Poem Analysis - Song To Be Sung By The Father Of Infant Female Children

Initial Impressions and Tone

The poem Song To Be Sung By The Father Of Infant Female Children by Ogden Nash presents a humorous yet anxious tone, reflecting the speaker's fears and frustrations as a father of a daughter. The poem begins with a lighthearted observation about rainbows and boys, but quickly shifts to a more serious and protective tone as the speaker expresses his concerns about the future husbands of his daughter. The speaker's anxiety is palpable, and his humorous exaggerations serve to underscore his genuine worries.

Themes of Protection and Anxiety

The primary theme of the poem is the protective instinct of a father towards his daughter. The speaker's anxiety about the future husbands of his daughter is evident throughout the poem. He uses vivid imagery to describe his fears, such as the "swine among the pearls" who will eventually marry his daughter. This theme is developed through the speaker's use of hyperbolic language and exaggerated scenarios, which serve to highlight his genuine concerns. The speaker's anxiety is also reflected in his use of repetitive phrases, such as "And, swine among the pearls, They marry little girls," which emphasizes his fear of the inevitable.

Themes of Inevitability and Change

Another prominent theme is the inevitability of change and the passage of time. The speaker acknowledges that boys will grow up and marry, and that his daughter will eventually have suitors. He uses the image of an infant growing into a man to illustrate this theme, describing the boy's transformation from a "bachelor child" to a man "raging and ravenous for the kill." This theme is developed through the speaker's use of contrast, as he juxtaposes the innocence of childhood with the complexities of adulthood. The speaker's acceptance of this inevitability is reflected in his humorous and exaggerated descriptions of the future husbands of his daughter.

Themes of Humor and Exaggeration

The poem also explores the theme of humor and exaggeration as a coping mechanism. The speaker uses exaggerated scenarios and humorous language to express his anxieties, such as his desire to "open all his safety pins" and "pepper his powder." This theme is developed through the speaker's use of hyperbole and absurdity, which serve to highlight his genuine concerns while also providing a comedic relief. The speaker's use of humor and exaggeration is a way for him to cope with his fears and anxieties, and to express his love and protectiveness towards his daughter.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem features several recurring symbols and vivid images that contribute to its overall message. One such symbol is the infant, which represents the innocence and vulnerability of childhood. The speaker's fear of the infant growing into a man who will marry his daughter is a recurring motif throughout the poem. Another important image is the "rainbow in the sky," which contrasts with the speaker's anxiety and serves as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world. The speaker's use of vivid and exaggerated imagery, such as the "swine among the pearls" and the "raging and ravenous" man, serves to emphasize his fears and anxieties while also providing a comedic relief.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Song To Be Sung By The Father Of Infant Female Children by Ogden Nash is a humorous yet anxious exploration of a father's protective instincts towards his daughter. Through the use of vivid imagery, hyperbolic language, and exaggerated scenarios, the speaker expresses his fears and anxieties about the future husbands of his daughter. The poem's themes of protection, inevitability, and humor are developed through the speaker's use of contrast, repetition, and absurdity. The recurring symbols and vivid images in the poem serve to emphasize the speaker's genuine concerns while also providing a comedic relief. Ultimately, the poem offers a poignant and humorous insight into the complexities of parenthood and the anxieties that come with it.