Once upon a time a frog
Croaked away in Bingle Bog
Every night from dusk to dawn
He croaked awn and awn and awn.
The poem begins with the set of a scene in a bog or marshland called Bingle Bog. In this bog, a frog lived and croaked every night from dusk to dawn. The word "croaked" here refers to the frog's distinctive sound, which is a rough, hoarse noise that it makes by inflating its throat sac and forcing air through it. The repetition of the word "awn" in the last line emphasizes the continuous, monotonous nature of the frog's croaking. This suggests that the frog's singing lacks variety or creativity, and may even be irritating or grating to those who have to listen to it. The use of the phrase "Once upon a time" also gives the poem a fairytale-like quality, setting up the possibility of a story with a moral lesson.
Other creatures loathed3 his voice,
But, alas, they had no choice.
And the crass cacophony
Blared out from the sumac tree
At whose foot the frog each night
Minstrelled on till morning night.
In these lines, we learn that other creatures in the bog loathed the frog's voice. Despite this, they had no choice but to listen to his croaking. The word "loathed" implies that the other creatures actively disliked the frog's singing, possibly because it was loud, repetitive, or unpleasant. However, since the frog was the king of his domain, no one dared to challenge him or tell him to stop.
The phrase "crass cacophony" is used to describe the sound of the frog's croaking. "Crass" means crude or unrefined, while "cacophony" refers to a harsh, discordant noise. These words suggest that the frog's singing was not only disliked, but also lacked any artistic merit or beauty.
The frog's usual spot for singing was at the foot of a sumac tree, which became associated with his nightly performances. The word "minstrelled" implies that the frog saw himself as a performer or musician, although his actual ability to create music was questionable. The fact that he sang "till morning night" emphasizes the length and endurance of his performances, as well as the fact that they went on without interruption.
Neither stones nor prayers nor sticks,
Insults or complaints or bricks
Stilled the frog's determination
To display his heart's elation.
But one night a nightingale
In the moonlight cold and pale
Perched upon the sumac tree
Casting forth her melody.
These lines describe the failed attempts of other creatures to stop the frog's incessant singing. Stones, prayers, sticks, insults, complaints, and even bricks were all ineffective in stopping the frog's determination to display his "heart's elation." The frog was so convinced of the value of his own singing that he refused to be discouraged by any criticism or attempts to silence him.
However, one night, a nightingale appeared on the sumac tree where the frog usually performed. The nightingale's singing was described as "melody," which suggests that it was much more pleasant and tuneful than the frog's croaking. The moonlight is described as "cold and pale," which creates a contrast with the warmth and vibrancy of the nightingale's song.
The appearance of the nightingale on the sumac tree is a turning point in the poem, as it introduces a new character and a new type of music that contrasts with the frog's. The nightingale's arrival also sets up a conflict between the two characters and their styles of singing.
Dumbstruck sat the gaping frog.
"Not too bad - but far too long.
The technique was fine of course,
But it lacked a certain force".
"Oh!" the nightingale confessed.
Greatly flattered and impressed
That a critic of such note
Had discussed her art and throat:
"I don't think the song's divine.
But - oh, well - at least it's mine".
When the nightingale finished singing, the frog was "dumbstruck" and sat there gaping, seemingly unable to react. The nightingale responds to the frog's silence by asking for feedback on her performance. The frog, in turn, offers a critique of the nightingale's singing, saying that it was "not too bad - but far too long" and lacked a certain force. This shows that the frog, while not as talented as the nightingale, has a degree of musical knowledge and judgement.
The nightingale takes the criticism in stride and is even flattered that the frog, whom she considers a critic of such note, had discussed her art and throat. However, she also admits that she doesn't think her song is divine, but she takes pride in the fact that it is hers. This exchange shows a contrast between the two characters. The frog is more focused on technical skill and a specific style of music, while the nightingale values personal expression and ownership of one's art.
"That's not much to boast about".
Said the heartless frog. "Without
Proper training such as I
And few others - can supply.
You'll remain a mere beginner.
But with me you'll be a winner".
In response to the nightingale's admission that her song is not divine, the frog offers to help her improve her singing. He dismisses her natural talent as insufficient and claims that without proper training, she will remain a mere beginner. The frog positions himself as a mentor to the nightingale, saying that he and a few others can supply the proper training she needs.
The frog's language here is condescending and patronizing. He suggests that the nightingale is not capable of improving her singing without his help and that she is lucky to have his guidance. His belief in his own musical superiority is contrasted with the nightingale's focus on personal expression and creativity.
Overall, this section of the poem shows a conflict between the two characters, with the frog attempting to assert his dominance over the nightingale by offering his help and criticizing her singing.
"Dearest frog", the nightingale
Breathed: "This is a fairy tale -
And you're Mozart in disguise
Come to earth before my eyes".
