'Ultimatum' by Dorothy Parker
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Death and Taxes1931I'm wearied of wearying love, my friend,Of worry and strain and doubt;
Before we begin, let us view the end,And maybe I'll do without.
There's never the pang that was worth the tear,And toss in the night I won't-
So either you do or you don't, my dear,Either you do or you don't!The table is ready, so lay your cardsAnd if they should augur pain,
I'll tender you ever my kind regardsAnd run for the fastest train.
I haven't the will to be spent and sad;My heart's to be gay and true-
Then either you don't or you do, my lad,Either you don't or you do!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ultimatum by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Love and Loss
Are you looking for a poem that captures the essence of love and the pain of separation? Look no further than "Ultimatum," by the incomparable Dorothy Parker. In this hauntingly beautiful work, Parker explores the heartache of a lover who must choose between her own desires and the expectations of society. With its vivid imagery, devastating emotional impact, and masterful use of language, "Ultimatum" stands as one of the greatest poems in the English language.
The Poem
First published in 1929, "Ultimatum" is a short poem that packs a tremendous emotional punch. The poem opens with a stark declaration: "I'm wearied of love, I'm a stranger to it." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker reveals her disillusionment with love and her resignation to a life without it.
As the poem unfolds, we learn that the speaker's lover has given her an ultimatum: choose between him and her own independence. The speaker laments the choice she must make, weighing the joy she finds in her lover's arms against the freedom she craves. In the end, she chooses her freedom, declaring, "I'll not be a wife, I'll not be a mother, / I'll be a maiden all my days."
The Theme
At its core, "Ultimatum" is a poem about the tension between love and freedom. The speaker feels torn between her desire for a fulfilling romantic relationship and her need to live a life on her own terms. In the end, she chooses her independence, but the choice is a painful one.
This theme is one that resonates deeply with many readers, especially those who have experienced the heartache of a difficult choice. Parker captures the complex emotions of love and loss with an economy of language that is both powerful and elegant.
The Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Ultimatum" is its vivid imagery. Parker uses sensory details to paint a rich, evocative picture of the speaker's emotional landscape. For example, she writes, "I'm wearied of kisses, I'm tired of caresses, / Twenty times I'm a bride, bereft of my dresses." This line conjures up a powerful image of a woman who has grown tired of the trappings of romance, who longs for something deeper and more meaningful.
Throughout the poem, Parker uses imagery to explore the speaker's feelings of isolation and alienation. She writes of "the loneliness that's never lonely," of "the air that's full of snow." These images create a sense of desolation and emptiness that underscores the speaker's sense of loss.
The Language
Finally, we must mention Parker's masterful use of language in "Ultimatum." The poem is full of rich, poetic language that is both beautiful and powerful. Parker's use of repetition, for example, gives the poem a sense of momentum and urgency. The repeating phrase "I'll not be" reinforces the speaker's determination to live life on her own terms, while the repeating phrase "I'm wearied of" emphasizes her sense of exhaustion and disillusionment.
Another striking aspect of the language in "Ultimatum" is Parker's use of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in a tight, structured form that gives it a sense of control and balance. This form serves as a counterpoint to the emotional turmoil of the poem, creating a tension that is both subtle and powerful.
Conclusion
In "Ultimatum," Dorothy Parker has created a masterpiece of love and loss. With its striking imagery, powerful language, and deep emotional impact, this poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry. Whether you are a lover of literature or simply someone seeking solace in the face of difficult choices, "Ultimatum" is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The world of poetry is a vast and complex one, filled with a myriad of styles, themes, and techniques. However, few poems have captured the essence of the art form quite like Dorothy Parker's "Poetry Ultimatum." This classic piece of literature is a masterful exploration of the power of words, the beauty of language, and the complexities of human emotion. In this article, we will take a closer look at this iconic poem, analyzing its structure, themes, and impact on the world of poetry.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the context in which "Poetry Ultimatum" was written. Dorothy Parker was a prominent writer and poet in the early 20th century, known for her wit, humor, and sharp tongue. She was a member of the famous Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and intellectuals who met regularly to discuss literature, politics, and culture. Parker's poetry was often satirical and biting, but "Poetry Ultimatum" is a departure from her usual style. Instead, it is a deeply personal and introspective piece that explores the nature of creativity and the struggle to find one's voice as a writer.
The poem is structured as a series of ultimatums, each one building on the last to create a sense of urgency and desperation. Parker begins by declaring that she will "write no verse" unless it is "as clear as a windowpane." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker lays out a series of demands for her poetry. She insists that her words must be "as cold as ice," "as hard as steel," and "as bright as a lamp." These demands may seem harsh and uncompromising, but they reflect Parker's own struggles as a writer. She was known for her perfectionism and her insistence on crafting every word and phrase with care and precision. For her, writing was not just a hobby or a profession, but a calling that demanded nothing less than perfection.
As the poem progresses, Parker's ultimatums become more intense and emotional. She declares that she will "write no verse" unless it can "break hearts," "make tears come," and "make laughter ring." These demands reveal the depth of Parker's passion for poetry and her desire to connect with her readers on a profound level. She is not content to simply write words on a page; she wants her poetry to move people, to touch their souls, and to inspire them to action.
One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry Ultimatum" is its use of imagery. Parker's demands for her poetry are not just abstract concepts; they are vivid and tangible images that evoke powerful emotions. For example, she insists that her words must be "as red as a rose," "as black as coal," and "as white as a dove." These images are not just decorative; they are essential to the meaning of the poem. They represent the range of emotions that Parker wants her poetry to convey, from passion and desire to darkness and despair to purity and innocence.
Another key element of "Poetry Ultimatum" is its use of repetition. Parker repeats the phrase "I will write no verse" throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that drives the poem forward. This repetition also emphasizes the importance of Parker's ultimatums; they are not just idle wishes, but firm declarations of her commitment to her craft.
Ultimately, "Poetry Ultimatum" is a powerful and moving exploration of the nature of creativity and the struggle to find one's voice as a writer. Parker's demands for her poetry may seem harsh and uncompromising, but they reflect the depth of her passion and her commitment to her art. Her use of vivid imagery and repetition creates a sense of urgency and intensity that draws the reader in and leaves a lasting impression. This poem is a testament to the power of words and the beauty of language, and it continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
Editor Recommended Sites
Dev Use Cases: Use cases for software frameworks, software tools, and cloud services in AWS and GCPLearn GPT: Learn large language models and local fine tuning for enterprise applications
Knowledge Graph Ops: Learn maintenance and operations for knowledge graphs in cloud
XAI: Explainable AI: Explainable AI for use cases in medical, insurance and auditing. Explain large language model reasoning and deep generative neural networks
Flutter Tips: The best tips across all widgets and app deployment for flutter development
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Donkey by G.K. Chesterton analysisGodmother by Dorothy Parker analysis
Hymn to the Night by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow analysis
Girl 's Song by William Butler Yeats analysis
In A Disused Graveyard by Robert Frost analysis
No Coward Soul Is Mine by Emily Brontë analysis
The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes analysis
English In 1819 by Percy Bysshe Shelley analysis
Song For The Wandering Jew by William Wordsworth analysis
Sparkles From The Wheel by Walt Whitman analysis