The Height Of The Ridiculous

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Ballad
    I wrote some lines once on a time     In wondrous merry mood,     And thought, as usual, men would say     They were exceeding good.     They were so queer, so very queer,     I laughed as I would die;     Albeit, in the general way,     A sober man am I.     I called my servant, and he came;     How kind it was of him     To mind a slender man like me,     He of the mighty limb.     "These to the printer," I exclaimed,     And, in my humorous way,     I added, (as a trifling jest,)     "There'll be the devil to pay."     He took the paper, and I watched,     And saw him peep within;     At the first line he read, his face     Was all upon the grin.     He read the next; the grin grew broad,     And shot from ear to ear;     He read the third; a chuckling noise     I now began to hear.     The fourth; he broke into a roar;     The fifth; his waistband split;     The sixth; he burst five buttons off,     And tumbled in a fit.     Ten days and nights, with sleepless eye,     I watched that wretched man,     And since, I never dare to write     As funny as I can.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem displays a delightful blend of self-deprecating humor and whimsy. The speaker is a writer who humorously reflects on his own work, and the absurdly comedic reaction it incites in his servant. The tone is light-hearted and subtly ironic, poking fun at the speaker's own creative endeavors and their unexpected consequences.

There is a strong narrative structure in the poem, told through the lens of the speaker's bemusing reminiscence. The progression of the servant's laughter, escalating to physical harm, serves to heighten the hilarity of the situation, while simultaneously offering a critique on the power of words and their unpredictable effects. This dichotomy is cleverly encapsulated in the final two lines, where the speaker expresses his newfound fear of his own comedic prowess.

The poem uses hyperbolic imagery to amplify the humor, such as the servant’s waistband splitting and buttons bursting off. This exaggerated response to the speaker's written humor serves both as a comedic element and a metaphor for the potent impact of words. The recurring theme of laughter and the speaker's self-deprecating approach to his own writing also add an element of relatability and charm to the poem. Overall, this poem is a delightful exploration of the creative process, its unexpected outcomes, and the humor inherent in self-expression.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.