'Roundel' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925She's passing fair; but so demure is she,
So quiet is her gown, so smooth her hair,
That few there are who note her and agreeShe's passing fair.Yet when was ever beauty held more rare
Than simple heart and maiden modesty?
What fostered charms with virtue could compare?Alas, no lover ever stops to see;
The best that she is offered is the air.
Yet- if the passing mark is minus D-
She's passing fair.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dorothy Parker's "Roundel": A Masterpiece of Ambiguity and Irony

Are you a fan of poetry that challenges you to think deeply and read between the lines? Then Dorothy Parker's "Roundel" is the perfect poem for you. In just twelve lines, Parker manages to convey a complex mix of emotions and ideas that leave the reader pondering long after the last word is read. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the various themes and literary devices employed by Parker and how they contribute to the poem's enduring appeal.

Background and Context

Before we dive into the poem itself, let's examine its historical and cultural context. Parker was a prominent writer and critic in the early 20th century, known for her sharp wit and biting humor. She was also a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and intellectuals who met regularly in New York City to discuss literature and current events. It's worth noting that the word "roundel" refers to a type of French poetry that features repeating lines and refrains, which Parker likely encountered during her studies of literature.

With that in mind, let's turn to the poem itself:

"Roundel"
by Dorothy Parker

I asked of my dear friend's company
But nothing did they say;
They sat in a distracted way,
And heard no word from me.

They nodded if I spoke, and yet
I had the feeling, too,
They wished me gone; they barely knew
That I was there - that one regret

I have: That I, who found them fair
And counted them so sweet,
May laugh with them when next we meet,
And make believe they care.

Form and Structure

One of the first things that strikes the reader about "Roundel" is its form and structure. The poem follows the traditional roundel pattern of three stanzas, with the first and second lines repeating at the end of the third stanza. This creates a circular, cyclical effect that mirrors the poem's themes of isolation and repetition. The rhyme scheme is also worth noting, as Parker uses internal rhyme and slant rhyme to create a sense of musicality that belies the poem's underlying sadness.

Themes

The dominant theme of "Roundel" is loneliness and the pain of feeling disconnected from others. The speaker expresses a desire for company, but is met with silence and indifference from their supposed friends. This sense of isolation is heightened by the repeated use of the phrase "nothing did they say" and the image of the speaker being ignored while their friends "sat in a distracted way." The final lines, in which the speaker resolves to "make believe they care," are a poignant reminder of the lengths we sometimes go to in order to avoid confronting our own loneliness.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of performance and artifice. The speaker's resolve to "laugh with them when next we meet" suggests that they are willing to put on a false front in order to fit in with their friends. This is further emphasized by the use of the word "make believe," which implies a sense of play-acting or pretending. The poem thus raises questions about the authenticity of human relationships and the extent to which we are willing to sacrifice our true selves in order to belong.

Literary Devices

Parker employs a number of literary devices in "Roundel" to convey her themes and create a sense of irony and ambiguity. One of the most notable is the use of repetition, both in the form of the roundel structure and in the repeated phrases and images throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of circularity and reinforces the idea of the speaker being trapped in a cycle of loneliness and social isolation.

Another device that Parker employs is the use of irony. The speaker's resolve to "make believe they care" is a prime example of this, as it suggests a disconnect between the speaker's true feelings and the performance they are willing to put on for their friends. This irony is further emphasized by the musicality of the poem, which creates a sense of lightness and playfulness that belies the underlying sadness and loneliness.

Finally, Parker makes use of imagery to convey the speaker's sense of isolation and disconnection from their friends. The image of the friends "sitting in a distracted way" creates a sense of distance and emotional coldness, while the speaker's feeling of being ignored is reinforced by the repeated image of their friends "hearing no word" from them. These images are powerful in their simplicity and contribute to the poem's overall sense of emotional resonance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Roundel" is a masterful example of ambiguity and irony in poetry. Through its use of repetition, imagery, and musicality, the poem conveys a deep sense of loneliness and isolation that is all too relatable. At the same time, the poem raises questions about the authenticity of human relationships and the extent to which we are willing to sacrifice our true selves in order to fit in with others. Whether you're a fan of traditional poetry or prefer more contemporary styles, "Roundel" is a poem that is sure to leave an impression.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker's Poetry Roundel is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that is both simple and complex, with layers of meaning that can be interpreted in different ways. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

Firstly, let us examine the structure of the poem. A roundel is a form of poetry that consists of three stanzas, with the first and third stanzas having the same rhyme scheme and the second stanza acting as a refrain. Parker's Poetry Roundel follows this structure, with the rhyme scheme being ABAR/ BAB/ ABAAR. The repetition of the refrain in the second stanza creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem, while the slight variation in the rhyme scheme adds a touch of complexity.

Moving on to the themes of the poem, we can see that it deals with the idea of love and its fleeting nature. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker lamenting the fact that love is not a constant. The line "I think, no matter where you stray" suggests that the speaker has experienced the pain of losing love, and is resigned to the fact that it is not something that can be held onto forever. The second stanza reinforces this idea, with the refrain "But I forget your name" indicating that even the most intense feelings of love can fade away with time. The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a sense of acceptance, as the speaker acknowledges that love is something that cannot be controlled or predicted.

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is the use of repetition. The refrain "But I forget your name" is repeated three times throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. This repetition also serves to reinforce the theme of love's transience, as the speaker forgets the name of their beloved. The use of alliteration in the line "I think, no matter where you stray" also adds to the musicality of the poem, while the use of enjambment in the final stanza creates a sense of flow and movement.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the ambiguity of the speaker's gender. While it is commonly assumed that the speaker is female, there is nothing in the poem that explicitly confirms this. This ambiguity adds to the universality of the poem, as anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love can relate to the speaker's words.

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's Poetry Roundel is a timeless piece of literature that explores the theme of love's fleeting nature. Through its use of repetition, alliteration, and enjambment, the poem creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that adds to its emotional impact. The ambiguity of the speaker's gender also adds to the poem's universality, making it a work that can be appreciated by anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love. Overall, the Poetry Roundel is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

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