Poem Analysis - Spring Comes To Murray Hill

Overall Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's "Spring Comes To Murray Hill" presents a whimsical and humorous take on the struggles of office life and the desire for escape. The poem's tone is lighthearted and playful, with a touch of self-deprecation. Nash uses humor to explore themes of boredom, longing for freedom, and the mundanity of everyday life. The speaker's internal monologue shifts from self-reflection to imaginative escapism, reflecting a mood that oscillates between resignation and aspiration.

Themes of Boredom and Longing for Freedom

The poem delves into the theme of boredom, particularly the kind that comes from a monotonous office job. The speaker's repetitive tasks and the confines of his office at 244 Madison Avenue are symbols of this boredom. The phrase "fritter away your time on this doggerel" highlights the speaker's awareness of his own procrastination, suggesting a deeper dissatisfaction with his routine. The longing for freedom is evident in the speaker's wish to have "the wings of a bird" to escape his confines and "soar in a jiffy to Second or Third," referring to other avenues or streets, symbolizing different opportunities or experiences.

Imagery of Escape and Self-Mockery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery that underscores the speaker's desire for escape. The mention of "Kansas City, Kansas" and the playful word "Missourible" adds a touch of whimsy, suggesting that even the most mundane places can have a hidden charm. The speaker's reference to the pilgrims settling Massachusetts and his wish for them to "settle my stomach" is a humorous way of expressing his discomfort and longing for relief from his current situation. The imagery of birds and wings further emphasizes the speaker's yearning for freedom and escape from his monotonous life.

Symbolism of Disturbances and Inaction

The speaker's mention of "disturbances abdominable" and "flocculent lassitude" are symbolic of his internal struggles and inaction. These phrases suggest a sense of physical and mental discomfort that is difficult to pinpoint or cure. The speaker's self-mocking tone, as seen in the lines about curing ailments with various "ists," highlights his awareness of his own inaction and his inability to find a solution to his boredom. The use of humor in these lines also serves to lighten the mood, making the speaker's struggles more relatable and less daunting.

Conclusion

"Spring Comes To Murray Hill" is a playful exploration of the human condition, focusing on the themes of boredom, longing for freedom, and the struggle with inaction. Through vivid imagery and self-mocking humor, Nash captures the speaker's internal conflict and desire for escape. The poem's significance lies in its ability to make the mundane and the universal struggles of everyday life more palatable and relatable, offering a moment of levity and reflection on the human experience.