'Résumé' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1926Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Résumé" by Dorothy Parker: A Deep Dive into the Human Condition

When one thinks of poetry, they might picture flowery language, grandiose imagery, and lofty themes. However, in Dorothy Parker's "Poetry, Résumé," she presents a different kind of poetry, one that speaks to the everyday struggles and disappointments of the human condition. Through her witty and sharp language, Parker captures the essence of what it means to live and love in a world that often falls short of our expectations.

The Poem's Structure and Form

Before we delve into the poem's themes and meanings, let's take a closer look at its structure and form. "Poetry, Résumé" is a short and simple poem, with only six stanzas and twelve lines in total. Each stanza consists of two rhyming couplets, which gives the poem a singsong quality, almost like a nursery rhyme. However, this playful structure belies the poem's underlying darkness and cynicism.

The poem's title, "Poetry, Résumé," is also significant. The word "résumé" suggests a list of accomplishments or qualifications, something that one might submit when applying for a job. In this context, Parker seems to be presenting a "résumé" of her own poetic career, highlighting the themes and experiences that have shaped her work.

The Themes of the Poem

The poem's central theme is the search for love and meaning in a world that often seems cruel and indifferent. Parker begins the poem by stating, "Razors pain you; / Rivers are damp; / Acids stain you; / And drugs cause cramp." These lines are a kind of litany of the various things that can cause us pain and discomfort in life. However, Parker doesn't stop there. She goes on to say, "Guns aren't lawful; / Nooses give; / Gas smells awful; / You might as well live."

This final line, "You might as well live," is the crux of the poem. It's a kind of resignation to the fact that life is hard and often painful, but that we must keep going anyway. This sentiment is echoed in the poem's final stanza, where Parker writes, "But they forget, / Eye, nose and throat; / The vulnerable softness / In which it all is writ."

Here, Parker is reminding us that despite the harshness of the world, we are still vulnerable and soft, and that this vulnerability is what makes life worth living. This theme of vulnerability is also present in the poem's second stanza, where Parker writes, "Men seldom make passes / At girls who wear glasses." This line is both a commentary on the superficiality of our society, and a reminder that even the most confident among us have insecurities and vulnerabilities.

The Language and Imagery of the Poem

One of the most striking things about "Poetry, Résumé" is Parker's use of language and imagery. Her language is sharp and witty, with a kind of dry humor that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. For example, consider the lines, "Razors pain you; / Rivers are damp." The juxtaposition of these two images is both unexpected and humorous, but it also speaks to the fact that pain can come from unexpected sources.

Parker also uses vivid imagery to convey her themes. In the poem's third stanza, she writes, "We'd rather have the iceberg than the ship, / Although it meant the end of travel." This image of the Titanic sinking is a powerful metaphor for the idea that sometimes we are willing to risk everything for a chance at greatness, even if it means we might fail. Similarly, in the poem's fourth stanza, Parker writes, "Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song, / A medley of extemporanea." This image of life as a medley of songs is both beautiful and fleeting, reminding us that life is short and we must make the most of it while we can.

The Poem's Historical Context

To fully understand the themes and meanings of "Poetry, Résumé," it's important to consider the historical context in which it was written. Parker was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and intellectuals who met regularly at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City in the 1920s. The Round Table was known for its wit and cynicism, and Parker was one of its most famous members.

In this context, "Poetry, Résumé" can be seen as a commentary on the disillusionment and cynicism that many people felt in the wake of World War I. The war had shattered the illusions of progress and enlightenment that had characterized the early 20th century, and many people felt that the world was a dark and uncertain place. Parker's poem reflects this sense of disillusionment, but it also offers a kind of dark humor and resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Résumé" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of the human condition in all its complexity. Through her sharp language and vivid imagery, Parker reminds us that life is hard and often painful, but that we must keep going anyway. She also reminds us of the importance of vulnerability and resilience, and the fleeting beauty of life. Ultimately, "Poetry, Résumé" is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and to offer us a glimpse of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker's "Poetry Résumé" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a witty and satirical take on the life of a poet, and it has been celebrated for its clever use of language and its biting humor. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Poetry Résumé" to understand why it has become such a beloved piece of literature.

Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which this poem was written. Dorothy Parker was a writer, poet, and critic who lived in the early 20th century. She was known for her sharp wit and her ability to satirize the society in which she lived. "Poetry Résumé" was written in 1926, at a time when the literary world was dominated by male writers. Parker was one of the few female writers who managed to break through the barriers and make a name for herself.

The poem is structured as a résumé, which is a document that people use to apply for jobs. In this case, Parker is using the résumé format to describe the life of a poet. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which describes a different aspect of the poet's life. The first section describes the poet's education and training, the second section describes their work experience, and the third section describes their personal qualities.

One of the main themes of "Poetry Résumé" is the struggle of the poet to make a living. Parker describes the poet's education and training as "none," which suggests that poets are not given the same opportunities as other professionals. She then goes on to describe the poet's work experience as "various," which suggests that poets have to take on a variety of jobs in order to make ends meet. This theme is further emphasized in the third section, where Parker describes the poet's personal qualities as "unemployable." This suggests that poets are not valued in society and are often seen as outcasts.

Another theme of "Poetry Résumé" is the idea that poetry is a form of escapism. Parker describes the poet's work experience as "writing free verse for the New Republic," which suggests that poetry is seen as a form of intellectualism rather than a practical skill. She also describes the poet's personal qualities as "unemployable," which suggests that poets are often seen as dreamers who are not suited for the real world. This theme is further emphasized in the final lines of the poem, where Parker writes, "But they can't fire me – I quit." This suggests that the poet has chosen to leave the real world behind and pursue their dreams through poetry.

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry Résumé" is its use of language. Parker's writing is witty and satirical, and she uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message. For example, she uses irony to describe the poet's education and training as "none." This suggests that poets are not given the same opportunities as other professionals, even though they are expected to produce work of the same quality. She also uses repetition to emphasize the poet's work experience, which suggests that poets have to take on a variety of jobs in order to make ends meet.

In addition to these literary devices, Parker also uses humor to convey her message. For example, she describes the poet's personal qualities as "unemployable," which is a humorous way of suggesting that poets are often seen as outcasts. She also uses sarcasm to describe the poet's work experience, which suggests that poetry is not seen as a practical skill. This humor is what makes "Poetry Résumé" such an enjoyable read, even though it deals with serious themes.

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Poetry Résumé" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a witty and satirical take on the life of a poet, and it has been celebrated for its clever use of language and its biting humor. Through its use of irony, repetition, and humor, "Poetry Résumé" conveys the struggles of the poet to make a living and the idea that poetry is a form of escapism. This poem is a testament to Parker's talent as a writer and her ability to satirize the society in which she lived.

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