberately absurd. This exaggerated rhyming emphasizes the poem's lighthearted and nonsensical nature. The seemingly simple construction serves to undermine the seriousness of the situation. It suggests that even in situations where clear communication is essential, language can be manipulated and distorted, leading to misunderstandings and inaction. The rhyme emphasizes the chaos and confusion inherent in the scenario.

Final Thoughts on Twain's Playful Critique

In conclusion, "A Man Hired By John Smith and Co" is a clever and amusing commentary on the complexities of language, the pitfalls of bureaucracy, and the potential for miscommunication. The poem's brevity and absurd rhyme scheme belie its underlying critique of systems and procedures that often prioritize form over substance. Twain uses humor to expose the irrationality of the situation, reminding us to question the effectiveness of the structures around us and to approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism and wit. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its ability to find humor in the everyday absurdities of life.