Poem Analysis - I Yield To My Learned Brother Or Is There A Candlestick Maker In The House

Overall Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's poem I Yield To My Learned Brother Or Is There A Candlestick Maker In The House? is a witty and satirical commentary on the perceived advantages of being a professional. The poem maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone throughout, using playful language and vivid imagery to critique the privileges enjoyed by professionals. The mood shifts slightly towards the end, becoming more reflective and somewhat melancholic as the speaker laments their own lack of professional status.

Themes of Privilege and Social Critique

The poem explores the theme of privilege, highlighting how professionals such as doctors, preachers, and lawyers benefit from various life events. The doctor is present at birth, the preacher at marriage, and the lawyer is ready to pounce if one accumulates too much wealth. This imagery underscores the idea that professionals always find a way to profit, regardless of the circumstances. The phrase Whatever happens, they get theirs emphasizes the idea that professionals always secure their share, suggesting a critique of the system that allows such privileges.

Themes of Inevitability and Human Errors

Another prominent theme is the inevitability of professional involvement in life. The repetition of the phrase You can’t say When to professional men, for it’s always When to they underscores the omnipresence of professionals. The poem suggests that professionals thrive in all conditions, even during hard times, because their income often comes from human errors. This theme is reinforced by the lines Hard times for them contain no terrors; Their income springs from human errors, indicating that professionals benefit from the mistakes and misfortunes of others.

Themes of Social Mobility and Reflection

The final theme is social mobility and the speaker's reflection on their own status. The speaker laments that their parents did not understand the importance of becoming a professional, leading to their current financial struggles. The lines Oh, would my parents long ago Had memorized this motto! For then might I, their offspring, buy A Rolls or an Isotto. But now I fear I never can, For I am no professional man. highlight the speaker's regret and the perceived barriers to upward mobility. This theme is tied to the broader critique of a society where professional status is seen as the key to success and wealth.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery to drive home its points. The doctor, preacher, and lawyer are recurring symbols representing different stages of life and the professionals who benefit from them. The image of the lawyer lurking with costly clerks suggests a predatory nature, while the doctor and preacher are more benign but still opportunistic. The golfing scene with the big bad wolf is a playful yet sinister image, suggesting that professionals have a cozy, almost conspiratorial relationship with power and influence. The speaker's desire for a Rolls or an Isotto is a symbol of the wealth and status they believe is unattainable without professional credentials.

Conclusion

The poem I Yield To My Learned Brother Or Is There A Candlestick Maker In The House? offers a satirical look at the privileges of professional life, using humor and vivid imagery to critique the system that benefits professionals at the expense of others. The speaker's reflection on their own status adds a layer of personal regret, highlighting the societal pressures and perceived barriers to success. Ultimately, the poem serves as a commentary on the inequalities and opportunities within society, encouraging readers to question the value and impact of professional status.