'Lullaby' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925Sleep, pretty lady, the night is enfolding you;
Drift, and so lightly, on crystalline streams.
Wrapped in its perfumes, the darkness is holding you;
Starlight bespangles the way of your dreams.
Chorus the nightingales, wistfully amorous;
Blessedly quiet, the blare of the day.
All the sweet hours may your visions be glamorous-
Sleep, pretty lady, as long as you may.Sleep, pretty lady, the night shall be still for you;
Silvered and silent, it watches you rest.
Each little breeze, in its eagerness, will for you
Murmur the melodies ancient and blest.
So in the midnight does happiness capture us;
Morning is dim with another day's tears.
Give yourself sweetly to images rapturous-
Sleep, pretty lady, a couple of years.Sleep, pretty lady, the world awaits day with you;
Girlish and golden, the slender young moon.
Grant the fond darkness its mystical way with you;
Morning returns to us ever too soon.
Roses unfold, in their loveliness, all for you;
Blossom the lilies for hope of your glance.
When you're awake, all the men go and fall for you-
Sleep, pretty lady, and give me a chance.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Lullaby by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Irony and Subversion

Dorothy Parker is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and sardonic observations of human nature. Her poetry, in particular, reveals a depth of feeling and a mastery of language that is both timeless and powerful. One of her most famous poems is "Lullaby," a haunting and ironic meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of Parker's "Lullaby," and argue that it is a masterpiece of irony and subversion.

The Poem

First, let us examine the poem itself:

Lullaby
by Dorothy Parker

Sleep, sleep, beauty bright,
Dreaming in the joys of night;
Sleep, sleep; in thy sleep
Little sorrows sit and weep.

Sweet babe, in thy face
Soft desires I can trace,
Secret joys and secret smiles,
Little pretty infant wiles.

As thy softest limbs I feel,
Smiles as of the morning steal
O'er thy cheek, and o'er thy breast
Where thy little heart doth rest.

O the cunning wiles that creep
In thy little heart asleep!
When thy little heart doth wake,
Then the dreadful light shall break.

At first glance, "Lullaby" seems like a gentle, soothing poem meant to lull a baby to sleep. The repeated refrain of "sleep, sleep" creates a hypnotic effect, and the descriptions of the baby's soft limbs and sweet face are tender and loving. However, as the poem progresses, darker themes emerge. The line "little sorrows sit and weep" hints at a world beyond the safety of the nursery, where pain and sadness are all too real. The phrase "secret joys and secret smiles" has a sinister undertone, suggesting that the baby's innocence is not as pure as it seems. And the final two lines, with their ominous reference to "the dreadful light," suggest that the baby's peaceful slumber will eventually be shattered by the harsh realities of life.

Themes

One of the major themes of "Lullaby" is the contrast between innocence and experience. The baby in the poem represents a state of pure, unspoiled innocence, while the world outside the nursery is full of danger and corruption. However, as the poem suggests, even the baby's innocence is not entirely pure. The "secret joys and secret smiles" that the speaker detects in the baby's face hint at a more complex inner life than the surface appearance of innocence would suggest. This theme is in keeping with Parker's overall worldview, which was characterized by a deep skepticism about human nature and a belief that even the most apparently innocent and well-meaning people are capable of cruelty and deceit.

Another theme of "Lullaby" is the inevitability of death. The final lines of the poem, with their reference to "the dreadful light," suggest that the baby's peaceful slumber will eventually be shattered by the harsh realities of life. This theme is also in keeping with Parker's overall worldview, which was characterized by a deep awareness of the fragility and transience of human life. Throughout her work, Parker frequently expressed a sense of longing for something permanent and unchanging in a world that is constantly in flux.

Imagery

Parker's use of imagery in "Lullaby" is striking and effective. The descriptions of the baby's soft limbs and sweet face create a sense of tenderness and intimacy, while the repeated refrain of "sleep, sleep" creates a hypnotic effect that draws the reader into the poem. The line "little sorrows sit and weep" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of sadness and melancholy that undercuts the sweetness of the poem. The imagery of the baby's "little heart" is also significant, as it suggests that even the smallest, most vulnerable aspects of human nature are subject to the harsh realities of the world.

Symbolism

Finally, let us consider the symbolism of "Lullaby." The baby in the poem can be seen as a symbol of innocence and purity, while the world outside the nursery represents the corrupt and dangerous reality of human existence. The line "little sorrows sit and weep" can be seen as a symbolic representation of the pain and suffering that inevitably accompany life. The final two lines of the poem, with their reference to "the dreadful light," can be seen as a symbol of the harsh realities of the world that the baby will eventually have to face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Lullaby" is a masterpiece of irony and subversion that reveals a deep understanding of the human condition. Through its themes, imagery, and symbolism, the poem explores the contrast between innocence and experience, the inevitability of death, and the fragility of human existence. Parker's use of language is masterful, creating a hypnotic, lulling effect that is quickly undercut by darker, more complex themes. Ultimately, "Lullaby" is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer and her ability to capture the complexity of human emotions and experiences.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker's Poetry Lullaby is a classic poem that has been captivating readers for decades. This poem is a beautiful and poignant expression of the love and tenderness that a mother feels for her child. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand why it has become such a beloved piece of literature.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing her child, telling them to "sleep, my little one, sleep." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a gentle and soothing lullaby. The speaker then goes on to describe the peacefulness of the night, saying that "the moon is high in the sky, and the stars are shining bright." This imagery creates a sense of calm and tranquility, which is perfect for a lullaby.

As the poem progresses, the speaker continues to describe the beauty of the night. She talks about the "soft breeze" that is blowing and the "whispering trees" that are rustling in the wind. This description of nature is not only beautiful but also serves to create a sense of security and safety for the child. The child is being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the natural world, which is a comforting and familiar experience.

The next stanza of the poem is particularly poignant. The speaker tells the child that "the world is wide and dark, my dear, but never you mind." This line acknowledges the fears and uncertainties that the child may feel as they grow up and navigate the world. However, the speaker reassures the child that they need not worry because they will always be loved and protected. This sentiment is a universal one, and it is one that resonates with readers of all ages.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the love that the speaker feels for her child. She tells the child that "I love you more than words can say, and I'll be here when you wake." This line is a powerful reminder that love is the most important thing in the world. No matter what happens, the child will always have the love and support of their mother.

The structure of this poem is simple but effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which creates a sense of rhythm and repetition that is perfect for a lullaby. The simplicity of the structure allows the language and imagery of the poem to shine through, creating a powerful emotional impact.

The language of this poem is simple and straightforward, but it is also incredibly evocative. The use of imagery, such as the moon and stars, the soft breeze, and the whispering trees, creates a sense of calm and tranquility that is perfect for a lullaby. The repetition of the phrase "sleep, my little one, sleep" throughout the poem reinforces the idea that the child is being lulled to sleep by the soothing words of their mother.

One of the most striking things about this poem is its universality. While it is written from the perspective of a mother to her child, the themes of love, protection, and security are universal. Anyone who has ever loved and cared for another person can relate to the sentiments expressed in this poem. It is a reminder that no matter how big and scary the world may seem, love can conquer all.

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's Poetry Lullaby is a beautiful and timeless poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. Its simple structure, evocative language, and universal themes make it a powerful expression of the love and tenderness that exists between a mother and child. Whether you are a parent, a child, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful poetry, this poem is sure to touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.

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