'The Immortals' by Dorothy Parker
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Enough Rope1925If you should sail for Trebizond, or die,
Or cry another name in your first sleep,
Or see me board a train, and fail to sigh,
Appropriately, I'd clutch my breast and weep.
And you, if I should wander through the door,
Or sin, or seek a nunnery, or save
My lips and give my cheek, would tread the floor
And aptly mention poison and the grave.Therefore the mooning world is gratified,
Quoting how prettily we sigh and swear;
And you and I, correctly side by side,
Shall live as lovers when our bones are bare
And though we lie forever enemies,
Shall rank with Abelard and Heloise.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Immortals by Dorothy Parker: A Critical Interpretation
Dorothy Parker's "The Immortals" is a poem that exudes both cynicism and wit. The poem is a commentary on the hyperbolic nature of our society's obsession with immortality. The poem's title is an ironic nod to the idea that those who are deemed "immortals" may not necessarily deserve such a title.
Analysis of the Poem's Structure
The poem is composed of three stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's structure is consistent, and this consistency serves to enhance the poem's message.
The poem's first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The opening line, "When I die," is a stark reminder of the poem's theme. The speaker is acknowledging their own mortality, which sets the stage for the rest of the poem's commentary.
The second stanza is where Parker's wit truly shines. She lists a number of "immortal" figures from history, such as Napoleon and Shakespeare. However, Parker's descriptions of these figures are far from flattering. She describes Napoleon as a "tiny man" and Shakespeare as a "bard of little worth." These descriptions are a direct contrast to the way these figures are typically portrayed in our society.
The final stanza is where the poem's cynicism truly comes to a head. Parker states that "all the greats are dead and gone," which is a scathing commentary on society's obsession with celebrity culture. The final line of the poem, "And you and I are sure to die," is a somber reminder of our own mortality.
Interpretation of the Poem's Message
The poem's message is clear: society's obsession with immortality is misguided. Parker is pointing out that those who are deemed "immortals" are often not deserving of such a title. She is also commenting on the way that our society tends to idolize and romanticize historical figures, without taking their flaws and shortcomings into account.
Parker's use of irony and sarcasm is what makes this poem so effective. By listing historical figures and then giving them less-than-flattering descriptions, Parker is pointing out that our society's obsession with immortality is often based on shallow and misguided notions.
The final stanza is where Parker's message really hits home. By pointing out that "all the greats are dead and gone," Parker is reminding us that even those who are deemed "immortal" will eventually die. It's a sobering thought, but it's also a reminder that we should focus on living our lives to the fullest, rather than obsessing over our legacy.
Analysis of the Poem's Language and Tone
Parker's use of language in this poem is incredibly effective. She uses simple, straightforward language to convey complex ideas. The poem's tone is cynical, but there is also a sense of resignation to it. Parker is acknowledging the flaws in our society's obsession with immortality, but she is also acknowledging that it's a difficult thing to change.
The poem's use of irony and sarcasm is what makes it so effective. By listing historical figures and then giving them less-than-flattering descriptions, Parker is pointing out the flaws in our society's obsession with immortality.
Conclusion
Overall, "The Immortals" is a powerful poem that serves as a commentary on our society's obsession with immortality. Parker's use of irony and sarcasm is what makes the poem so effective, and her straightforward language and consistent structure serve to enhance the poem's message. The poem is a reminder that we should focus on living our lives to the fullest, rather than obsessing over our legacy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Immortals: A Timeless Poem by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical works that often reflect the social and cultural norms of her time. One of her most famous poems, "The Immortals," is a timeless piece that explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and explore how Parker's use of language and imagery creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature.
The poem begins with a stark and sobering statement: "In youth, it was a way I had, to do my best to please." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker reflects on the transience of youth and the inevitability of death. The use of the word "had" suggests that the speaker is no longer young, and that the actions they took in their youth were motivated by a desire to please others. This idea is reinforced in the next line, where Parker writes, "And change, with every passing lad, to suit his theories."
Here, Parker is commenting on the fickle nature of youth and the tendency to change oneself to fit in with others. The use of the word "lad" suggests that the speaker is referring to romantic relationships, and the idea that they would change themselves to suit the desires of their partner. This is a common theme in Parker's work, as she often critiques the societal pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty and behavior.
The next stanza continues this theme, as Parker writes, "But now I know the things I know, and do the things I do; and if you do not like me so, to hell, my love, with you!" Here, the speaker is asserting their independence and rejecting the idea that they need to please others in order to be accepted. The use of the phrase "to hell, my love, with you!" is particularly striking, as it suggests a sense of defiance and rebellion against societal norms.
The third stanza takes a darker turn, as Parker writes, "I am the bane of all good men, the shadow of the sun; As I have lived, so shall I die, by the sword, or else undone." Here, the speaker is acknowledging their own mortality and the fact that they will eventually die. The use of the phrase "the bane of all good men" suggests that the speaker is seen as a threat or a danger to those around them, while the phrase "the shadow of the sun" suggests a sense of insignificance or unimportance in the grand scheme of things.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Parker writes, "And some will say, 'What's now to fear? What's now to weep or pray? I've seen the end of all that was; and the beginning of what will be.'" Here, the speaker is reflecting on the idea that death is inevitable and that there is no point in fearing it or mourning its arrival. The use of the phrase "the end of all that was" suggests a sense of finality and closure, while the phrase "the beginning of what will be" suggests a sense of continuity and the idea that life will go on after death.
Overall, "The Immortals" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Parker's use of language and imagery creates a vivid and evocative picture of the human experience, and her commentary on societal norms and expectations is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, "The Immortals" is a timeless piece that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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