'Sanctuary' by Dorothy Parker
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Death and Taxes1931My land is bare of chattering folk;The clouds are low along the ridges,
And sweet's the air with curly smokeFrom all my burning bridges.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation and Literary Criticism of "Sanctuary" by Dorothy Parker
As a reader, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and yet deep emotionality of "Sanctuary," a poem by the renowned American writer and critic Dorothy Parker. At just twelve lines, the poem manages to convey a sense of longing, desperation, and ultimately, resignation - all through the metaphor of a bird seeking shelter.
Understanding the Metaphor
The bird in the poem is a clear metaphor for a person who is seeking refuge or respite from the harshness of the world. The bird's wings are described as "weary" and "worn," suggesting that it has been flying for a long time, perhaps trying to escape danger or hardship. The bird's ultimate destination, however, is not freedom or safety, but rather a "sanctuary" - a place of safety and comfort.
This use of the bird as a metaphor is not uncommon in literature. Birds have long been associated with freedom, flight, and the ability to soar above the troubles of the world. However, in "Sanctuary," the bird's flight is not depicted as a joyous or triumphant act, but rather as a weary and desperate one. The bird is not seeking adventure or exploration, but rather a place to rest and find peace.
This interpretation of the bird's flight as a metaphor for the human experience of seeking safety and comfort is reinforced by the poem's use of simple, almost childlike language. The poem's short, straightforward lines and lack of flowery language create a sense of innocence and vulnerability. The bird is not described as powerful or majestic, but rather as tired and in need of help.
Exploring the Themes of Longing and Resignation
At its core, "Sanctuary" is a poem about longing - the longing for safety, comfort, and peace. The bird's flight is driven by this longing, as it seeks out a place where it can finally rest and be free from the hardships of the world. However, the poem also conveys a sense of resignation. The bird's wings are "weary" and "worn," suggesting that it has been flying for a long time and may never find the sanctuary it seeks.
This sense of resignation is reinforced by the poem's final line: "But never, never, never, Has heard the song at night." This line suggests that the bird may never find the sanctuary it seeks, and may never experience the peace and comfort it longs for. The repetition of the word "never" creates a sense of finality and hopelessness, suggesting that the bird's quest for sanctuary may ultimately be futile.
Examining the Use of Repetition
The repetition of the word "never" in the final line of the poem is one of its most striking features. This repetition creates a sense of finality and inevitability, as if the bird's fate is sealed and it will never find the sanctuary it seeks. The repetition of the word "never" also creates a sense of frustration and desperation, as if the bird has tried and failed so many times that it has given up hope.
However, the repetition of the word "never" can also be seen as a form of emphasis. By repeating the word three times, Parker draws our attention to the fact that the bird has never heard the song at night. This creates a sense of anticipation and mystery, as if the song is something special and significant that the bird is missing out on. The repetition of the word "never" also creates a sense of longing and desire, as if the bird is desperate to hear the song but may never get the chance.
Analyzing the Poem's Structure
At just twelve lines, "Sanctuary" is a very short poem. However, its brevity is part of its power. The short, simple lines create a sense of innocence and vulnerability, while the lack of flowery language creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The poem's structure also reinforces its themes of longing and resignation. The bird's flight is depicted as a long, weary journey, while the final line creates a sense of finality and hopelessness.
Conclusion
"Sanctuary" is a powerful poem that uses the metaphor of a bird seeking sanctuary to explore the themes of longing and resignation. Through its use of simple language, repetition, and structure, the poem creates a sense of innocence, vulnerability, and urgency. The poem's final line is particularly striking, as it suggests that the bird may never find the sanctuary it seeks. However, the repetition of the word "never" also creates a sense of anticipation and desire, leaving the reader with a sense of mystery and longing. Overall, "Sanctuary" is a deeply emotional and evocative poem that speaks to the human experience of seeking safety, comfort, and peace.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The world of poetry is a vast and beautiful one, filled with countless masterpieces that have stood the test of time. One such masterpiece is the classic poem "Poetry Sanctuary" by Dorothy Parker. This poem is a true gem of the literary world, and its beauty and power have captivated readers for generations.
At its core, "Poetry Sanctuary" is a poem about the power of poetry itself. Parker uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the idea that poetry is a sanctuary, a safe haven where we can escape from the harsh realities of the world and find solace in the beauty of language.
The poem begins with the line "Oh, let them say that I am wise," which immediately sets the tone for what is to come. Parker is not interested in being seen as wise or knowledgeable in the traditional sense; instead, she is interested in the wisdom that can be found in poetry.
The next few lines of the poem describe the world outside of the sanctuary of poetry. Parker paints a bleak picture of a world filled with "the noise and bustle of the street," where people are "weary with the weight of life." This is a world that is harsh and unforgiving, a world that can wear us down and leave us feeling lost and alone.
But then, in the third stanza, Parker introduces the idea of the poetry sanctuary. She describes it as a place where "the world is quiet here," where we can escape from the noise and chaos of the outside world and find peace in the beauty of language.
The language that Parker uses to describe the poetry sanctuary is truly breathtaking. She speaks of "the softness of the night," and "the gentle rustle of the leaves," creating a sense of calm and tranquility that is truly captivating.
As the poem continues, Parker delves deeper into the idea of the poetry sanctuary. She speaks of the power of poetry to heal and comfort us, saying that "the wounds of life are healed" within its walls. She also speaks of the way that poetry can inspire us and lift us up, saying that "the spirit soars on high."
Throughout the poem, Parker uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the idea that poetry is a sanctuary, a safe haven where we can escape from the harsh realities of the world and find solace in the beauty of language. Her words are both inspiring and comforting, reminding us of the power of poetry to heal and uplift us in even the darkest of times.
In conclusion, "Poetry Sanctuary" is a true masterpiece of the literary world. Its beauty and power have captivated readers for generations, and its message of the power of poetry to heal and uplift us is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone looking for a bit of solace in a harsh and unforgiving world, this poem is sure to speak to your heart and remind you of the beauty and power of language.
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