'Lines On Reading Too Many Poets' by Dorothy Parker

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Death and Taxes1931Roses, rooted warm in earth,Bud in rhyme, another age;
Lilies know a ghostly birthStrewn along a patterned page;
Golden lad and chimbley sweepDie; and so their song shall keep.Wind that in Arcadia startsIn and out a couplet plays;
And the drums of bitter heartsBeat the measure of a phrase.
Sweets and woes but come to printQuae cum ita sint.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Lines On Reading Too Many Poets: An Analysis

Are you tired of reading poetry that is too flowery, too ornate, too difficult to understand? Do you crave a more straightforward and honest approach to poetry? Then look no further than Dorothy Parker's "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets." This poem is a biting critique of the overly pretentious and inaccessible nature of many poets and their works. In this analysis, we will examine the themes, structure, and language of "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" to better understand its significance as a work of literature.

Themes

At its core, "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a commentary on the state of poetry in Parker's time. She criticizes the "dullards" who write poetry that is "too sweet" and "too complete," lacking any real substance or depth. Parker observes that such poets are only concerned with creating "pretty lines," rather than exploring meaningful themes or experiences. This critique can be seen as a rebuke of the Romantic tradition, which often celebrated beauty and emotion over intellect and analysis. Parker, on the other hand, values honesty and authenticity in poetry, as seen in lines like "Give me again all that was there."

Another theme that emerges in "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is the disillusionment that comes with excessive exposure to art. Parker suggests that reading too many poets can lead to a sense of fatigue or boredom, as the reader becomes desensitized to the imagery and language. This sentiment is expressed in lines like "All that was ever said, / Tangled and twisted of passion and pain / Shoots like a perfumed arrow at my brain." Here, Parker seems to be grappling with the limitations of language and its ability to convey complex emotions and experiences.

Structure

"Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a sonnet, a form traditionally associated with love poetry. However, Parker subverts this convention by using the sonnet form to critique the very genre it is often used to celebrate. By adopting this form, Parker is able to convey her message in a concise and structured manner, using the fourteen lines to build a coherent argument. The rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG) also adds to the poem's sense of order and balance.

Within this structure, Parker employs a range of literary and rhetorical devices to convey her ideas. For example, she uses alliteration ("sweetness satiety") and internal rhyme ("overquaint and overkind") to create a sense of musicality and rhythm. Parker also employs imagery and metaphor to convey her critique of poetry, describing it as "a soporific" and "a sweet narcotic." These images serve to reinforce Parker's message that poetry, when used incorrectly, can be dulling and numbing.

Language

Perhaps the most striking aspect of "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is Parker's use of language. Her writing is sharp, witty, and incisive, conveying a sense of frustration and impatience with the state of poetry in her time. Parker's language is also highly visual, with vivid and memorable images like "a long brown hair / Caught in the turning door." This attention to detail and specificity adds to the poem's impact and makes it more relatable to the reader.

Another notable aspect of Parker's language is her use of repetition. Throughout the poem, she repeats phrases like "Give me again" and "Overquaint and overkind." This repetition serves to emphasize Parker's frustration with the state of poetry and her desire for something more authentic and honest. It also creates a sense of urgency and momentum within the poem, as if Parker is pushing the reader to consider her perspective.

Conclusion

"Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a powerful and incisive critique of the state of poetry in Dorothy Parker's time. Through her use of structure, language, and imagery, Parker conveys her frustration with the overly ornate and inaccessible nature of many poets and their works. She values honesty and authenticity in poetry, and seeks to push the genre in a more meaningful and substantive direction. Ultimately, "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a call to arms for poets and readers alike, encouraging them to embrace a more direct and honest approach to art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a source of inspiration and creativity for many people. However, there are times when reading too much poetry can be overwhelming, and this is the theme of Dorothy Parker's classic poem, "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets."

In this poem, Parker expresses her frustration with the overwhelming amount of poetry that she has been reading. She begins by saying that she has read too many poets and that their words have become a jumble in her mind. She then goes on to describe the different types of poets that she has encountered, from the "singing birds" to the "dullards" who write "dreary stuff."

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the way that Parker uses language to convey her frustration. She uses words like "jumble," "clamor," and "cacophony" to describe the chaos in her mind. She also uses vivid imagery to describe the different types of poets that she has encountered, such as the "singing birds" and the "dullards."

Another interesting aspect of this poem is the way that Parker critiques the poetry that she has been reading. She is not afraid to call out the poets who she feels are not up to par, describing their work as "dreary stuff" and "dull." This shows that Parker has a discerning eye when it comes to poetry and that she is not afraid to speak her mind.

However, despite her frustration with the overwhelming amount of poetry that she has been reading, Parker still finds beauty in the art form. She describes the "singing birds" as being "sweet and gay," and she acknowledges that there are still poets out there who are worth reading. This shows that Parker has a deep appreciation for poetry, even if she is feeling overwhelmed by it at the moment.

Overall, "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a powerful poem that speaks to the experience of many people who have felt overwhelmed by the amount of poetry that they have been reading. Parker's use of language and imagery is masterful, and her critique of the poetry that she has been reading is insightful. Despite her frustration, Parker still finds beauty in poetry, and this is a testament to the enduring power of the art form.

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