'Observation' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1926If I don't drive around the park,
I'm pretty sure to make my mark.
If I'm in bed each night by ten,
I may get back my looks again,
If I abstain from fun and such,
I'll probably amount to much,
But I shall stay the way I am,
Because I do not give a damn.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Observation: An In-Depth Analysis

Oh, Dorothy Parker, how you have captured the essence of poetry, observation, and wit in your timeless work! As a literature enthusiast, I have been constantly drawn to your writings, and Poetry, Observation remains one of my all-time favorites.

In this 24-line poem, Parker presents a profound commentary on the relationship between poetry and observation, exploring the ways in which one's perception of the world can be translated into language. As the title suggests, the poem is divided into two distinct parts, each exploring a different aspect of the overarching theme.

The First Half: Poetry

The opening stanza of the poem reads:

If I told you What it takes to reach the highest high, You'd laugh and say 'Nothing's that simple'

In these lines, Parker sets the tone for the entire poem, suggesting that the pursuit of poetry is a difficult and complex process. The speaker acknowledges that the path to achieving "the highest high" - presumably, the creation of a truly great poem - is not an easy one, and that the journey is often filled with obstacles.

The second stanza continues:

But you've been told Many times before Messiahs pointed to the door And no one had the guts to leave the temple

Here, Parker uses religious metaphors to further emphasize the idea of poetry as a sacred, almost mystical pursuit. The "Messiahs" referred to in the lines are likely the great poets of the past - those who have created works that are revered throughout literary history. The image of these poets "pointing to the door" suggests that they are offering guidance to those who wish to follow in their footsteps - but as the poem implies, few are brave enough to venture out of the "temple" of their own comfort zone.

The final lines of the first half read:

We're no quitters We're the heroes We're shooting at the walls of heartache

Here, Parker shifts the tone of the poem slightly, adopting a more optimistic voice. Despite acknowledging the difficulties of creating great poetry, the speaker insists that poets are not "quitters" - they are "heroes" who continue to persevere, even in the face of adversity. The image of "shooting at the walls of heartache" is a powerful one, suggesting that poetry is a means of confronting one's own pain and transforming it into something meaningful.

The Second Half: Observation

The second half of the poem begins with a stark contrast to the first:

Bang, bang, bang, Goes the hammer in my head As I stand before the wall As I stand before the wall

Here, Parker presents the speaker as someone who is struggling to find inspiration - the sound of the "hammer in my head" suggests that the speaker is experiencing a creative block. The repetition of the line "As I stand before the wall" further emphasizes the sense of frustration and stagnation.

However, as the stanza progresses, the tone shifts again:

And the wall is slowly crumbling In the debris and the dust I can pick out a hand And a foot And a head And a heart

The image of the "crumbling wall" suggests that the speaker is beginning to break through their creative block. The debris and dust become metaphors for the clutter and distractions that had been preventing the speaker from seeing clearly - as these obstacles are removed, the speaker is able to see the world more clearly.

The final lines of the poem read:

And, oh my God, The wall is myself

Here, Parker presents a powerful realization - that the "wall" that the speaker has been struggling to overcome is, in fact, themselves. The metaphor suggests that the speaker's own preconceptions and biases had been preventing them from seeing the world in a new light. By breaking down this "wall," the speaker is able to open themselves up to new possibilities.

Conclusion

In Poetry, Observation, Dorothy Parker has crafted a poem that is both profound and accessible, exploring the complex relationship between creativity, perception, and self-discovery. By dividing the poem into two distinct halves - one examining the pursuit of poetry, the other examining the process of observation - Parker is able to create a nuanced and multifaceted exploration of her central theme.

But what truly sets Poetry, Observation apart is its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level. Whether we consider ourselves poets or not, we all have walls that we must break down in order to see the world more clearly. In this sense, Parker's poem is not just a commentary on the creative process - it is a call to action for anyone seeking to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

So, to anyone reading this - what walls are you standing before? What hammers are banging in your head? And, most importantly, what will it take for you to break through and see the world more clearly?

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker is a name that is synonymous with wit, humor, and satire. However, her poetry is often overlooked, and that is a shame because her work is just as clever and insightful as her prose. One of her most famous poems is "Observation," and in this article, we will take a closer look at this classic piece of poetry.

"Observation" is a short poem, consisting of only eight lines, but it packs a punch. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This gives Parker the freedom to play with language and structure, and she does so brilliantly.

The poem begins with the line, "If I don't drive around the park, I'm pretty sure to make my mark." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it is both humorous and insightful. Parker is poking fun at the idea that success is often measured by how busy we are, and how much we accomplish. She is saying that if she doesn't take the time to relax and enjoy life, she will never be able to truly make her mark on the world.

The next line, "If I'm in bed each night by ten, I may get back my looks again," is equally witty. Parker is again poking fun at societal expectations, this time about beauty and aging. She is saying that if she gets enough sleep, she might be able to look young and beautiful again, but she knows that this is not really true. She is commenting on the pressure that women face to look a certain way, and how unrealistic and unfair those expectations can be.

The third line, "If I abstain from fun and such, I'll probably amount to much," is a continuation of the theme of success and achievement. Parker is saying that if she gives up all the things that make life enjoyable, she might be able to achieve great things. However, she knows that this is not really true either. She is commenting on the idea that success often comes at a cost, and that we are often asked to sacrifice our happiness and well-being in order to achieve our goals.

The fourth line, "But I shall stay the way I am, Because I do not give a damn," is the punchline of the poem. Parker is saying that she is not going to change who she is or what she enjoys in order to fit into society's expectations. She is proud of who she is, and she doesn't care what other people think. This line is both empowering and rebellious, and it is a reminder that we should all be true to ourselves, no matter what.

The final four lines of the poem, "What, I ask, is the use of not being bad? It's the death of a bachelor, that's for sure. Oh, I've been to Ludlow Fair, and left my necktie God knows where, And carried half-way home, or near, a pint of Irish whiskey," are a bit more obscure. Ludlow Fair was a popular event in England in the 19th century, and it was known for its rowdy and drunken behavior. Parker is saying that she has been to Ludlow Fair, and she has let loose and had a good time. She is saying that there is no use in trying to be perfect or "not being bad," because it is the experiences and memories that we create that truly matter.

Overall, "Observation" is a clever and insightful poem that is both humorous and thought-provoking. Parker uses language and structure to comment on societal expectations and the pressure to conform, while also celebrating individuality and authenticity. The poem is a reminder that we should all be true to ourselves, and that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.

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