Poem Analysis - Pg Wooster Just As He Useter

An Enthusiastic Celebration of Literature

Ogden Nash's "Pg Wooster, Just As He Useter" is a lively and humorous tribute to the literary works of P.G. Wodehouse, particularly his character Bertram Wooster. The poem's tone is playful and enthusiastic, reflecting the author's delight in the subject matter. Nash uses whimsical language and vivid imagery to convey his admiration for Wodehouse's writing. The mood shifts slightly towards confusion and curiosity as the speaker grapples with the relationship between Wodehouse and Wooster, but it remains lighthearted throughout.

Themes of Literary Admiration and Confusion

The primary theme of the poem is literary admiration. Nash's enthusiasm for P.G. Wodehouse's work is evident from the opening lines, where he urges readers to seek out and cherish Wodehouse's books. The speaker's excitement is palpable, as seen in lines like "Deluge your dealer with bakshish and bribary" and "Prepare for the fabulous browsing and sluicing." This theme is developed through the use of vivid, exaggerated language that emphasizes the speaker's fervor.

Another prominent theme is confusion, specifically the speaker's struggle to distinguish between the author P.G. Wodehouse and his character Bertram Wooster. This confusion is highlighted in lines like "Which came first, the egg or the rooster? P.G. Wodehouse or Bertram Wooster?" and "I can't disentangle Bertram from PG." The speaker's inability to separate the two figures adds a layer of humor to the poem, as it underscores the deep impact Wodehouse's characters have had on his readers.

The theme of nostalgia is also present, as the speaker reminisces about the joy of reading Wodehouse's works. This is evident in lines like "Wodehouse and Wooster are with us again" and "Now Jeeves is back, and my cheeks are crumply." The speaker's fond memories of the characters and their adventures contribute to the overall sense of admiration and longing for the past.

Recurring Symbols and Vivid Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery that enhances its themes. The speaker's instructions to "Bound to your bookseller, leap to your library" and "Lean on the counter and never say when" create a lively picture of eager book hunting. The use of exaggerated language, such as "deluge" and "bakshish and bribary," adds to the sense of excitement and urgency. These images contribute to the overall message of the poem by emphasizing the speaker's enthusiasm for Wodehouse's work.

The recurring symbol of the "fish-slice" is an interesting choice, as it is an unusual object to associate with literary enjoyment. It could be interpreted as a humorous representation of the speaker's eagerness to dive into Wodehouse's books, much like one might eagerly use a fish-slice to serve a meal. This symbol adds a touch of whimsy to the poem and underscores the speaker's playful tone.

The speaker's confusion over the relationship between Wodehouse and Wooster is a recurring motif. This confusion is symbolized by the speaker's inability to "disentangle" the two figures, as seen in lines like "I know hawk from handsaw, and Finn from Fiji, But I can't disentangle Bertram from PG." This motif contributes to the poem's theme of literary admiration by highlighting the deep impact Wodehouse's characters have had on his readers. It also adds a layer of humor, as the speaker's confusion is both endearing and amusing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Pg Wooster, Just As He Useter" is a delightful celebration of P.G. Wodehouse's literary contributions. Through vivid imagery, whimsical language, and a playful tone, Nash conveys his deep admiration for Wodehouse's work. The poem's themes of literary admiration, confusion, and nostalgia are interwoven to create a humorous and heartfelt tribute. The recurring symbols and vivid images contribute to the overall message, emphasizing the speaker's enthusiasm and the enduring impact of Wodehouse's characters. The poem serves as a reminder of the joy and confusion that great literature can bring, inviting readers to share in the speaker's delight.