In response to the frog's offer to help her improve her singing, the nightingale addresses him as "dearest frog" and tells him that he is like Mozart in disguise, come to earth before her very eyes. The nightingale's language is playful and sarcastic, as she seems to be mocking the frog's self-importance and delusions of grandeur.
By comparing the frog to Mozart, the nightingale is pointing out the absurdity of his claim to be the only one who can properly train her in music. Mozart, as one of the most famous and revered composers in history, is a symbol of musical excellence and creativity. The nightingale is suggesting that the frog is nowhere near Mozart's level and that his offer to help her is misguided.
Overall, this section of the poem shows a shift in power dynamics between the two characters, with the nightingale using humor and sarcasm to challenge the frog's attempts to control and dominate her.
"Well I charge a modest fee.
Oh!... But it won't hurt, you'll see"
Now the nightingale inspired,
Flushed with confidence, and fired
With both art and adoration,
Sang - and was a huge sensation.
In response to the nightingale's sarcastic remark, the frog charges a modest fee for his training services, claiming that it won't hurt the nightingale. Despite this, the nightingale is inspired and confident, feeling both artistic and adoring of her own abilities.
With renewed confidence, the nightingale sings and becomes a huge sensation. This section of the poem highlights the nightingale's talent and creativity, as well as her ability to captivate an audience with her singing. The frog, on the other hand, seems to be more interested in taking credit for the nightingale's success than in genuinely helping her improve.
Overall, this section of the poem shows the nightingale's growth and development as an artist, as well as the manipulative and self-serving nature of the frog. It also emphasizes the importance of personal expression and creativity over technical skill and training.
Animals for miles around
Flocked towards the magic sound,
And the frog with great precision
Counted heads and charged admission.
As the nightingale's fame and popularity grow, animals for miles around flock towards the magic sound of her singing. This demonstrates the power of the nightingale's art to transcend boundaries and bring together creatures from all walks of life.
The frog, meanwhile, takes advantage of the nightingale's success by charging admission to hear her sing. He counts heads with great precision, showing a keen interest in the financial aspect of the nightingale's performances. This highlights the frog's opportunistic and exploitative nature, as he tries to profit from the nightingale's talent and hard work.
Overall, this section of the poem emphasizes the transformative power of art and the importance of staying true to one's own creative vision. It also highlights the dangers of greed and manipulation, as seen in the character of the frog.
Though next morning it was raining,
He began her vocal training.
"But I can't sing in this weather".
"Come my dear - we'll sing together.
Just put on your scarf and sash,
Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!"
Despite the rain the next morning, the frog insists on continuing the nightingale's vocal training. The nightingale protests that she cannot sing in such weather, but the frog persuades her to join him by suggesting that they sing together and by imitating the sounds of a frog, "Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!" The onomatopoeic sounds of "Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!" are repeated, creating a rhythmic pattern and emphasizing the frog's attempts to imitate the nightingale's song.
Enjambment: The first line ends with "raining," and the thought continues onto the second line. This creates a sense of continuity and flow in the poem. The Poetic device used is enjambment.
This section of the poem further emphasizes the manipulative nature of the frog, who seems to be more interested in exploiting the nightingale for his own purposes than in helping her develop her talent. The frog's imitation of the nightingale's song is also ironic, as it shows his inability to appreciate the true beauty of her art and his lack of creativity.
Overall, this section of the poem highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and one's creative vision, even in the face of pressure and manipulation from others. It also underscores the difference between true artistry and mere imitation or technical skill.
So the frog and nightingale
Journeyed up and down the scale
For six hours, till she was shivering
and her voice was hoarse and quivering.
The lines suggest that the frog and the nightingale spent a long time practicing together, going up and down the musical scale for six hours. The frog is determined to teach the nightingale how to sing, but his methods are harsh and unrelenting. The nightingale becomes exhausted and her voice starts to falter, becoming hoarse and quivering. This is a stark contrast to the nightingale's earlier effortless singing, and it emphasizes the damage that the frog's training has caused to her natural talent.
The use of "up and down the scale" suggests that the nightingale is learning the basics of music, perhaps even the rudimentary aspects of a music scale. However, the focus of the training is on technique and precision, rather than the natural beauty of the nightingale's singing. The use of the words "shivering," "hoarse," and "quivering" highlights the physical toll that the training has taken on the nightingale, which makes the reader empathize with her plight.
Overall, these lines are a powerful commentary on the nature of art and the danger of trying to stifle creativity for the sake of commercial gain. The nightingale's natural talent is stifled by the frog's attempts to teach her to sing in a certain way, and the result is a loss of beauty and spontaneity in her singing.
