Appreciation

This satirical poem ‘Nose versus Eyes’ by William Cowper is a take on the judiciary system. It also
mocks at the stone blind justice in a humorous manner emphasising upon the lack of empathy and
common sense.

The poet William Cooper was one of the most popular 18th century English poets and composers of
hymns. His poems deal with Nature and everyday life. He is aptly described by Samuel T. Coleridge
as the ‘Best Modern Poet’ of his times.

The theme of the poem revolves around the proceedings of a court where judgment is passed
without considering the practicality and logic of the whole case. The poet indirectly hinted towards
the poor discernment of the judiciary system.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is ‘abab’ which makes the poem flow aesthetically. There are quite a
number of literary devises used in the poem like Imagery, Simile, Personification, and Inversion.
Inversion has been used throughout the poem to maintain the rhyming pattern and give poetic
effect to it. For example- “The point in dispute was, as all the world knows”, “On the whole it
appears, and my argument shows.” Cooper had beautifully personified the eyes, nose, and tongue.
Poet had assigned each of the organs some human roles, which added jest to the poetry. For
example- “So Tongue was the lawyer, and argued the cause”, “While Chief Baron Ear sat to balance
the laws, So famed for his talent in nicely discerning.”

Though the poem is a mock on the legal system and judiciary, but it gives a deep message as well
that hoe important it is to carry the legal proceedings carefully and how a wrong decree can result in
a lifetimeloss. The poem also brings forth the non-success of the judiciary system in delivering the
apt justice. The irony of the poem is that the judgment was announced in favour of the nose, who
actually had no use of the spectacle and who actually needs the specs, the eyes, were asked to shut,
when it is been worn by someone. If the eyes will remain close, what will be the use of wearing
spectacles?

Overall the poem is a fun satirical poem but if the readers read it on a serious note they will
understand the depth within.