Poem Analysis - I Do I Will I Have

An Overview of the Poem

Ogden Nash's "I Do, I Will, I Have" is a whimsical and humorous exploration of marriage. The poem's tone is lighthearted and playful, with a touch of sarcasm, as Nash uses exaggerated scenarios to illustrate the dynamics of marital life. The mood shifts from humorous observations to a more reflective and philosophical stance on the nature of marriage. Nash's use of humor and exaggeration serves to make serious points about the complexities and enduring nature of marital relationships.

Themes of Marriage and Compatibility

The primary theme of the poem is the nature of marriage and the dynamics between spouses. Nash presents marriage as a complex alliance between two individuals who are fundamentally different. He uses the imagery of an immovable object and an irresistible force to symbolize the contrasting natures of husbands and wives. This imagery suggests that marriage is a constant negotiation between opposing forces, which ultimately makes it interesting and enduring. The poem also touches on the theme of incompatibility, presenting it as a necessary spice of life. Nash suggests that a little incompatibility is what keeps marriage exciting and dynamic.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich with vivid imagery that supports its themes. The opening lines, where the speaker instructs a series of servants to order his carriage, set a tone of exaggerated formality and humor. This imagery of a grand, almost comical, household routine contrasts with the more intimate and relatable scenes of marital life that follow. The recurring imagery of the window, whether open or shut, symbolizes the fundamental differences between spouses. The husband's insistence that the window stay open and the wife's need for it to be shut represent the irreconcilable differences that define their relationship. The poem also uses the imagery of a leaky pipe and impending disaster to highlight the constant tension and negotiation that characterize marriage. The husband's refusal to acknowledge the leak and the wife's conviction that they are in danger further emphasize the theme of incompatibility.

The Significance of Marriage

Nash concludes the poem by reflecting on the significance of marriage. He suggests that marriage is more interesting than divorce because it involves a constant meeting of opposing forces. The final lines emphasize the idea that a little incompatibility is what makes marriage worthwhile. Nash's use of humor and exaggeration serves to underscore the enduring nature of marital relationships, despite their inherent challenges. The poem ultimately offers a humorous yet insightful commentary on the complexities and joys of married life, suggesting that the very things that make marriage difficult are also what make it worthwhile.