Though subdued and sleep deprived,
In the night her throat revived,
And the sumac tree was bowed,
With a breathless, titled crowd:
Owl of Sandwich, Duck of Kent,
Mallard and Milady Trent,
Martin Cardinal Mephisto,
And the Coot of Monte Cristo,
Ladies with tiaras glittering
In the interval sat twittering -
And the frog observed them glitter
With a joy both sweet and bitter.
In these lines, the nightingale performs in front of an audience consisting of various birds who have gathered to listen to her singing. The crowd is described as breathless and titled, with notable birds such as the Owl of Sandwich, the Duck of Kent, the Mallard, the Martin Cardinal Mephisto, and the Coot of Monte Cristo. The ladies in the audience are depicted as having tiaras glittering, and they are sitting and twittering during the interval.
The lines use allusion, as the names of the birds in the audience refer to real-life people or fictional characters, such as the Owl of Sandwich, a reference to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who was known for inventing the sandwich. There is also a play on words with the Coot of Monte Cristo, a reference to the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
The lines also use personification, as the sumac tree is described as being bowed by the weight of the audience, and the ladies are depicted as twittering. The frog is shown observing the scene with both joy and bitterness, perhaps because he is no longer the center of attention, or because he is envious of the nightingale's success.
Every day the frog who'd sold her
Songs for silver tried to scold her:
"You must practice even longer
Till your voice, like mine grows stronger.
In these lines, the poet
describes how the frog who had trained the nightingale to sing was trying to
scold her every day. He tells her that she needs to practice singing even
longer to make her voice stronger, just like his. This is an example of the
poetic device known as direct speech, where the speaker's words are presented
in quotation marks.
Additionally, this is also an example of the theme of exploitation, as the frog is portrayed as taking advantage of the nightingale's talent for his own benefit, while not considering the harm he is causing her.
In the second song last night
You got nervous in mid-flight.
And, my dear, lay on more trills:
Audiences enjoy such frills.
You must make your public happier:
Give them something sharper, snappier.
We must aim for better billings.
You still owe me sixty shillings."
In these lines, the frog is once again criticizing the nightingale's performance and instructing her to improve. He reminds her of her mistake from the previous night and tells her to add more trills to her singing. He also emphasizes the importance of pleasing the audience and giving them something more exciting to listen to. He tells her they must aim for better performances and higher billing. Finally, he reminds her of the money she owes him, showing his greed and desire for financial gain. These lines reflect the frog's manipulative and controlling behavior towards the nightingale, and how he exploits her talent for his own gain.
Day by day the nightingale
Grew more sorrowful and pale.
Night on night her tired song
Zipped and trilled and bounced along,
Till the birds and beasts grew tired
At a voice so uninspired
And the ticket office gross
Crashed, and she grew more morose -
For her ears were now addicted
To applause quite unrestricted,
And to sing into the night
All alone gave no delight.
These lines describe the nightingale's decline as she becomes increasingly unhappy and pale. The constant pressure and criticism from the frog have taken a toll on her. Her voice, once beautiful and inspiring, now lacks energy and spark. She sings day and night, but her performances are lacklustre and uninspired. The other animals, once mesmerised by her voice, are now bored and no longer come to listen to her. The ticket sales have plummeted, and the nightingale is left feeling dejected and lonely. The only thing that brings her joy is the applause she used to receive, but now she sings alone into the night without any audience.
Now the frog puffed up with rage.
"Brainless bird - you're on the stage -
Use your wits and follow fashion.
Puff your lungs out with your passion."
Trembling, terrified to fail,
Blind with tears, the nightingale
Heard him out in silence, tried,
Puffed up, burst a vein, and died.
These lines mark the tragic end of the nightingale. The frog, in a fit of rage, scolds her for not following his advice and keeping up with the fashion. The nightingale, already exhausted and demoralized, tries to follow the frog's advice but fails miserably. She is overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, and in the end, she dies from bursting a vein. The lines use powerful imagery to evoke the nightingale's terror and despair, and the tragic ending of her journey. The lines also reflect on the danger of blindly following the advice of those who do not have our best interests at heart.
Said the frog: "I tried to teach her,
But she was a stupid creature -
Far too nervous, far too tense.
Far too prone to influence.
Well, poor bird - she should have known
That your song must be your own.
That's why I sing with panache:
"Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!"
And the foghorn of the frog
Blared unrivalled through the bog
These lines serve as the conclusion of the poem, in which the frog speaks about the nightingale's death and blames it on her inability to learn and follow his instructions. The frog claims that the nightingale was too nervous and prone to influence and calls her a "stupid creature". He asserts that a good song must be original, which he believes he achieved with his own song, represented by the repeated "Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!" The last two lines of the poem describe the frog's loud croaking that echoes through the bog, showing his pride in his own song and his disregard for the nightingale's fate.
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