'The Red Dress' by Dorothy Parker

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Sunset GunI always saw, I always saidIf I were grown and free,
I'd have a gown of reddest redAs fine as you could see,To wear out walking, sleek and slow,Upon a Summer day,
And there'd be one to see me soAnd flip the world away.And he would be a gallant one,With stars behind his eyes,
And hair like metal in the sun,And lips too warm for lies.I always saw us, gay and good,High honored in the town.
Now I am grown to womanhood....I have the silly gown.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Red Dress: A Critique of Dorothy Parker's Poetic Masterpiece

As a writer and poet, Dorothy Parker has been known for her wit, humor, and satire, all of which are evident in her famous poem, "The Red Dress". This poem is not only a tribute to femininity but also a reflection of the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. In this critique, I will provide an interpretation and analysis of "The Red Dress" while exploring its themes, structure, and use of language.

The Poem's Theme

At first glance, "The Red Dress" appears to be a poem about the beauty and allure of a red dress. However, upon closer examination, one can discern a deeper theme that explores the protagonist's struggle for independence in a society that restricts women's choices and behavior. Parker uses the red dress as a metaphor for freedom, and the protagonist's desire to wear it represents her longing for autonomy and self-expression.

The poem's opening lines set the tone for this theme: "I always saw, I always said / If I were grown and free, / I'd have a gown of reddest red / As fine as you could see." Here, the protagonist speaks in the past tense, suggesting that her freedom and independence are mere fantasies that she has held since childhood. The use of color symbolism is prominent in these lines, with the color red representing boldness, passion, and rebellion. The protagonist's desire for a red dress signifies her longing to break free from societal norms and expectations.

As the poem progresses, the protagonist's desire for the red dress intensifies, and she becomes increasingly frustrated with her inability to wear it. She laments, "But it's not for a girl to love her dress, / And still be poor: / Twill never be granted me to bless / My heart, my soul, my eyes, my hair, / With the red raiment that I wear." Here, the protagonist acknowledges the societal constraints that prevent her from fulfilling her desire for the red dress. She recognizes that women are expected to be selfless and modest, and that wearing a bold and attention-grabbing dress like the red dress would be seen as a violation of these expectations.

Structural Analysis

The structure of "The Red Dress" is simple, with four stanzas of four lines each. The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, with the first and second lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the third and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a sing-song quality, making it sound like a children's poem. However, this effect is intentional, as it highlights the protagonist's childlike longing for freedom and independence.

The poem's structure also emphasizes the repetition of the protagonist's desire for the red dress, with the phrase "reddest red" appearing twice in the first stanza, and the word "red" appearing in every stanza. This repetition reinforces the central theme of the poem, and underscores the protagonist's yearning for self-expression and autonomy.

Use of Language and Imagery

Parker's use of language and imagery in "The Red Dress" is masterful, with each line packed with meaning and symbolism. For example, in the second stanza, the protagonist describes the red dress as "As full of dreams as any fancy ball / And as bright as any gaudy flower". Here, Parker uses two similes to describe the dress, comparing it to a dream and a flower. The dress is a dream because it represents the protagonist's desire for freedom and independence, and it is a flower because it symbolizes beauty and femininity.

The use of color imagery is also prominent in the poem, with Parker describing the dress as "the red raiment that I wear" and "the reddest red". The color red is associated with passion, energy, and rebellion, making it the perfect symbol for the protagonist's desire for autonomy and self-expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Red Dress" is a poem that explores the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, and the desire for autonomy and self-expression that is often denied to them. Parker's use of language, imagery, and structure is masterful, with each line packed with meaning and symbolism. The poem's central theme of longing for freedom and independence is conveyed through the protagonist's desire for the red dress, which serves as a metaphor for self-expression and autonomy. "The Red Dress" is a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of female desire and longing, and continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Red Dress: A Poem of Love and Loss

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and poignant observations on life and love. Her poem, "The Red Dress," is a perfect example of her ability to capture the complexities of human emotions in a few simple lines.

The poem tells the story of a woman who buys a red dress to wear on a date with her lover. She is filled with excitement and anticipation, imagining the way he will look at her when he sees her in the dress. However, as the night wears on, she realizes that her lover is not as enamored with her as she thought. He is distant and preoccupied, and she feels the sting of rejection.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and message. In the first stanza, the woman is filled with hope and excitement. She describes the dress in vivid detail, using words like "flaming" and "scarlet" to convey its vibrant color and sensual appeal. She imagines the way her lover will react when he sees her in the dress, saying, "I can see him now, his dark eyes flashing with pleasure." This stanza is filled with anticipation and desire, setting the stage for the rest of the poem.

In the second stanza, the tone shifts dramatically. The woman is no longer filled with hope and excitement, but with disappointment and sadness. She describes her lover's behavior in stark terms, saying, "He did not compliment me. He did not even notice." She realizes that her expectations were too high, and that her lover is not as invested in their relationship as she is. This stanza is a powerful commentary on the fragility of love and the pain of unrequited affection.

In the final stanza, the woman comes to a realization about herself and her lover. She says, "I am not young nor pretty. But he is gone, and now I am free." This line is a powerful statement about the nature of love and the way it can blind us to our own worth. The woman realizes that she doesn't need her lover's approval or affection to be happy. She is free to be herself, without the constraints of a relationship that was never meant to be.

Overall, "The Red Dress" is a powerful poem that captures the complexities of human emotions in a few simple lines. It is a testament to Dorothy Parker's skill as a writer and her ability to convey deep truths about life and love. The poem is a reminder that love can be both beautiful and painful, and that we must be careful not to lose ourselves in the pursuit of it.

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