The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Page three

"A Hitchhiker's Guide to Surviving Vogon Poetry: An Ultimate
 Overview"
-------
**Overview**
It is universally acknowledged that Vogon poetry is, without a shadow
 of a doubt, the third worst in the universe. The very contemplation of
 listening to this form of poetry has been known to induce a deep
 existential dread in all but the stoutest of beings across the galaxy.
 Below, we aim to educate the would-be traveler on the nuances of this
 ghastly art form, so they may avoid inadvertent exposure or at the
 very least be prepared for its assault on the senses.
**Origins**
The origins of Vogon poetry are as murky and displeasing as the verse
 itself. The Vogons, primarily known across the galaxy for their
 bureaucratic rigidity, inexplicable love for paperwork, and a
 predisposition towards galactic development (which often involves
 demolishing perfectly good planets), have also carved out an infamous
 niche in the universe's cultural panorama with their poetry.
**Characteristics**
The hallmark of Vogon poetry is its brutal assault on syntax, meter,
 and every known poetic technique. It is often characterized by the
 following:
- **Pointless verbosity**: A never-ending barrage of words that, upon
 closer inspection, might seem to imply deep existential quandaries but
 more often result in the listener questioning their will to exist.
- **Ruthless disregard for rhyme or rhythm**: Any semblance of
 structure in Vogon verse is purely coincidental and, some argue, a
 sign of the poet's failure.
- **Unholy imagery**: Expect references to the Vogon's own bodily
 functions, odors, or the color of their bureaucrat's uniforms, which
 are as dull and oppressive as their poetry.
**Famous Works**
Among the most notorious works, we find "Ode to a Small Lump of
 Green Putty I Found in My Armpit One Midsummer Morning" and
 "My Favourite Bathtime Gurgles," both of which are capable
 of inducing a comatose state in even the most resilient of listeners.
**Survival Tips**
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of being
 subjected to a live Vogon poetry recitation, here are some strategies
 to preserve your sanity:
 
1. **Mental Disengagement**: Attempt to think about literally anything
 else. Reciting the prime numbers backwards, planning your escape from
 the Vogon ship, or pondering the ingredients of a Pan Galactic Gargle
 Blaster are all viable strategies.
  
2. **Physical Preparedness**: Earplugs may offer some defense, though
 the sheer force of Vogon oratory has been known to render them
 ineffective. Mental fortitude and a strong stomach are your best
 allies.
   
3. **Polite Applause**: If escape or mental disassociation is not an
 option, remember that Vogons are incredibly sensitive about their
 poetry. Polite applause may prevent them from throwing you out of the
 airlock.
**Conclusion**
Vogon poetry remains a deeply entrenched part of Vogon culture, its
 standing as the third worst in the universe unchallenged. Should you
 survive an encounter with it, you ll join the ranks of those few
 across the galaxy who can claim to have endured one of the universe's
 most torturous experiences. In the grand tradition of the Hitchhiker's
 Guide to the Galaxy, the best advice we can offer is: Don't Panic and
 carry a towel. You never know when you might need it to muffle the
 sound.


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