Poem Analysis - A Silly Poem

A Whimsical Pondering

Spike Milligan's "A Silly Poem" is a short, playful jest that draws upon Shakespearean imagery for a humorous effect. The poem’s tone is lighthearted and irreverent, using a classic literary reference to deliver a simple pun. It’s more of a witty quip than a deeply profound exploration of human emotion, aiming for a chuckle rather than a tear. The mood remains consistently jovial, never straying from its initial comedic intent.

The Bard and the Broadcaster

Spike Milligan was a prominent figure in British comedy, best known as a member of The Goon Show. His humor was often absurd, surreal, and deliberately silly. Knowing this context helps us understand the poem's intent; it's not meant to be a serious engagement with Shakespeare, but rather a playful riff on a famous line. The poem embodies Milligan's signature style of blending intellectual references with nonsensical humor.

Love and Existential Pencils

While "A Silly Poem" isn't driven by deeply developed themes, it lightly touches upon the theme of love through the characters of Hamlet and Ophelia. The setting of a sketch being drawn suggests a moment of intimacy or an attempt to capture beauty, a gesture often associated with affection. However, this notion is immediately undermined by the poem's core pun. The question of "2B or not 2B?" also cleverly parodies the heavy philosophical mortality question of "To be, or not to be?". By replacing the serious question with a question about pencil grades, the poem mocks pretentiousness and replaces it with absurdity.

The Weight of a Graphite Decision

The central symbol in the poem is the pencil, specifically the choice between "2B or not 2B." This seemingly simple choice transforms into a humorous existential dilemma. The 2B pencil, known for its soft lead and darker lines, represents one artistic path. "Not 2B," on the other hand, becomes a stand-in for any other pencil grade or even the decision not to draw at all. The symbol highlights the absurdity of overthinking a simple decision, especially when compared to the weightiness of Hamlet's original contemplation. Is there a deeper question about artistic expression buried within the joke? Does it suggest that even the most profound questions can be trivialized?

A Playful Bow to the Bard

In conclusion, "A Silly Poem" is a successful comedic piece because of its unexpected juxtaposition of high and low culture. It cleverly uses the iconic "To be, or not to be?" soliloquy as a springboard for a simple pun about pencil grades. The poem's significance lies in its ability to find humor in the unexpected and to remind us not to take ourselves, or even Shakespeare, too seriously. It’s a lighthearted reminder that sometimes, the best approach is simply to choose a pencil and start drawing.