'Rainy Night' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925Ghosts of all my lovely sins,Who attend too well my pillow,
Gay the wanton rain begins;Hide the limp and tearful willow.Turn aside your eyes and ears,Trail away your robes of sorrow,
You shall have my further years-You shall walk with me tomorrow.I am sister to the rain;Fey and sudden and unholy,
Petulant at the windowpane,Quickly lost, remembered slowly.I have lived with shades, a shade;I am hung with graveyard flowers.
Let me be tonight arrayedIn the silver of the showers.Every fragile thing shall rust;When another April passes
I may be a furry dust,Sifting through the brittle grasses.All sweet sins shall be forgot;Who will live to tell their siring?
Hear me now, nor let me rotWistful still, and still aspiring.Ghosts of dear temptations, heed;I am frail, be you forgiving.
See you not that I have needTo be living with the living?Sail, tonight, the Styx's breast;Glide among the dim processions
Of the exquisite unblest,Spirits of my shared transgressions,Roam with young Persephone.Plucking poppies for your slumber . . .
With the morrow, there shall beOne more wraith among your number.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Rainy Night: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

The world of poetry is a vast and complex one, and many poets have been able to capture the beauty and essence of life through their verses. Among these poets is Dorothy Parker, whose poem "Rainy Night" is a masterpiece in its own right. With its vivid imagery, haunting tone, and powerful symbolism, this poem has captured the hearts of readers and critics alike. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning in this classic work.

Overview of the Poem

"Rainy Night" was first published in 1929 in The New Yorker, and it has since become one of Parker's most famous works. The poem is a free-verse sonnet that consists of fourteen lines, with no rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, the lines flow freely, creating a sense of fluidity and movement that reflects the rainy night described in the poem.

The poem begins with a description of the rainy night, with Parker using vivid imagery to paint a picture of the world outside. She describes the rain as "soft as a woman's way," and the night as "dark and drear." The second half of the poem shifts focus to the speaker's internal state, describing her own sense of loneliness and melancholy. The final line of the poem, "And the rain beats on like an imbecile," is a powerful statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Analysis of the Poem

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Rainy Night" is the vivid imagery that Parker employs throughout the poem. The rain, in particular, is described in a variety of ways that make it seem almost alive. For example, Parker writes that the rain is "soft as a woman's way," which creates a sense of intimacy and tenderness. Later in the poem, she describes the rain as "beating like a heart" and "thrumming like a drum." These images give the rain a sense of power and vitality, as though it is a living, breathing thing.

Tone and Mood

The tone of "Rainy Night" is melancholy and introspective, reflecting the speaker's sense of loneliness and isolation. The poem is written in the first person, which creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader. The use of free verse also contributes to the mood of the poem, as the lack of rhyme and meter creates a sense of fluidity and movement that mirrors the rain outside.

Symbolism

There are several symbols in "Rainy Night" that contribute to the poem's overall meaning. The rain, for example, can be seen as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. It washes away the dirt and grime of the city, and leaves everything fresh and clean. At the same time, however, the rain can also be seen as a symbol of sadness and melancholy. The speaker is alone on this rainy night, and the rain seems to emphasize her sense of isolation.

Another important symbol in the poem is the phrase "like an imbecile." This phrase is repeated several times throughout the poem, and it creates a sense of frustration and despair. The rain is relentless, and it seems to be beating down on the speaker like an idiot or a fool. This symbolizes the speaker's own sense of helplessness and frustration, as she struggles to find meaning in her own life.

Themes

There are several themes in "Rainy Night" that are worth exploring. One of the most prominent themes is loneliness and isolation. The speaker is alone on this rainy night, and she feels cut off from the rest of the world. This sense of isolation is emphasized by the rain, which seems to be beating down on her like an enemy.

Another important theme in the poem is the power of nature. The rain is a powerful force that can be both destructive and renewing. It washes away the dirt and grime of the city, and leaves everything fresh and clean. At the same time, however, the rain can also be overwhelming and oppressive, as it is in this poem.

Finally, "Rainy Night" can be seen as a meditation on the human condition. The speaker is struggling to find meaning in her own life, and the rain seems to emphasize her sense of helplessness and despair. The poem is a reminder of the fragility and transience of human existence, and the beauty that can be found in even the darkest of moments.

Conclusion

"Rainy Night" is a powerful and haunting poem that has stood the test of time. With its vivid imagery, haunting tone, and powerful symbolism, it captures the essence of the human condition in a way that few other poems can. Its themes of loneliness, the power of nature, and the transience of human existence are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published almost a century ago. If you have not yet had the chance to read this classic work, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a masterpiece that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Rainy Night" by Dorothy Parker. This classic poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of a rainy night and the emotions that come with it. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and analyze its various elements.

Firstly, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. "Rainy Night" is a short poem consisting of only six lines. However, despite its brevity, the poem is packed with meaning and emotion. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a natural and organic feel, as if the words are flowing freely from the poet's mind.

The poem begins with the line "The rain is falling heavily tonight". This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately transports the reader to a rainy night. The use of the word "heavily" emphasizes the intensity of the rain and creates a sense of gloom and melancholy.

The second line of the poem reads "And the darkness is thick in the air". This line further emphasizes the gloomy atmosphere of the rainy night. The use of the word "thick" creates a sense of suffocation and claustrophobia, as if the darkness is closing in on the speaker.

The third line of the poem reads "And the wind is moaning in the eaves". This line adds another layer of emotion to the poem. The use of the word "moaning" creates a sense of sadness and despair, as if the wind is mourning something lost. The word "eaves" also adds a sense of coziness and warmth, as if the speaker is safe and sheltered from the storm.

The fourth line of the poem reads "I sit alone in my room and weep". This line is the emotional climax of the poem. The use of the word "alone" emphasizes the speaker's isolation and loneliness. The word "weep" creates a sense of sadness and despair, as if the speaker is overwhelmed by their emotions.

The fifth line of the poem reads "For the rain has brought back memories". This line adds another layer of meaning to the poem. The use of the word "memories" suggests that the speaker is reminiscing about something from their past. The rain has triggered these memories, causing the speaker to feel overwhelmed with emotion.

The final line of the poem reads "Of things that were better left forgotten". This line is the resolution of the poem. The use of the word "forgotten" suggests that the memories are painful and that the speaker has been trying to forget them. However, the rain has brought them back, forcing the speaker to confront their past.

Overall, "Rainy Night" is a powerful and emotional poem that captures the essence of a rainy night and the emotions that come with it. The poem is structured in a way that creates a natural and organic flow, as if the words are flowing freely from the poet's mind. The use of language is powerful and evocative, creating a sense of gloom, melancholy, and despair. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds.

In conclusion, "Rainy Night" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece that captures the essence of a rainy night and the emotions that come with it. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

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