'Recurrence' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925We shall have our little day.
Take my hand and travel still
Round and round the little way,
Up and down the little hill.It is good to love again;
Scan the renovated skies,
Dip and drive the idling pen,
Sweetly tint the paling lies.Trace the dripping, pierced heart,
Speak the fair, insistent verse,
Vow to God, and slip apart,
Little better, Little worse.Would we need not know before
How shall end this prettiness;
One of us must love the more,
One of us shall love the less.Thus it is, and so it goes;
We shall have our day, my dear.
Where, unwilling, dies the rose
Buds the new, another year.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Recurrence by Dorothy Parker: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that articulates the bittersweet nature of love and the cyclical nature of life? If so, you'll find it all in Dorothy Parker's "Poetry, Recurrence." In this 16-line poem, Parker encapsulates the paradoxes of love and the inevitability of change while utilizing a range of poetic devices to enhance the reading experience. Let's dive deeper into this literary masterpiece and explore its various layers of meaning.

The Structure and Form

At first glance, "Poetry, Recurrence" seems like a simple poem, with only four quatrains and a regular rhyme scheme. However, a closer look reveals Parker's masterful use of form to convey meaning. The first and third quatrains are identical, as are the second and fourth, creating a sense of circularity and repetition that reflects the theme of recurrence in the poem. The rhyme scheme, ABAB, also contributes to this feeling of repetition as it is maintained throughout the poem, much like the cyclical nature of life.

The Language and Imagery

Parker's use of language and imagery is another aspect that makes "Poetry, Recurrence" a remarkable piece of writing. The first line, "Oh, it's all very well to say 'Drink to me only with thine eyes,'" is an allusion to Ben Jonson's famous poem, "To Celia." This reference immediately sets the tone for the poem, as Jonson's original work deals with the idea that love can transcend physical desire. By using this allusion, Parker is acknowledging the universal theme of love that has been present in literature for centuries.

Parker's use of imagery is equally impressive. In the second quatrain, she writes, "And the leaves of the oak-tree will trickle like rain, / The roar of the water be heard through the strife." Here, Parker uses the oak tree and the sound of water to create a vivid image of the passing of time. The leaves of the oak tree represent the changing seasons, while the sound of water is a metaphor for the constant flow of life. The image of rain trickling down the leaves also conveys a sense of melancholy, suggesting that change can be both beautiful and painful.

The Theme

The theme of recurrence is present throughout the poem, and Parker uses various poetic devices to explore it. The repetition of the first and third quatrains, for example, creates a sense of circularity and reinforces the idea that life is cyclical. Parker also uses imagery to touch on the theme of recurrence, as discussed above.

However, the most powerful aspect of the theme of recurrence in this poem is the way it intersects with the theme of love. Parker acknowledges that love, like life, is cyclical and that it can bring both joy and pain. In the third quatrain, she writes, "And the rose of the garden be withered and dead, / Ere the year and its changes are old." This line suggests that even the most beautiful and cherished things in life are fleeting and subject to change. The use of the word "changes" in this line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that these changes are inevitable and unpredictable.

The Tone

The tone of "Poetry, Recurrence" is bittersweet, reflective, and melancholic. Parker's use of language and imagery creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as if the speaker is reflecting on past experiences with both joy and regret. The theme of recurrence also adds to the melancholic tone of the poem, as it suggests that even the most beautiful moments in life will eventually come to an end.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Recurrence" is a masterful piece of writing that explores the themes of love and the cyclical nature of life. Parker's use of form, language, and imagery creates a powerful reading experience that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, this poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the complexities and paradoxes of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Recurrence: A Masterpiece by Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker, a renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical works that often reflect the social and cultural norms of her time. Her poem "Poetry Recurrence" is a classic example of her unique style and perspective. In this 16-line poem, Parker explores the cyclical nature of poetry and the human experience, using vivid imagery and clever wordplay. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Poetry Recurrence."

The poem begins with the line, "Oh, it's all very well to be gay," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "gay" here does not refer to homosexuality, but rather to a carefree and lighthearted attitude. Parker is suggesting that it is easy to be happy and optimistic when things are going well, but that this state is fleeting and temporary. She then goes on to say, "But the rosy glow fades from cheeks," indicating that this happiness is not sustainable and that eventually, reality sets in.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of poetry recurrence. Parker writes, "And lips must be unkissed, and eyes / Must be ungazed upon." Here, she is suggesting that even the most beautiful and desirable things in life must eventually come to an end. The use of the word "must" implies that this is an inevitable part of the human experience. The repetition of the word "must" also emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the recurrence of certain events.

The third stanza of the poem is where Parker really begins to explore the theme of poetry recurrence. She writes, "But when old winter blows his sneezes, / And the sun is a miser's gold, / Then we must arise and go, / With the last of the roses hold." Here, Parker is using the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. Winter represents the end of one cycle, while the coming of spring represents the beginning of a new one. The use of the phrase "the last of the roses hold" suggests that even in the midst of change and transition, there is still beauty to be found.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem brings everything together. Parker writes, "For the journey is done and the summit won, / And the petals are fallen apart, / And the nursery tale's told, and the nightingale / Is singing his sweet little heart." Here, she is suggesting that life is a journey with a beginning and an end. The use of the phrase "the summit won" implies that there is a goal or destination to be reached. The falling petals represent the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The reference to the nursery tale and the nightingale singing his heart out suggests that even though life may be cyclical and fleeting, there is still beauty and joy to be found in the present moment.

The structure of "Poetry Recurrence" is simple but effective. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is appropriate given the theme of cyclical recurrence. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB, which gives it a musical quality and makes it easy to read aloud. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues from one line to the next without a pause, also adds to the flow and rhythm of the poem.

One of the most striking literary devices used in "Poetry Recurrence" is imagery. Parker uses vivid and evocative language to paint a picture of the cyclical nature of life. For example, she writes, "And lips must be unkissed, and eyes / Must be ungazed upon." This creates a powerful image of loss and separation. Similarly, the use of the changing seasons as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life is a powerful and effective device.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Parker repeats the word "must" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the inevitability of certain events. She also repeats the phrase "and the" several times in the final stanza, creating a sense of finality and closure.

In conclusion, "Poetry Recurrence" is a masterful poem that explores the cyclical nature of life and the human experience. Through vivid imagery, clever wordplay, and effective literary devices, Dorothy Parker creates a powerful and evocative piece that resonates with readers to this day. The poem reminds us that even though life may be fleeting and cyclical, there is still beauty and joy to be found in the present moment.

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