Poem Analysis - The Eel

Initial Impressions

Ogden Nash's "The Eel" is a brief, whimsical poem that captures a lighthearted and somewhat humorous tone. The poem's brevity and straightforward language make it accessible to a broad audience. Nash's use of simple, playful language creates a sense of amusement and curiosity. There is no significant shift in mood, as the poem maintains a consistent tone of mild disdain and playful observation throughout its three lines.

Themes of Discomfort and Playfulness

The poem explores themes of discomfort and playfulness. The speaker's aversion to eels is clear from the start, as they state, "I don’t mind eels / Except as meals." This line suggests a general dislike for eels, except when they are prepared as food. The use of the word "meals" adds a touch of humor, as it implies that the speaker's only acceptable interaction with eels is when they are consumed. The final line, "And the way they feels," adds a layer of playfulness and ambiguity. The phrase "the way they feels" is grammatically incorrect, which contributes to the poem's whimsical tone and suggests that the speaker finds eels unpleasant to touch or handle.

Symbolism of the Eel

The eel serves as a central symbol in the poem, representing something the speaker finds unpleasant or uncomfortable. The repetition of the word "eels" emphasizes the speaker's focus on this creature and their dislike for it. The eel's slippery and elusive nature could be seen as a metaphor for things that are difficult to grasp or understand. The poem's playful tone and simple language make it difficult to draw a deep symbolic meaning from the eel, but it is clear that the speaker finds them unpleasant. The ambiguity of the final line, "And the way they feels," leaves room for interpretation. Does the speaker dislike the way eels feel in their hands, or are they referring to some other sensation? This ambiguity adds to the poem's playful and lighthearted tone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Eel" is a playful and humorous poem that explores themes of discomfort and playfulness. Nash's use of simple language and whimsical tone creates a sense of amusement and curiosity. The eel serves as a central symbol, representing something the speaker finds unpleasant. The poem's brevity and straightforward language make it accessible to a broad audience, while its playful tone and ambiguous final line add depth and intrigue. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of playful discomfort and curiosity in the reader.