'On Being A Woman' by Dorothy Parker

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Sunset RopeWhy is it, when I am in Rome,
I'd give an eye to be at home,
But when on native earth I be,
My soul is sick for Italy?And why with you, my love, my lord,
Am I spectacularly bored,
Yet do you up and leave me- then
I scream to have you back again?

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Masterpiece of Feminine Expression: A Literary Critique of "On Being A Woman" by Dorothy Parker

As a woman in the early 20th century, Dorothy Parker was no stranger to the constraints of gender roles and societal expectations. However, in her powerful poem "On Being A Woman," she defies these limitations and boldly asserts her own identity and autonomy. Through her skillful use of language and imagery, Parker creates a masterpiece of feminine expression that resonates with readers to this day.

The Analysis

First, let's examine the structure of the poem. "On Being A Woman" consists of three stanzas, each with a distinct message and tone. The first stanza describes the expectations placed upon women by society, the second explores the pain and frustration of conforming to these expectations, and the third celebrates the resilience and strength of women who refuse to be defined by them.

Throughout the poem, Parker employs a range of literary devices to convey her message. One of the most striking is her use of metaphor. In the first stanza, she compares women to "caged birds," emphasizing the sense of confinement and restriction that they must endure. She also uses the metaphor of a "royal zoo" to highlight the absurdity of the societal expectations placed upon women. By likening women to exotic animals on display, Parker exposes the dehumanizing effects of these expectations.

In the second stanza, Parker shifts to a more somber tone as she describes the pain and frustration of conforming to these expectations. She utilizes vivid imagery to convey the suffocating nature of societal expectations, describing the pressure as "a weight upon my breast/ That presses me to earth." Through this imagery, Parker captures the physical and emotional toll that conformity can take on women.

Finally, in the third stanza, Parker celebrates the resilience of women who refuse to be defined by these expectations. She uses the metaphor of a "tide" to describe the unstoppable force of female strength and determination, emphasizing the power of women to transcend societal limitations. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Parker creates a powerful and emotionally resonant portrait of the female experience.

The Interpretation

So what is the significance of "On Being A Woman" in today's world? In many ways, Parker's poem remains just as relevant today as it was when it was written nearly a century ago. Despite the progress that has been made in terms of gender equality, women still face many of the same limitations and expectations that Parker so eloquently describes.

Moreover, Parker's poem offers a message of hope and empowerment to women who may feel trapped or limited by societal expectations. By celebrating the strength and resilience of women who refuse to be defined by these expectations, Parker encourages her readers to embrace their own identities and to push back against the forces that seek to constrain them.

In the end, "On Being A Woman" is a masterpiece of feminine expression that continues to resonate with readers today. Through her skillful use of language and imagery, Dorothy Parker creates a powerful and emotionally charged portrait of the female experience that inspires and empowers women to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Being A Woman: A Masterpiece of Feminist Literature

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and insightful commentary on the human condition. Her poem "On Being A Woman" is a masterpiece of feminist literature that explores the complexities and contradictions of womanhood in a patriarchal society. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of this iconic poem to understand its significance and enduring relevance.

The poem opens with a provocative statement: "Why is it, when I am in Rome, I'd give an eye to be at home?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the ambivalence and alienation that many women feel in a world that is not designed for them. The speaker is a woman who is traveling abroad, and she is struck by the contrast between the freedom and adventure of travel and the comfort and security of home. She longs for the familiar, the domestic, the feminine, even as she is exhilarated by the novelty and excitement of being in a foreign land.

The first stanza of the poem establishes the speaker's sense of dislocation and unease:

"Why is it, when I am in Rome, I'd give an eye to be at home, But when on native earth, I be, My soul is sick for Italy?"

The repetition of the word "home" and the contrast between "Rome" and "native earth" create a sense of tension and conflict. The speaker is torn between two worlds, two identities, two sets of expectations. She is a woman who is expected to be both adventurous and domestic, independent and nurturing, worldly and rooted. This tension is further emphasized in the second stanza:

"And why with you, my love, my lord, Am I spectacularly bored, Yet do you up and leave me-then I scream to have you back again?"

Here, the speaker addresses her lover, who represents the masculine ideal of strength, power, and control. She is bored with him, yet she cannot bear to be without him. This paradox reflects the double bind that many women face in relationships: they are expected to be both independent and dependent, strong and vulnerable, assertive and submissive. The speaker's scream for her lover's return is a cry for connection, for validation, for love. It is also a recognition of her own vulnerability and neediness, which are often stigmatized as weaknesses in women.

The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the speaker's body:

"Why should I care who cuts my hair, My body, it is mine? But should it be my mind's affair Wherein my curls should shine?"

Here, the speaker questions the social norms that dictate how women should look and behave. She asserts her right to control her own body, yet she also acknowledges the pressure to conform to beauty standards that are often oppressive and unrealistic. The reference to "my mind's affair" suggests that the speaker is aware of the psychological impact of these norms on women's self-esteem and sense of worth. The phrase "wherein my curls should shine" is a metaphor for the desire to be seen and valued for one's unique qualities and talents, rather than for one's appearance or gender.

The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of travel:

"In this ambrosial land of France I murmur with the plaintive chance, 'Another day, oh, God, I pray, Let me go home; let me go home.'"

Here, the speaker is in France, another foreign land, and she is once again longing for home. The repetition of the phrase "let me go home" emphasizes the speaker's sense of displacement and longing. The use of the word "ambrosial" suggests that France is a place of sensual pleasure and indulgence, yet the speaker is not fully able to enjoy it because of her homesickness. This tension between pleasure and pain, between desire and dissatisfaction, is a recurring theme in the poem.

The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of travel, love, and self-identity together:

"And when I hear my own sweet name, Why, then I feel a sense of shame That in this great world, she is known As just a woman, not alone."

Here, the speaker reflects on the limitations and stereotypes that are imposed on women by society. She feels ashamed that her identity is defined by her gender, rather than by her individuality or achievements. The phrase "just a woman" implies that women are seen as inferior or subordinate to men, and that their worth is measured by their ability to conform to gender roles. The speaker's desire to be "alone" suggests that she longs for independence and autonomy, yet she is aware of the social and cultural barriers that prevent many women from achieving these goals.

In conclusion, "On Being A Woman" is a powerful and poignant poem that captures the complexities and contradictions of womanhood in a patriarchal society. Through its themes of travel, love, and self-identity, the poem explores the ambivalence and alienation that many women feel as they navigate the expectations and constraints of gender roles. The poem's language and imagery are rich and evocative, conveying a sense of longing, frustration, and defiance that is both timeless and timely. Dorothy Parker's legacy as a feminist icon is evident in this masterpiece of poetry, which continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.

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