'Parlez-Vous Francais?' by Delmore Schwartz

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Caesar, the amplifier voice, announces
Crime and reparation. In the barber shop
Recumbent men attend, while absently
The barber doffs the naked face with cream.
Caesar proposes, Caesar promises
Pride, justice, and the sun
Brilliant and strong on everyone,
Speeding one hundred miles an hour across the land:
Caesar declares the will. The barber firmly
Planes the stubble with a steady hand,
While all in barber chairs reclining,
In wet white faces, fully understand
Good and evil, who is Gentile, weakness and command.And now who enters quietly? Who is this one
Shy, pale, and quite abstracted? Who is he?
It is the writer merely, with a three-day beard,
His tiredness not evident. He wears no tie.
And now he hears his enemy and trembles,
Resolving, speaks: "Ecoutez! La plupart des hommes
Vivent des vies de desespoir silenciuex,
Victimes des intentions innombrables. Et ca
Cet homme sait bien. Les mots de cette voix sont
Des songes et des mensonges. Il prend choix,
Il prend la volonte, il porte la fin d'ete.
La guerre. Ecoutez-moi! Il porte la mort."
He stands there speaking and they laugh to hear
Rage and excitement from the foreigner.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Parlez-Vous Francais? A Legendary Poem by Delmore Schwartz

Are you looking for a poem that captures the essence of modernity and the fast-paced world we live in? Do you want to read a poem that speaks to universal human emotions of loneliness, alienation, and disconnection in a captivating and memorable way? Look no further than Delmore Schwartz's iconic poem, "Parlez-Vous Francais?"

In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the world of "Parlez-Vous Francais?" and explore the many intricate layers of meaning and symbolism that make it such a timeless classic. We'll examine the poem's themes, structure, language, and imagery to gain a deeper understanding of what makes it such an important work of modern poetry.

Background

Before we begin our analysis, it's important to provide a bit of context about both the poem and the poet. "Parlez-Vous Francais?" was written by Delmore Schwartz, a celebrated American poet, and short-story writer who lived from 1913 to 1966. Schwartz was a key figure in the New York literary scene of the 1950s and 1960s, and his work has been widely praised for its psychological depth, emotional intensity, and innovative use of language.

"Parlez-Vous Francais?" was first published in 1938 in the literary magazine, Partisan Review. At the time of its publication, Schwartz was only 25 years old, but he was already gaining a reputation as an up-and-coming literary talent. The poem was later included in Schwartz's first collection of poetry, In Dreams Begin Responsibilities, which was published in 1938.

Themes

"Parlez-Vous Francais?" is a poem that touches on a variety of themes that are still relevant today. One of the central themes of the poem is the experience of loneliness and alienation that many people feel in a world that is increasingly fast-paced and disconnected. The speaker of the poem is searching for connection and meaning in a world where everything seems to be slipping away.

Another important theme of the poem is the role of language in our lives. The title of the poem, "Parlez-Vous Francais?" translates to "Do you speak French?" The question of language use is a recurring theme throughout the poem, as the speaker questions the meaning and purpose of language in a world that seems to be losing touch with its roots.

Finally, "Parlez-Vous Francais?" is a poem about memory and nostalgia. The speaker of the poem is looking back on the past, trying to make sense of how things have changed and why. The poem is filled with vivid images of childhood and youth, as well as social and cultural events that have shaped the speaker's identity.

Structure

The structure of "Parlez-Vous Francais?" is deceptively simple. The poem consists of five stanzas, each consisting of three lines. The lines are short and often fragmented, giving the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter.

Despite its simplicity, the structure of the poem contributes significantly to its overall meaning. The short lines and fragmented structure of the poem mirror the speaker's sense of disconnection and fragmentation. The lack of a set rhyme or meter gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, reflecting the speaker's search for meaning and connection in a world that is constantly changing.

Language

The language of "Parlez-Vous Francais?" is both poetic and conversational. The poem is filled with vivid imagery that captures the sensory experience of the world around us. At the same time, the language of the poem is simple and direct, reflecting the speaker's attempt to connect with the reader on a personal level.

One of the most striking aspects of the language in "Parlez-Vous Francais?" is its use of repetition. Throughout the poem, certain words and phrases are repeated, creating a sense of rhythm and pattern. For example, the phrase "Do you remember" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme of memory and nostalgia.

Imagery

The imagery in "Parlez-Vous Francais?" is both rich and varied, capturing the essence of the world around us in vivid detail. The poem is filled with sensory images of the natural world, as well as cultural and historical events that have shaped our world.

One of the most powerful images in the poem is the image of the stars. The speaker of the poem looks up at the stars and feels a sense of awe and wonder at the vastness of the universe. This image reflects the speaker's sense of disconnection and alienation from the world around him, as he struggles to make sense of his place in the world.

Another powerful image in the poem is the image of the city. The speaker describes the city as a "wilderness of people," highlighting the sense of isolation and disconnection that many people feel in urban environments. This image is particularly relevant today, as more and more people are moving to cities and experiencing the challenges of urban life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Parlez-Vous Francais?" is a powerful and enduring work of modern poetry that speaks to universal human emotions and experiences. The poem's themes of loneliness, alienation, and disconnection are still relevant today, as we struggle to make sense of our place in a fast-paced and ever-changing world.

The structure, language, and imagery of the poem all contribute to its overall meaning, capturing the essence of the world around us in vivid detail. Through its use of repetition, imagery, and sensory detail, "Parlez-Vous Francais?" invites the reader to think deeply about the role of language, memory, and nostalgia in our lives.

Overall, "Parlez-Vous Francais?" is a must-read for anyone interested in modern poetry and the human experience. Delmore Schwartz's masterful use of language, imagery, and structure make this poem a true classic of modern literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Parlez-Vous Francais? is a classic poem written by Delmore Schwartz, an American poet, and short story writer. The poem was first published in 1938 and has since become a staple in the world of poetry. It is a poem that explores the complexities of language and the power of words.

The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This allows the poet to express himself freely and to experiment with different forms of language. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different theme.

The first stanza of the poem is an introduction to the theme of language. The poet asks the reader if they speak French, and if they do, he asks them to speak it to him. He then goes on to say that he does not speak French, but he wishes he did. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the power of language and the desire to communicate.

The second stanza of the poem explores the idea of language as a means of communication. The poet talks about how language can be used to express love, hate, joy, and sorrow. He also talks about how language can be used to deceive and manipulate. This stanza is a reminder that language is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil.

The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the limitations of language. The poet talks about how language can never fully express the depth of human emotion. He also talks about how language can be a barrier to communication, as different languages can create misunderstandings and confusion. This stanza is a reminder that language is not a perfect tool, and that there are limitations to what it can do.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The poet urges the reader to use language to connect with others and to express themselves. He talks about how language can be used to create beauty and to inspire others. This stanza is a reminder that language is a powerful tool that can be used to make a difference in the world.

Overall, Poetry Parlez-Vous Francais? is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of language and the power of words. It is a reminder that language is not just a means of communication, but also a tool for self-expression and connection. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to use language to create beauty and to make a difference in the world.

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