The Germ
The Germ - meaning Summary
Microbes with Comic Menace
Nash’s short comic poem personifies germs as mighty, mischievous creatures that live within humans and cause odd illnesses. It contrasts their tiny size with outsized power, treating contagion with playful mockery rather than dread. The speaker addresses a loved one with teasing intimacy, turning medical threat into a domestic joke. The poem compresses wit and irony to make disease an amusing, almost affectionate presence.
Read Complete AnalysesA mighty creature is the germ, Though smaller than the pachyderm. His customary dwelling place Is deep within the human race. His childish pride he often pleases By giving people strange diseases. Do you, my poppet, feel infirm? You probably contain a germ.
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