'Rondeau Redoublé' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1926[and scarcely worth the trouble, at that]The same to me are somber days and gay.Though Joyous dawns the rosy morn, and bright,
Because my dearest love is gone awayWithin my heart is melancholy night.My heart beats low in loneliness, despiteThat riotous Summer holds the earth in sway.
In cerements my spirit is bedight;The same to me are somber days and gay.Though breezes in the rippling grasses play,And waves dash high and far in glorious might,
I thrill no longer to the sparkling day,Though joyous dawns the rosy morn, and bright.Ungraceful seems to me the swallow's flight;As well might heaven's blue be sullen gray;
My soul discerns no beauty in their sightBecause my dearest love is gone away.Let roses fling afar their crimson spray,And virgin daisies splash the fields with white,
Let bloom the poppy hotly as it may,Within my heart is melancholy night.And this, O love, my pitiable plightWhenever from my circling arms you stray;
This little world of mine has lost its light....I hope to God, my dear, that you can sayThe same to me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dorothy Parker's Rondeau Redoublé: A Masterpiece of Witty Irony

Dorothy Parker was one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, known for her sharp wit and biting commentary on love, sex, and society. Her poem "Rondeau Redoublé" is a brilliant example of her unique style, which blends satire, irony, and humor to create a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

At its core, "Rondeau Redoublé" is a love poem, but it is far from a traditional ode to romance. Instead, Parker uses the form of the rondeau redoublé, a complex French poetic form, as a vehicle for her biting social commentary. The poem is structured around the repetition of a series of refrains, which are woven together in a complex pattern that creates a sense of circularity and inevitability. This structure is mirrored in the content of the poem, which explores the cyclical nature of love and relationships, as well as the power dynamics that often underlie them.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring "I think I have never been in love," a line that immediately establishes the poem's ironic tone. The speaker goes on to list a series of romantic clichés, such as "I have seen roses damasked, red and white," and "I have heard songs that were sad and tender." These lines are clearly intended to be tongue-in-cheek, as the speaker makes it clear that they do not actually believe in these romantic tropes.

From there, the poem takes on a more serious tone, as the speaker discusses the power dynamics that often underlie romantic relationships. The refrain "But I never loved a man as much as this" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The speaker describes the ways in which they are controlled and manipulated by their lover, noting that "He will not change, nor yet will I / Until this last long hour is gone." This line is a powerful commentary on the ways in which people often stay in unhealthy relationships out of a sense of loyalty or obligation, even when they know that they should leave.

The poem continues in this vein, exploring the complex emotions that accompany love and the ways in which relationships can be both rewarding and destructive. The final stanza, which repeats the refrain "But I never loved a man as much as this" three times, creates a sense of finality and closure. The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging the inevitability of their love, even as they recognize the flaws and limitations of their relationship.

Overall, "Rondeau Redoublé" is a masterpiece of ironic wit and social commentary. Through its complex structure and biting commentary, Parker creates a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to Parker's unique voice and her ability to use humor and satire to explore complex social issues. It is a work that remains relevant and insightful to this day, and is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to speak truth to power.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and her poem "Rondeau Redoublé" is a true masterpiece. This classic poem is a perfect example of Parker's wit, humor, and mastery of form. In this analysis, we will explore the structure, themes, and literary devices used in this poem.

First, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. "Rondeau Redoublé" is a form of rondeau, a French poetic form consisting of 13 lines. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of five lines, the second stanza consisting of four lines, and the final stanza consisting of four lines. The first line of the first stanza is repeated as the last line of the second and third stanzas, while the second line of the first stanza is repeated as the last line of the first and third stanzas. The third and fourth lines of the first stanza are repeated as the second and fourth lines of the second and third stanzas, respectively. Finally, the fifth line of the first stanza is repeated as the third line of the second and third stanzas.

The repetition of these lines creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem. It also emphasizes the central theme of the poem, which is the speaker's desire to be remembered after death. The repetition of the first line, "When I am dead, my dearest," creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking from beyond the grave. The repetition of the second line, "Sing no sad songs for me," reinforces the speaker's desire to be remembered in a positive light, rather than mourned.

The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus from the speaker's death to the speaker's life. The speaker asks that no one "plant thou no roses at my head," suggesting that she does not want to be remembered with traditional symbols of mourning. Instead, she asks that "be the green grass above me / With showers and dewdrops wet," suggesting that she wants to be remembered with natural, life-affirming imagery.

The final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of the speaker's death, with the repetition of the first line and the final plea for remembrance. The speaker asks that her loved ones "remember not my name," but rather "forget the steps I took / Along the road I trod." This suggests that the speaker does not want to be remembered for her accomplishments or achievements, but rather for the person she was and the love she shared.

Throughout the poem, Parker uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the themes and structure of the poem. One of the most notable devices is the use of paradox. The speaker asks that no sad songs be sung for her, but also asks that she be remembered after death. This creates a paradoxical tension between the desire for remembrance and the desire to avoid sadness and mourning.

Parker also uses imagery to reinforce the themes of the poem. The image of the green grass and dewdrops in the second stanza suggests new life and growth, while the image of the road in the final stanza suggests the journey of life. These images create a sense of continuity and connection between life and death, reinforcing the idea that the speaker's memory will live on even after she is gone.

Finally, Parker's use of language and tone is masterful throughout the poem. The poem is written in a conversational tone, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the poem and making them feel as if they are a part of the speaker's life and death. Parker's use of humor and wit also adds depth and complexity to the poem, creating a sense of irony and ambiguity that keeps the reader engaged and interested.

In conclusion, "Rondeau Redoublé" is a true masterpiece of poetry. Through its structure, themes, and literary devices, Parker creates a powerful and moving meditation on life, death, and remembrance. The poem's use of repetition, paradox, imagery, and language all work together to create a sense of unity and coherence, while also adding depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, "Rondeau Redoublé" is a testament to Parker's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in a single work of art.

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