Poem Analysis - Reprise

Initial Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's "Reprise" is a whimsical and heartfelt exploration of love and the enduring power of poetic expression. The poem begins with a light, almost playful tone, as it references the clichés of love poetry across various cultures and generations. This tone shifts subtly towards the end, becoming more intimate and personal, as the speaker reflects on their own love. The poem's form, with its rhythmic and rhyming structure, supports its themes of timeless love and the enduring nature of poetic language.

Themes of Love and Timelessness

The primary theme of "Reprise" is love, specifically the speaker's love for their partner. The poem opens with a discussion of how love has been expressed throughout history, using phrases that have become commonplace. This historical context serves to highlight the timelessness of love, suggesting that while the expressions may change, the emotion itself remains constant. The speaker's love is presented as unique and fresh, even though it is expressed using familiar phrases. This is evident in the lines Darling, when I look at you Every aged phrase is new, And there are moments when it seems I've married one of Shakespeare's dreams. Here, the speaker acknowledges the familiarity of the phrases but asserts that their love makes these phrases feel new and personal.

The Power of Poetic Language

Another significant theme is the power of poetic language. The poem references countless nations and generations of poets who have expressed their love, using phrases that have become common. This repetition underscores the idea that poetic language has a lasting impact, even when the specific words become clichéd. The speaker's love is so profound that it revitalizes these aged phrases, making them feel fresh and meaningful again. This theme is reinforced by the poem's own use of language, which is both playful and profound, reflecting the enduring power of poetic expression.

Symbolism of Nature and Literary References

The poem is rich in imagery, drawing on both natural and literary references. The girls have glimmered like the moon, Or shimmered like a summer moon, Stood like a lily, fled like a fawn, Now the sunset, now the dawn, Here the princess in the tower There the sweet forbidden flower. These images evoke a sense of beauty, purity, and the passage of time. The moon, lily, and fawn are all symbols of natural beauty and grace, while the sunset, dawn, princess, and forbidden flower suggest the fleeting nature of time and the allure of love. The speaker's love is compared to these images, suggesting that it is both timeless and deeply personal. The reference to Shakespeare's dreams adds a layer of literary depth, connecting the speaker's love to the enduring themes of love in literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Reprise" is a celebration of love and the enduring power of poetic language. Through its use of imagery, tone, and symbolism, the poem explores the timeless nature of love and the way it can revitalize even the most familiar phrases. The speaker's love is presented as unique and profound, even as it draws on the language of countless poets before them. The poem's final lines, with their intimate and personal tone, underscore the idea that love is a deeply personal and transformative experience, one that can make even the most aged phrases feel new and meaningful. Ultimately, "Reprise" invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and the power of language to express and transform those experiences.