Poem Analysis - The Bargain

Initial Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's "The Bargain" presents a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative that blends humor with a touch of existential reflection. The poem's tone is lighthearted and playful, reminiscent of a folktale or nursery rhyme, but it shifts subtly towards a more contemplative mood as it progresses. The speaker's encounter with a man selling seven lives sets the stage for a deeper exploration of choices, consequences, and the elusive nature of happiness. The poem's form, with its rhythmic and repetitive phrases, supports the overall meaning by creating a sense of familiarity and inevitability.

Themes of Choice and Consequence

The poem delves into the theme of choice and consequence, highlighting the speaker's decision to purchase all seven lives offered by the mysterious man. The speaker's initial belief that he is being clever contrasts with the man's final words, "Forever isn't over yet," suggesting that the true consequences of his choice are yet to be fully understood. This theme is developed through the imagery of the seven sacks and the man's inability to specify which life is best, emphasizing the uncertainty and unpredictability of life's choices.

The Elusiveness of Happiness

Another prominent theme is the elusiveness of happiness. The man's claim that the speaker will be happy forever with any of the seven lives is called into question by the poem's conclusion. The phrase "Forever isn't over yet" implies that happiness is not a guaranteed or permanent state, but rather a fleeting and uncertain experience. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's reflection on his purchase, suggesting a growing awareness of the complexity and unpredictability of happiness.

Symbolism of the Seven Lives

The seven lives, contained in seven sacks and likened to seven beeves on seven racks, serve as a powerful symbol in the poem. The number seven, often associated with completeness or perfection in various cultures, adds a layer of significance to the lives being sold. The sacks and racks suggest a sense of containment and order, but also a certain detachment, as if the lives are commodities rather than living entities. The man's inability to specify which life is best adds to the ambiguity, raising questions about the true value and nature of the lives being offered. The vivid image of the seven beeves on seven racks contributes to the overall message by emphasizing the commercialization and objectification of life's experiences.

Conclusion and Final Insight

In conclusion, "The Bargain" uses a playful tone and whimsical imagery to explore profound themes of choice, consequence, and the elusive nature of happiness. The poem's recurring symbols, such as the seven lives and the sacks and racks, contribute to its overall message by highlighting the complexity and uncertainty of life's experiences. The final insight offered by the poem is that happiness is not a guaranteed or permanent state, but rather a fleeting and uncertain experience that requires ongoing reflection and awareness. The poem's significance lies in its ability to provoke thought and contemplation about the choices we make and the consequences they may have on our lives.