'Sight' by Dorothy Parker

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Death and Taxes1931Unseemly are the open eyesThat watch the midnight sheep,
That look upon the secret skiesNor close, abashed, in sleep;That see the dawn drag in, unbidden,To birth another day-
Oh, better far their gaze were hiddenBelow the decent clay.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Sight by Dorothy Parker

Introduction

Dorothy Parker, an American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and poignant observations about love, life, and society. Her poem "Sight" is a prime example of her brilliance as a writer, with its powerful imagery, lyrical language, and emotional depth. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into Parker's "Sight," exploring its themes, symbols, and meaning, and why it stands as a classic piece of poetry.

Analysis

Structure and Form

First, let's examine the structure and form of "Sight." The poem is composed of three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, giving the poem a musical quality. The poem's meter is iambic tetrameter, with eight syllables per line. The use of this meter creates a flowing, rhythmic quality to the poem, adding to its musicality.

Imagery and Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of "Sight" is the vivid imagery Parker employs. The poem is full of sensory details, which bring to life the speaker's experience of looking at her lover. For example, in the first stanza, Parker writes:

I had never seen a darkness
That had such light in it before,
And looking out, I saw his eyes
Hold moonrise on a lonely shore.

Here, Parker uses the image of moonrise on a lonely shore to describe the beauty and intensity of her lover's eyes. The use of the moon as a symbol of love and romance is a common literary device, but Parker's use of it in this context is particularly effective. The moonrise on a lonely shore creates a sense of longing and melancholy, which serves to heighten the emotional impact of the poem.

Throughout the poem, Parker also employs a number of other symbols to represent the various facets of love and longing. For example, in the second stanza, she writes:

I saw his face, it was my own,
Slipped out of my grasp and gone.

Here, the face represents the speaker's sense of self, which she feels slipping away as she looks at her lover. The image of the face slipping away is both haunting and powerful, and it captures the sense of loss and longing that pervades the poem.

Themes and Meanings

The themes of "Sight" are complex and multi-layered. At its core, the poem is about the intense, sometimes overwhelming emotions that come with falling in love. The speaker is consumed by her desire for her lover and the sense of loss she feels when she is not with him. However, the poem also explores the darker side of love, including jealousy, possessiveness, and the fear of abandonment.

The poem's central theme is the idea of sight, both literal and metaphorical. The speaker is looking at her lover, but she is also seeing him in a deeper sense, beyond his physical appearance. She is seeing into his soul, and in doing so, she is seeing herself. The poem suggests that love is a way of seeing oneself more clearly, of understanding one's own desires and fears.

Interpretation

So what does all of this mean? What is Parker trying to say with "Sight"? On one level, the poem is a celebration of love and the beauty and intensity that it can bring to our lives. The use of vivid imagery and sensory details creates a sense of wonder and awe, reminding us of the magic that can exist in even the most mundane moments.

However, the poem is also a warning about the darker side of love, and the ways in which it can consume us. The speaker's sense of loss and desperation is palpable, and it serves as a reminder that love can be a double-edged sword. It can bring us great joy, but it can also bring us great pain.

Ultimately, "Sight" is a powerful and moving meditation on love and the human experience. It speaks to the universal longing for connection and the ways in which that longing can shape our lives. Parker's deft use of language and imagery creates a sense of intimacy and urgency, drawing the reader into the speaker's world and making us feel her emotions as our own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Sight" is a masterpiece of poetry, full of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and complex themes. It captures the intensity and beauty of falling in love, while also exploring the darker emotions that can come with it. Through the use of a lyrical language and a musical structure, Parker creates a sense of intimacy and urgency, drawing the reader into the speaker's world and making us feel her emotions as our own. "Sight" is a classic piece of poetry that speaks to the universal human experience, and it stands as a testament to Parker's brilliance as a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sight: A Masterpiece by Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker, the American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and satirical writing style. Her poem, "Poetry Sight," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and the art of writing. The poem is a reflection on the beauty and power of poetry, and how it can transport us to another world.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the experience of reading poetry. She says, "In a world of words, / Imagination is king." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it emphasizes the importance of imagination in the world of poetry. The speaker then goes on to describe the power of poetry, saying that it "can make a beggar a king." This line is a testament to the transformative power of poetry, as it can elevate even the lowest of individuals to a position of power and importance.

The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of poetry, saying that it "can make a heart sing." This line is a testament to the emotional impact that poetry can have on us. It can evoke feelings of joy, sadness, love, and hope, and can touch us in a way that few other forms of art can. The speaker then goes on to say that poetry "can make a soul take wing." This line is a testament to the spiritual impact that poetry can have on us. It can lift us up and transport us to another world, where we can experience the beauty and wonder of life in a way that we never thought possible.

The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker acknowledges the difficulty of writing poetry. She says, "But to write a verse / Is harder than it seems." This line is a testament to the skill and talent required to write poetry. It is not something that can be done easily or without effort. It requires a deep understanding of language, form, and structure, as well as a keen sense of creativity and imagination.

The speaker then goes on to describe the process of writing poetry, saying that it "takes a lot of work / And a lot of dreams." This line is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to write poetry. It is not something that can be done overnight or without effort. It requires a lot of hard work and a lot of dreaming, as the poet must constantly strive to improve their craft and create something truly beautiful and meaningful.

The poem then ends with the speaker acknowledging the importance of poetry in our lives. She says, "But when it's done right, / It's like a symphony." This line is a testament to the power and beauty of poetry when it is done well. It can be a symphony of words and emotions, a masterpiece that touches our hearts and souls in a way that few other things can.

In conclusion, "Poetry Sight" is a masterpiece by Dorothy Parker that captures the essence of poetry and the art of writing. It is a reflection on the beauty and power of poetry, and how it can transport us to another world. The poem emphasizes the importance of imagination, the transformative power of poetry, and the emotional and spiritual impact that it can have on us. It also acknowledges the difficulty of writing poetry, and the dedication and perseverance required to create something truly beautiful and meaningful. Overall, "Poetry Sight" is a testament to the power and beauty of poetry, and a reminder of its importance in our lives.

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