Poem Analysis - What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later

Overall Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's poem What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later presents a humorous and somewhat cynical view of married life from a wife's perspective. The poem's tone is lighthearted yet critical, using exaggeration and wit to highlight the frustrations and idiosyncrasies of husbands. The mood shifts subtly from playful teasing to a more reflective and affectionate tone by the end, suggesting a complex mix of irritation and deep affection.

Themes of Frustration and Affection

The poem explores several themes, with frustration and affection being the most prominent. The frustration theme is developed through a series of complaints about husbands' behaviors, such as forgetting anniversaries, being lethargic around the house, and acting differently in public versus private. The use of vivid imagery, like husbands drinking cocktails too fast or acting like martyrs, emphasizes the wife's exasperation. The affection theme emerges in the final lines, where the speaker acknowledges that despite their irritating habits, husbands are deeply loved by their wives. This shift highlights the complexity of marital relationships, where love and annoyance often coexist.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

One recurring symbol in the poem is the husband's behavior in public versus private. In private, husbands ignore courtesies and lack graces, but in public, they overcompensate with excessive politeness. This contrast symbolizes the dual nature of husbands, who can be both irritating and charming. Another vivid image is the husband's reaction to his own ailments, which is exaggerated to show his hypochondriac tendencies. This image contributes to the overall message that husbands, despite their flaws, are deeply loved. The poem's use of humor and exaggeration makes these symbols and images more memorable and relatable, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with marital quirks.

Conclusion

The poem What Almost Every Woman Knows Sooner Or Later uses humor and exaggeration to explore the complexities of marital relationships. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Nash highlights the frustrations and affections that wives experience with their husbands. The poem's final lines reveal a deeper truth: that despite their irritating habits, husbands are deeply loved. This insight underscores the enduring nature of love, even in the face of everyday annoyances. The poem serves as a reminder that love is not always perfect, but it is often profound and enduring.