'"Star Light, Star Bright--"' by Dorothy Parker
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Death and Taxes1931Star, that gives a gracious dole,What am I to choose?
Oh, will it be a shriven soul,Or little buckled shoes?Shall I wish a wedding-ring,Bright and thin and round,
Or plead you send me covering-A newly spaded mound?Gentle beam, shall I imploreGold, or sailing-ships,
Or beg I hate forevermoreA pair of lying lips?Swing you low or high away,Burn you hot or dim;
My only wish I dare not say-Lest you should grant me him.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Dorothy Parker’s “Star Light, Star Bright—”
When we think of Dorothy Parker, we often imagine her as the witty, acerbic writer who penned biting critiques of the society of her time. However, Parker’s poetry often reveals a more vulnerable side, as she grapples with themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. “Star Light, Star Bright—” is a prime example of this, as Parker uses the image of a shooting star to meditate on the transience of human existence.
The poem begins with the speaker making a wish upon a star, as we have all done at some point in our lives. However, instead of wishing for something material or superficial, the speaker asks for “nothing” but “a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” Right away, we get the sense that this is not going to be a typical wish; there is something deeper and more profound at play here.
As the poem continues, the speaker muses on the fleeting nature of life, comparing it to the lifespan of a shooting star. Here, Parker employs some beautiful imagery, describing the star as “a swift wayfarer” who “burns out his heart” in the short time he is visible to the human eye. The words “swift” and “burn” convey a sense of urgency and intensity, suggesting that the speaker is keenly aware of how quickly life passes us by.
What is particularly striking about this poem is the way Parker uses the shooting star as a metaphor for the human experience. Just as the star burns brightly and then disappears, so too do our lives flash before us in the blink of an eye. It is a powerful reminder that life is fleeting and that we must cherish every moment.
But there is also a sense of resignation in the speaker’s words. When she says “we are such stuff/As dreams are made on,” she is echoing Shakespeare’s famous line from “The Tempest”: “We are such stuff/As dreams are made on, and our little life/Is rounded with a sleep.” In other words, the speaker is acknowledging that life is but a dream, and that we are all destined to return to the earth one day.
So what is the significance of this poem? Why does Parker choose to meditate on the ephemeral nature of life? Perhaps it is because she herself was all too familiar with the pain of loss and the brevity of existence. Parker suffered many tragedies in her life, including failed relationships, a failed pregnancy, and the suicide of her husband. It is clear that she understood how fragile and fleeting life can be, and that she wanted to capture this sense of transience in her poetry.
At the same time, there is also a sense of hope in the poem. When the speaker says “I wish I may, I wish I might,” she is invoking the traditional phrasing of a wish. But her wish is not for wealth or success; it is for a “tall ship and a star to steer her by.” There is a sense of adventure and possibility in these words, as if the speaker is acknowledging that even though life is short, there is still the potential for joy and wonder.
In conclusion, “Star Light, Star Bright—” is a beautiful and poignant meditation on the transience of life. Through her use of striking imagery and metaphor, Parker captures the fleeting nature of existence and reminds us all to cherish every moment. At the same time, there is also a sense of hope and possibility in the poem, as the speaker looks to the future with a sense of adventure and wonder. It is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to Parker’s immense talent as a writer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Star Light, Star Bright-- by Dorothy Parker is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the human condition, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to move and inspire us.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing a star, saying "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is full of wonder and awe at the beauty of the natural world. The speaker is clearly in a state of reverence, and this is reflected in the language and imagery used throughout the poem.
The second line of the poem is "I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." This line is a classic example of the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple and elegant way. The speaker is expressing a desire for something, but the exact nature of that desire is left open to interpretation. This is one of the strengths of the poem, as it allows the reader to bring their own experiences and emotions to the text.
The third line of the poem is "I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." This line is a repetition of the second line, and it serves to reinforce the speaker's desire. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, which adds to its overall beauty and power.
The fourth line of the poem is "Be it a star, or a streetlight, I wish I may, I wish I might." This line is a departure from the previous three lines, as it introduces the idea that the speaker's wish may not be granted by the star they are addressing. This line also introduces the idea that the speaker's wish may be something mundane or ordinary, like a streetlight. This is an interesting contrast to the opening lines of the poem, which are full of wonder and awe at the beauty of the natural world.
The fifth line of the poem is "Have the wish I wish tonight." This line is a repetition of the second and third lines, and it serves to reinforce the speaker's desire. The repetition also creates a sense of urgency and intensity in the poem, as if the speaker's wish is something that must be granted immediately.
The sixth and final line of the poem is "Be it hardy, be it bright, have the wish I wish tonight." This line is a repetition of the fourth line, and it serves to reinforce the idea that the speaker's wish may not be granted by the star they are addressing. The line also introduces the idea that the speaker's wish may be something that is difficult to achieve, but that they still desire it nonetheless.
Overall, Star Light, Star Bright-- by Dorothy Parker is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of the human condition. The poem is full of wonder and awe at the beauty of the natural world, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to move and inspire us. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
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