'Post-Graduate' by Dorothy Parker

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Sunset RopeHope it was that tutored me,And Love that taught me more;
And now I learn at Sorrow's kneeThe self-same lore.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Dorothy Parker is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. Her wit, humor, and keen observations of society and its norms have earned her a place in the literary canon. One of her most notable poems, "Post-Graduate," explores the theme of disillusionment and disappointment that often accompanies the pursuit of higher education. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the nuances of the poem and uncover the layers of meaning hidden within.

Analysis

Stanza 1

The poem opens with the speaker lamenting the fact that she has completed her post-graduate studies. The repetition of the word "gone" emphasizes the finality of the situation and the speaker's sense of loss. The phrase "Nay, nay," which means "no, no" in Old English, serves to reinforce the speaker's disappointment in the outcome of her studies. The speaker uses a simile to describe her state of mind as "like a little child, / That cries itself to sleep." This comparison highlights the speaker's vulnerability and suggests that she feels helpless in the face of her disappointment.

Stanza 2

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the time she has spent studying and the sacrifices she has made in pursuit of her goals. The phrase "hours that were all too few" emphasizes the brevity of her time as a post-graduate student and implies that she feels that she did not have enough time to fully explore her field of study. The repetition of the phrase "I might have" suggests that the speaker is regretful of missed opportunities and feels that she could have done more with her time as a post-graduate student.

Stanza 3

The third stanza sees the speaker reflecting on the disillusionment that often accompanies the pursuit of higher education. The phrase "That set my stars aright" suggests that the speaker had high hopes and expectations for her post-graduate studies, but these hopes were not fulfilled. The image of "dreary books" and "musty lore" highlights the monotony and tedium of academic study, and the phrase "the sordid, haunting truth" suggests that the speaker has been forced to confront the harsh realities of life outside of academia.

Stanza 4

In the fourth stanza, the speaker reveals that she has not found fulfillment in her post-graduate studies. The phrase "I thought to find in books" suggests that the speaker was seeking something more than just knowledge or a degree. The repetition of the phrase "Nay, nay" serves to emphasize the speaker's disappointment, and the use of the word "bland" suggests that the speaker finds her studies to be dull and unfulfilling.

Stanza 5

The final stanza sees the speaker lamenting the fact that she has not found what she was looking for in her post-graduate studies. The phrase "my quest is done" suggests that the speaker has given up on her search for fulfillment in academia. The use of the word "barren" to describe the speaker's state of mind suggests that she feels empty and unfulfilled, and the repetition of the word "gone" reinforces the finality of the situation.

Interpretation

"Post-Graduate" is a poem that explores the theme of disillusionment and disappointment in the pursuit of higher education. The speaker laments the fact that she has completed her studies and reflects on the sacrifices she has made and the opportunities she has missed. The repetition of the phrase "Nay, nay" serves to emphasize the speaker's disappointment, and the use of the simile "like a little child, / That cries itself to sleep" highlights the speaker's vulnerability and sense of helplessness.

The poem suggests that the pursuit of higher education is often accompanied by a sense of disillusionment and disappointment. The image of "dreary books" and "musty lore" highlights the monotony and tedium of academic study, and the use of the phrase "the sordid, haunting truth" suggests that the speaker has been forced to confront the harsh realities of life outside of academia. The repetition of the phrase "I might have" suggests that the speaker is regretful of missed opportunities and feels that she could have done more with her time as a post-graduate student.

Overall, "Post-Graduate" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of the human experience. The speaker's sense of disappointment and disillusionment is something that many people can relate to, and the poem serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment is not always straightforward or easy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Post-Graduate" is a powerful and insightful poem that explores the theme of disillusionment and disappointment in the pursuit of higher education. Through the use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphorical language, Dorothy Parker captures the complexities and nuances of the human experience. The poem serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment is not always straightforward, and that sometimes it is the journey itself that is the most valuable.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker's "Poetry Post-Graduate" is a witty and satirical poem that takes a humorous look at the world of poetry and the pretentiousness that often surrounds it. With her sharp wit and clever wordplay, Parker pokes fun at the self-important poets who take themselves too seriously and the critics who try to decipher their work.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring herself a "post-graduate" of poetry, suggesting that she has moved beyond the basics and has a deeper understanding of the art form. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that the speaker is not impressed with the lofty language and obscure references that many poets use in their work.

Parker's use of irony is particularly effective in this poem. The speaker claims to have "learned the ropes" of poetry, but then goes on to mock the very things that many poets hold dear. For example, she says that "a poem should not mean / But be," a reference to Archibald MacLeish's famous dictum that a poem should not be about something, but should simply exist as a work of art. However, the speaker then goes on to say that "a poem should be a poem," suggesting that the idea of a poem simply existing as an object is ridiculous.

The poem also takes aim at the critics who try to decipher the meaning behind a poet's work. The speaker says that "the critic is a worm / Who crawls through the poem's maze," suggesting that critics are like insects who try to burrow their way into a work of art, but ultimately fail to understand it. This is a common theme in Parker's work, as she often pokes fun at the literary establishment and the people who take themselves too seriously.

One of the most memorable lines in the poem is when the speaker says that "a poem should not mean / But it should glow." This is a clever play on words, as "glow" can mean both to emit light and to be filled with emotion or passion. The speaker seems to be suggesting that a poem should not be about something specific, but should instead evoke a feeling or emotion in the reader.

Overall, "Poetry Post-Graduate" is a clever and entertaining poem that pokes fun at the world of poetry and the people who take it too seriously. Parker's use of irony and wordplay is particularly effective, and the poem is a great example of her unique style and voice. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, this poem is sure to make you smile and appreciate the power of language and humor.

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