Poem Analysis - Winter Complaint

An Overview of Winter Complaint

Ogden Nash's "Winter Complaint" is a humorous and lighthearted exploration of two contrasting attitudes towards having a cold. The poem's tone is playful and satirical, shifting between the cautious and considerate behavior of the speaker and the reckless, selfish actions of others. Nash uses vivid imagery and exaggerated scenarios to highlight the differences between these two approaches. The poem is structured as a dialogue between two perspectives, which supports its overall meaning by creating a clear contrast.

Themes of Responsibility and Irresponsibility

One of the main themes in "Winter Complaint" is the contrast between responsibility and irresponsibility. The speaker represents the responsible individual who takes care of their health and considers the well-being of others. They consult a physician, take medication, and isolate themselves to avoid spreading germs. This is evident in lines such as "I am careful with my cold" and "I wouldn't dream of osculating anybody's daughter." On the other hand, the irresponsible person is depicted as someone who ignores medical advice, indulges in unhealthy behaviors, and spreads germs without concern for others. This is highlighted in lines like "You are cocky as a gangster" and "You exhale Hello's like a steamboat whistle."

The Theme of Social Behavior

The poem also explores the theme of social behavior, particularly how people interact with others when they are sick. The responsible individual avoids social interactions to prevent spreading their illness, while the irresponsible person continues to socialize and spread germs. This is seen in the speaker's isolation and the other person's attendance at parties and dances. The poem suggests that social behavior is influenced by personal responsibility and consideration for others. The speaker's isolation is a result of their consideration for others, while the other person's behavior is a result of their selfishness.

The Theme of Self-Care vs. Neglect

Another prominent theme is the contrast between self-care and neglect. The speaker practices self-care by following medical advice and taking care of their health. They take medication, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. This is shown in lines like "I quaff great flagons of sodium bicarb" and "I live like a hermit till the germs get through." In contrast, the other person neglects their health by ignoring medical advice, indulging in unhealthy behaviors, and not taking care of themselves. This is evident in lines such as "You ignore your physician" and "You stuff yourself with starches." The poem suggests that self-care is important for both personal health and the well-being of others.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery to illustrate the differences between the responsible and irresponsible individuals. The speaker's isolation and careful behavior are symbolized by their "woolly woolly garb" and "great flagons of sodium bicarb." These images represent the speaker's efforts to take care of their health and avoid spreading germs. In contrast, the other person's reckless behavior is symbolized by their indulgence in unhealthy foods and drinks, such as "steaks and oxtails" and "lots of cocktails." These images represent the other person's disregard for their health and the well-being of others. The poem also uses the image of a "hermit" to symbolize the speaker's isolation and the image of a "deadly missile" to symbolize the other person's reckless behavior. These symbols contribute to the overall message of the poem by highlighting the differences between responsible and irresponsible behavior.

Conclusion

"Winter Complaint" by Ogden Nash is a humorous and insightful exploration of two contrasting attitudes towards having a cold. Through vivid imagery and exaggerated scenarios, the poem highlights the importance of responsibility, consideration for others, and self-care. The speaker's careful behavior and isolation contrast with the other person's reckless behavior and disregard for others. The poem suggests that personal responsibility and consideration for others are essential for both personal health and the well-being of society. The overall message of the poem is that individuals should take care of their health and consider the well-being of others, especially when they are sick.