Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Marriage: A Word to Husbands" is a humorous poem by Ogden Nash that offers a satirical take on the institution of marriage. The poem was first published in 1938 and is often cited as one of Nash's most famous and influential works.

The poem takes the form of a series of rhyming couplets, with each couplet offering a humorous and irreverent commentary on some aspect of married life. For example, one couplet reads:

"To keep your marriage brimming

With love in the loving cup,

Whenever you're wrong, admit it;

Whenever you're right, shut up."

Through its use of playful language and clever wordplay, the poem pokes fun at the expectations and assumptions that often surround marriage. The poem is a satirical commentary on the ways in which society imposes rigid and unrealistic expectations on married couples, and it encourages readers to approach marriage with a sense of humor and a willingness to embrace imperfection.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of irony. The poem presents a series of seemingly contradictory statements, such as the idea that "the best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they're too old to do it." These ironic statements serve to highlight the absurdity and complexity of married life, and they encourage readers to approach the challenges and frustrations of marriage with a sense of humor and perspective.

In conclusion, "Marriage: A Word to Husbands" is a humorous and satirical poem that offers a playful commentary on the institution of marriage. Through its use of clever wordplay, irony, and irreverent humor, the poem encourages readers to approach marriage with a sense of perspective and humor, and it offers a refreshing and lighthearted take on the complexities and challenges of married life.

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