Poem Analysis - One Third Of The Calendar

Overall Impression

Ogden Nash's "One Third Of The Calendar" presents a whimsical and humorous take on the passage of time and family life. The poem follows a lighthearted tone, using playful language and vivid imagery to depict the daily routines and challenges of raising two young daughters. The mood shifts subtly with each month, reflecting the changing seasons and the evolving dynamics within the family. Nash's use of rhyme and repetition creates a rhythmic flow that mirrors the cyclical nature of the calendar and the routines of family life.

Themes of Family Life and Seasonal Changes

The poem explores several themes, including the cyclical nature of family life, the passage of time, and the challenges of parenting. The structure of the poem, with each stanza representing a different month, emphasizes the repetitive and cyclical nature of the calendar and the routines within the family. The repetition of phrases like "one girl in bed, and one in school" underscores the regularity and predictability of daily life. The theme of seasonal changes is evident in the descriptions of January's freeze, February's blizzard, March's bluster, and April's impetuous waters, which reflect the natural world's influence on family activities and moods.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism that contribute to its overall message. The "blizzard" in February and the "impetuous waters" in April symbolize the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic nature of family life. The "benzoin kettle" in March, to which the girls cling, can be seen as a symbol of comfort and security amidst the turmoil of the season. The repeated mention of the girls being in bed or in school highlights the themes of growth and development, as well as the passage of time. The imagery of the girls clinging together like Hansel and Gretel suggests a sense of unity and mutual support, despite the challenges they face.

Recurring Symbols and Their Meanings

The recurring symbol of the girls being in bed or in school serves as a metaphor for the stages of childhood and the passage of time. The bed can be seen as a symbol of innocence and protection, while the school represents the transition into the wider world and the responsibilities of growing up. The repetition of this symbol throughout the poem emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change. The "blessings" mentioned in February can be interpreted as the parents' hopes and prayers for their daughters' well-being and success. This recurring theme of blessing and protection underscores the parents' love and concern for their children, despite the challenges they face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "One Third Of The Calendar" offers a charming and insightful look into the rhythms of family life and the passage of time. Through its playful language, vivid imagery, and recurring symbols, the poem captures the essence of parenting and the cyclical nature of the seasons. The poem's lighthearted tone and whimsical descriptions serve as a reminder of the joys and challenges of raising a family, and the enduring love that binds them together. The final stanza's humorous twist, imagining a son and a horse, adds a touch of whimsy and underscores the poem's themes of longing and the unpredictability of life.