Poem Analysis - Lines Indited With All The Depravity Of Poverty

Initial Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's "Lines Indited With All The Depravity Of Poverty" presents a whimsical yet poignant exploration of wealth and its perceived benefits. The poem's tone is lighthearted and humorous, using playful language and exaggerated scenarios to discuss the advantages of being rich. However, beneath this surface humor lies a more serious commentary on the societal privileges that wealth can afford. The poem shifts from a playful, almost childlike tone to a more reflective and wistful mood as it concludes, highlighting the speaker's longing for financial security.

Themes of Wealth and Privilege

The primary theme of the poem is the allure of wealth and the privileges it brings. Nash uses vivid imagery to illustrate the extravagant lifestyle of the rich, such as buying orchids by the quire and bacon by the flitch. These images emphasize the abundance and excess that wealth can provide. The poem also explores the theme of social acceptance and how wealth can influence how others perceive and treat you. The speaker notes that rich people can get away with spending money frivolously without facing criticism, while those who are not rich are jeered for similar behavior. This theme is developed through the contrast between the rich and the poor, highlighting the double standards that exist in society.

The Freedom of Wealth

Another significant theme is the freedom that wealth can provide. The speaker mentions that being rich allows one to avoid making difficult decisions, such as choosing between a lower or an upper, or a new suit or a divorce. This theme is further emphasized by the idea that the rich can sleep in until nine or ten in the morning, suggesting a life free from the constraints and responsibilities that often come with poverty. The poem uses these examples to illustrate how wealth can offer a sense of liberation and control over one's life.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery that supports its themes. The orchids and bacon symbolize luxury and excess, representing the extravagant lifestyle that wealth can afford. The judge and horse mentioned in the poem can be seen as symbols of power and influence, suggesting that wealth can buy not just material possessions but also social status and control. The image of spending water like money is a striking metaphor for the carefree attitude that wealth can foster, where resources are used without regard for their value. This imagery contributes to the overall message of the poem by highlighting the stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ogden Nash's "Lines Indited With All The Depravity Of Poverty" uses humor and exaggeration to explore the themes of wealth, privilege, and freedom. Through vivid imagery and playful language, the poem illustrates the allure of wealth and the societal advantages it can bring. The speaker's longing for financial security underscores the poem's reflection on the societal double standards and the freedom that wealth can provide. Ultimately, the poem offers a commentary on the complexities of wealth and its impact on individual lives and societal perceptions.