Poem Analysis - Summer Serenade

Initial Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's Summer Serenade is a whimsical and playful poem that captures the essence of a hot, humid summer day. The poem's tone is lighthearted and affectionate, with a touch of humor that makes it accessible and enjoyable. The speaker addresses a beloved, suggesting a romantic context. The mood shifts slightly from the discomfort of summer to a warm, intimate invitation, reflecting the speaker's desire to find comfort in each other's company despite the weather.

Themes of Love and Endurance

The primary theme of Summer Serenade is love, particularly the enduring nature of love in the face of discomfort. The speaker asks, "Shall we postpone our love for weather?" implying that love should not be delayed or deterred by external circumstances. The use of the word "postpone" suggests a temporary inconvenience, but the speaker's response, "If we must melt, lets melt together!" emphasizes the idea of shared experience and mutual support. This theme is developed through the speaker's playful banter and the vivid imagery of summer's discomforts.

Imagery of Summer's Discomforts

The poem is rich with vivid images that evoke the discomforts of summer. The "thunder" that "stalks the sky" and the "tickle-footed" fly create a sense of unease and annoyance. The "wet shirt" and "dry throat" further emphasize the physical discomfort of the season. These images serve as metaphors for the challenges and inconveniences that love must endure. The "grassy lawn be leather" and "prickly temper tug the tether" add to the sense of irritation and discomfort, but they also highlight the speaker's playful and humorous approach to these challenges.

Symbolism of Melting Together

The phrase "If we must melt, lets melt together!" is a powerful symbol of unity and shared experience. Melting is typically associated with discomfort and loss of form, but in this context, it becomes a symbol of transformation and intimacy. The speaker suggests that even in the face of discomfort, they and their beloved can find comfort and strength in each other's presence. This symbolism underscores the theme of enduring love and the idea that love can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Conclusion

Summer Serenade is a delightful exploration of love's endurance in the face of discomfort. Through vivid imagery and playful language, Nash captures the essence of a hot summer day and transforms it into a metaphor for the challenges and joys of love. The poem's lighthearted tone and humorous approach to summer's discomforts make it an accessible and enjoyable read, while its deeper themes of love and endurance offer a meaningful insight into the human experience. The speaker's invitation to "melt together" serves as a powerful reminder that love can find comfort and strength even in the most challenging circumstances.