Poem Analysis - Look What You Did Christopher

An Overview of Tone and Mood

Ogden Nash's "Look What You Did, Christopher!" is a whimsical yet critical reflection on the consequences of Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492. The poem begins with a lighthearted, almost playful tone, mimicking the rhythm of a nursery rhyme, but gradually shifts to a more somber and satirical mood. Nash uses humor to critique the unintended consequences of historical events, particularly the impact of Columbus's voyage on the modern world. The poem's form, with its repetitive phrases and rhyming scheme, supports its narrative structure, moving from the past to the present with a sense of inevitability.

Historical Context and Author's Background

Ogden Nash was an American poet known for his light verse and humorous poems. Born in 1902, he was part of a generation that witnessed significant technological and social changes in the early 20th century. His work often reflects a mix of nostalgia for a simpler past and a wry commentary on the complexities of modern life. The poem's historical context revolves around the legacy of Christopher Columbus and the European exploration and colonization of the Americas, which had profound and lasting effects on the world.

The Theme of Unintended Consequences

The central theme of the poem is the idea of unintended consequences. Nash explores how Columbus's voyage set off a chain of events that led to the modern world, with all its complexities and problems. The phrase "well enough wasn't left alone" is repeated to emphasize this theme. The poem suggests that every significant event or invention has ripple effects that are often unpredictable and far-reaching. This theme is developed through the use of imagery and symbolism, such as the "fireman's hat" and the "cornerstone," which represent the foundational and ongoing impact of Columbus's voyage.

The Theme of Progress and Its Costs

Another key theme is the dual nature of progress. Nash highlights the advancements and conveniences of modern life, such as machinery, science, and technology, but also points out the downsides, like pollution, commercialism, and the loss of natural simplicity. The poem uses vivid imagery to contrast the idyllic past with the chaotic present. For example, the "crackling firelog" is replaced by "gas," and "life is a Hades of clicking cameras." This theme underscores the idea that progress often comes at a cost, and the benefits of modern life are accompanied by significant drawbacks.

The Theme of Human Resilience

The poem also touches on the theme of human resilience. Despite the challenges and complexities of modern life, Nash suggests that people have a remarkable ability to adapt and endure. The final lines of the poem express a sense of optimism and determination, with the American people "surviving the fatal dose" and "fooling the doctor this time, probly." This theme is conveyed through the use of humor and a lighthearted tone, which serve to highlight the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.

Recurring Symbols and Vivid Images

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid images that contribute to its overall message. The "fireman's hat" and the "cornerstone" are recurring symbols that represent the foundational and ongoing impact of Columbus's voyage. The "bounding main" and the "ocean blue" symbolize the vast and unpredictable nature of the consequences that followed Columbus's journey. The "silver screen" and "Hollywood magazine" represent the glamour and allure of modern entertainment, while also hinting at its superficiality. The "electric air" and "doctor serial" symbolize the intrusive and often overwhelming nature of modern technology and media. These symbols and images work together to create a vivid and thought-provoking portrait of the modern world and its complexities.

Conclusion

In "Look What You Did, Christopher!", Ogden Nash uses humor and satire to explore the unintended consequences of historical events and the dual nature of progress. The poem's playful tone and vivid imagery serve to highlight the complexities and challenges of modern life, while also celebrating human resilience. Nash's critique of the modern world is balanced by a sense of optimism and determination, suggesting that despite the difficulties, people have the ability to adapt and endure. The poem's significance lies in its ability to provoke thought and reflection on the impact of historical events and the ongoing quest for progress.