Persicos Odi
To My Tobacconist
By William Hodgson Ellis
I hate your imported Havannahs,
Your perfumed cheroots I decline;
His own special weakness each man has,
A pipe, I confess it, is mine.
Why take from their elegant wrappers
Your gilded cork-tipped cigarettes,
Fit only for militant flappers
Or reckless R.M.C. cadets?
What need for cigars to be pining
When smoking a briar or a clay;
In front of the fire I'm reclining,
And peacefully puffing away.
Poem Analysis:
William Hodgson Ellis's poem "Persicos Odi" humorously expresses the poet's disdain for certain types of tobacco products and his preference for a simple pipe. Through its witty and satirical tone, the poem critiques the perceived pretentiousness of imported cigars and cigarettes while celebrating the comfort and familiarity of smoking a pipe. Let's explore the themes, imagery, and underlying messages of Ellis's poem.
Critique of Imported Tobacco Products
The poem opens with a humorous critique of "imported Havannahs" and "perfumed cheroots," suggesting that the speaker holds a disdain for these luxurious and perhaps ostentatious tobacco products. Ellis's choice of words like "imported" and "perfumed" implies a sense of artificiality or superficiality associated with these items. The speaker's rejection of these products reflects a preference for authenticity and simplicity over extravagance and ornamentation.
Personal Preference and Individuality
Ellis's poem emphasizes the idea that "each man has his own special weakness," acknowledging the subjective nature of personal preferences. While some may enjoy imported cigars or cork-tipped cigarettes, the speaker proudly declares his preference for a humble pipe. This assertion of individuality highlights the diversity of tastes and the importance of staying true to one's personal preferences, even in the face of societal trends or expectations.
Satirical Commentary on Social Class and Gender
The poem includes satirical references to social class and gender, particularly in its mention of "militant flappers" and "reckless R.M.C. cadets." These phrases evoke images of fashionable young women and elite military cadets, satirizing their supposed affinity for gilded cigarettes and cigars. Ellis's use of satire here may critique the perceived affectations or superficiality of certain social groups, highlighting the speaker's disdain for such trends.
Celebration of Simplicity and Comfort
Amidst the satire and critique, Ellis's poem celebrates the simple pleasure of smoking a pipe. The speaker describes the act of "peacefully puffing away" in front of the fire, evoking a sense of warmth, relaxation, and contentment. This image of domestic comfort contrasts with the perceived extravagance or affectation associated with imported cigars and cigarettes, emphasizing the speaker's preference for modest pleasures and familiar comforts.
"Persicos Odi" by William Hodgson Ellis is a humorous and satirical poem that critiques the perceived pretentiousness of imported cigars and cigarettes while celebrating the simplicity and comfort of smoking a pipe. Through its witty commentary on social trends, personal preferences, and domestic pleasures, the poem offers a lighthearted reflection on the diversity of human tastes and the enduring appeal of familiar comforts in an ever-changing world.
