The Camel

The Camel - meaning Summary

Playful Factual Confusion

Ogden Nash's short poem uses a mock-matter-of-fact tone to poke fun at simple knowledge and human uncertainty. By misstating an obvious zoological detail and ending with a self-deprecating question, the speaker exposes casual ignorance and the comic gap between confidence and competence. The poem's brisk irony and absurdity emphasize how easily authority can be undermined by admission of doubt.