Poem Analysis - Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else Except Richer

A Satirical Celebration of Banks

Ogden Nash's "Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" is a satirical poem that skewers the banking industry's priorities and inherent hypocrisy. The poem adopts a seemingly celebratory tone at first, praising banks for their wealth, but quickly shifts to a critical and cynical perspective. Nash uses humor and exaggeration to expose the banks' self-serving practices, highlighting their eagerness to lend to the wealthy while denying loans to those in genuine need. Through vivid imagery and pointed observations, the poem delivers a biting commentary on the societal power dynamics perpetuated by financial institutions.

Theme: The Absurd Logic of Lending

One of the central themes of the poem is the absurd and unjust logic of lending. Nash highlights the ridiculousness of banks only lending money to those who don't need it. He emphasizes this through the exaggerated scenario of a wealthy person wanting to borrow even more money. "But suppose people come in/ and they have a million and they want another million/to pile on top of it," the poem states, illustrating how banks eagerly shower the already rich with more capital. In contrast, the poem describes the harsh rejection faced by someone struggling to pay their rent or even afford necessities like a baby. This disparity exposes the banks' focus on profit over people, revealing a system that perpetuates inequality.

Theme: The Hypocrisy of Materialism

Another significant theme is the hypocrisy surrounding the importance of money in society. The poem criticizes those who downplay the value of money, suggesting that they are quickly silenced when faced with financial hardship. Nash writes about the "jackasses who go around saying/ that health and happiness are everything/ and money isn't essential," only to see them "starve to death" when they need a loan. This cynical observation implies that money is, in fact, essential for survival and that those who dismiss its importance are often those who have never experienced genuine financial insecurity. The poem thus reveals the hypocrisy inherent in a society that preaches non-materialism while simultaneously rewarding wealth and punishing poverty.

Imagery: Marble Halls and Tarzan

Nash employs vivid imagery to reinforce his satirical message. The "marble halls" where bankers dwell symbolize their aloofness and detachment from the everyday struggles of ordinary people. This image contrasts sharply with the image of Tarzan looking at an "uppity ape," used to describe the banker's disdainful gaze toward someone seeking a small loan. The Tarzan imagery is particularly striking because it not only highlights the banker's condescension but also implicitly compares the poor person to an animal, further dehumanizing them. The sounds within a bank are also used as imagery: the initial "clinks and clanks" suggesting prosperity and order, contrasting with the harsh reality of denied loans.

A Providential Indictment

In conclusion, "Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" is a scathing yet humorous critique of the banking industry's priorities and its role in perpetuating economic inequality. Through satire, exaggeration, and vivid imagery, Nash exposes the absurdity of a system that rewards wealth and punishes poverty. The poem ultimately challenges readers to question the values of a society that prioritizes profit over people, leaving us to consider the implications of such a system for the well-being of all. Is Nash suggesting the rich are almost *too* rewarded, or is he just pointing out the obvious with a wry smile?