'The Trifler' by Dorothy Parker
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Enough Rope1925Death's the lover that I'd be taking;
Wild and fickle and fierce is he.
Small's his care if my heart be breaking-
Gay young Death would have none of me.Hear them clack of my haste to greet him!
No one other my mouth had kissed.
I had dressed me in silk to meet him-
False young Death would not hold the tryst.Slow's the blood that was quick and stormy,
Smooth and cold is the bridal bed;
I must wait till he whistles for me-
Proud young Death would not turn his head.I must wait till my breast is wilted.
I must wait till my back is bowed,
I must rock in the corner, jilted-
Death went galloping down the road.Gone's my heart with a trifling rover.
Fine he was in the game he played-
Kissed, and promised, and threw me over,
And rode away with a prettier maid.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Trifler by Dorothy Parker
Introduction
When it comes to literary works, Dorothy Parker is a name that has become synonymous with wit, humor, and a keen sense of observation. Her poetic prowess, in particular, is unrivaled, and one of her most notable works is 'The Trifler.' This poem, published in 1925, is a satirical take on the society women of the time who were more concerned with frivolous pursuits than with making significant contributions to the world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, stylistic devices, and overall message of the poem.
Analysis
Themes
One of the most significant themes in 'The Trifler' is the idea of societal expectations and the pressure it exerts on women to conform. This is evident from the opening lines of the poem, where the speaker laments being forced to participate in a social gathering that holds no interest for her. She talks of the "jewels and junk and jingles" that the other women are enamored with, highlighting the emptiness of their pursuits. This theme is further emphasized in the third stanza, where the speaker alludes to the societal expectation that women should be decorative and submissive, with no intellectual or creative aspirations.
Another significant theme in the poem is the idea of gender roles and the expectations placed on women. The speaker highlights the limitations placed on women, their inability to be taken seriously, and their lack of opportunities for growth and self-fulfillment. The lines, "I can't do anything - except just be glad / That we all have a part in the world to play," highlight the resignation and acceptance of the limited roles they are expected to play.
Stylistic Devices
Dorothy Parker employs various stylistic devices to convey her message in 'The Trifler.' One of these is the use of irony and sarcasm, which are evident throughout the poem. She uses these devices to highlight the absurdity of societal expectations and the conformity demanded of women. For instance, in the line, "The little cares, the pleasant jests, / The meaningless remarks," the speaker is being sarcastic about the emptiness of the conversations they are expected to engage in.
Another stylistic device employed by Parker is the use of imagery. The poem is full of vivid imagery that helps to paint a picture of the social gathering and the women in attendance. The line, "I saw the little ponies, and the traps they set for him," is a striking example of this. Here, the speaker compares the women to little ponies, emphasizing their frivolity and lack of substance.
The use of repetition is also prevalent in the poem. Parker repeats phrases such as "trifles," "little cares," and "meaningless remarks" to emphasize the pointlessness of societal expectations and the trivial pursuits of the women.
Overall Message
'The Trifler' is a satirical take on the societal expectations and limitations imposed on women. Parker uses the poem to highlight the absurdity of these expectations and the emptiness of the pursuits they entail. The message of the poem is that women are capable of much more than just being decorative and submissive. They should be given opportunities to pursue their passions, aspirations, and realize their full potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'The Trifler' is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that highlights the societal expectations and limitations placed on women in the early 20th century. Dorothy Parker employs various stylistic devices such as irony, sarcasm, imagery, and repetition to convey her message effectively. The poem is a call to action for society to recognize and appreciate the potential of women and offer them opportunities for growth and self-fulfillment. The enduring relevance of the poem is a testament to its timeless message and its ability to inspire readers to challenge societal expectations and strive for greater heights.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Trifler: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire
Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, was known for her sharp wit and biting sarcasm. Her poetry, in particular, was a reflection of her unique style, which was characterized by a combination of humor, irony, and satire. One of her most famous poems, The Trifler, is a perfect example of her mastery of these literary devices.
The Trifler is a short poem, consisting of only four stanzas, each with four lines. However, despite its brevity, the poem packs a powerful punch, as it exposes the hypocrisy and shallowness of a certain type of person. The poem's title itself is ironic, as a trifler is someone who is considered to be frivolous and unimportant, yet the poem's subject matter is anything but trivial.
The poem's first stanza sets the tone for what is to come:
"I'm not the type of person who is easily swayed By a charming smile or a clever turn of phrase I'm not impressed by those who put on a show And pretend to be something they're not, you know"
Here, Parker is introducing the reader to the speaker of the poem, who is portrayed as someone who is not easily fooled by superficial charm. The speaker is presented as someone who values authenticity and honesty, and who is not impressed by those who try to put on a façade.
However, the second stanza reveals that the speaker's words are not entirely sincere:
"But there's something about him that I can't resist A certain je ne sais quoi that I just can't dismiss He's not my type, but there's something there That draws me in, and I can't help but care"
Here, the speaker admits that despite her earlier protestations, she is in fact drawn to the very thing she claims to despise. The use of the French phrase "je ne sais quoi" adds to the irony of the situation, as it implies that the speaker cannot quite put her finger on what it is that attracts her to this person.
The third stanza is where the poem's satire really comes to the fore:
"He's a bit of a cad, and he's not very bright But he knows how to charm, and he knows how to fight He's not the kind of man you'd want to marry But he's the kind of man who can be quite merry"
Here, Parker is poking fun at the type of person who is all style and no substance. The man in question is described as a "cad," which is a derogatory term for a man who behaves in an ungentlemanly manner. He is also portrayed as being intellectually lacking, yet he is able to charm and manipulate others. The speaker acknowledges that he is not the type of man one would want to marry, but she also suggests that he is the type of man who can be fun to be around.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close:
"So I'll enjoy his company for a little while And I'll let myself be taken in by his smile But I know that in the end, it won't last For a trifler like him, the die has been cast"
Here, the speaker acknowledges that her attraction to the man is fleeting and that it will not last. She recognizes that he is a "trifler," someone who is not serious or committed, and that his behavior is unlikely to change. The use of the phrase "the die has been cast" implies that the man's fate is sealed, and that he is destined to continue on his current path.
In conclusion, The Trifler is a masterful example of Dorothy Parker's skill as a poet. Through the use of irony and satire, she exposes the hypocrisy and shallowness of a certain type of person, while also acknowledging the allure of their charm. The poem's brevity and simplicity only serve to enhance its impact, as it leaves a lasting impression on the reader long after it has been read.
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