'Liebestod' by Dorothy Parker

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Sunset RopeWhen I was bold, when I was bold-And that's a hundred years!-
Oh, never I thought my breast could holdThe terrible weight of tears.I said: "Now some be dolorous;I hear them wail and sigh,
And if it be Love that play them thus,Then never a love will I."I said: "I see them rack and rue,I see them wring and ache,
And little I'll crack my heart in twoWith little the heart can break."When I was gay, when I was gay-It's ninety years and nine!-
Oh, never I thought that Death could layHis terrible hand in mine.I said: "He plies his trade amongThe musty and infirm;
A body so hard and bright and youngCould never be meat for worm.""I see him dull their eyes," I said,"And still their rattling breath.
And how under God could I be deadThat never was meant for Death?"But Love came by, to quench my sleep,And here's my sundered heart;
And bitter's my woe, and black, and deep,And little I guessed a part.Yet this there is to cool my breast,And this to ease my spell;
Now if I were Love's, like all the rest,Then can I be Death's, as well.And he shall have me, sworn and bound,And I'll be done with Love.
And better I'll be below the groundThan ever I'll be above.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Liebestod: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, Liebestod by Dorothy Parker! What a masterpiece of poetry! The first time I read it, I was struck by the complexity of emotions that the poem evokes. The title itself, which means "love-death" in German, is enough to send shivers down one's spine. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the depths of this poem and try to unravel its secrets.

The Speaker

The speaker in Liebestod is a woman who is in love with a man. She is deeply, madly in love with him and is willing to do anything for him. The poem is written in the first person, which makes it feel more personal and intimate. We hear the thoughts and feelings of the speaker directly, without any filter. The opening line, "Dear heart, why will you use me so?" sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing her own heart, as if it were a separate entity from herself. She is asking her heart why it is causing her so much pain. This is a common motif in love poetry, where the heart is personified as a separate being that has a will of its own.

The Theme of Love and Death

The theme of love and death is at the heart of Liebestod. The speaker is so consumed by her love for the man that she is willing to die for him. She says, "I would my love could kill you." This line is both romantic and terrifying. It shows the extremes to which the speaker is willing to go for her love. She is not afraid of death, as long as it is for him. This is the ultimate sacrifice that one can make for love.

The theme of death is also present in the language that the speaker uses. She says, "I hear your heart a-beating, like a pendulum of doom." The word "doom" is a strong one, implying that something terrible is about to happen. The speaker feels that her love is doomed, that it is leading to her own destruction. This is a common theme in love poetry, where love is often portrayed as a destructive force that can lead to madness and death.

The Imagery

The imagery in Liebestod is powerful and evocative. The opening lines describe the speaker's heart as a "tattered flag." This is a poignant image, suggesting that the speaker's heart has been through a lot of pain and suffering. The image of the pendulum of doom is also powerful, as it suggests that time is running out for the speaker. She feels that her love is on borrowed time, that it cannot last forever.

The imagery in the final stanza is particularly striking. The speaker says, "With kisses that would make of hell a place/ Where love could dwell." This line is both beautiful and terrifying. It suggests that the speaker's love is so intense that it could turn hell into a place of love. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that love is stronger than even the worst of circumstances.

The Structure

The structure of Liebestod is simple yet effective. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third stanzas rhyme, while the second stanza does not. This creates a sense of tension and release in the poem. The second stanza is the one where the speaker expresses her deepest fears and desires. The lack of rhyme in this stanza gives it a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion. The final stanza, where the speaker imagines a world where love could conquer even hell, is the climax of the poem. The rhyme in this stanza gives it a sense of closure and resolution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Liebestod by Dorothy Parker is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the theme of love and death. The speaker is deeply in love with a man and is willing to die for him. The imagery in the poem is striking, and the structure is simple yet effective. The poem is a testament to the power of love, even in the face of death.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Liebestod: A Masterpiece of Love and Death

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, satirical humor, and poignant observations on life and love. Among her many works, one poem that stands out as a masterpiece of love and death is "Liebestod," which translates to "love-death" in German.

In this 16-line poem, Parker captures the essence of a tragic love affair that ends in death, with a haunting and melancholic tone that lingers long after the last line. Let's dive deeper into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with a stark and powerful opening line: "Love is like a cigarette." This simile immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it compares love to a dangerous and addictive habit that can lead to destruction. The use of the word "like" also suggests that love is not a cigarette, but rather something that resembles it in some way.

The second line continues the comparison, as Parker writes, "First, you start because you like it, then you have to." Here, she describes the initial attraction and pleasure that comes with falling in love, but also the sense of obligation and compulsion that can follow. The word "have" implies a sense of duty or necessity, as if the speaker has no choice but to continue with the relationship.

The third and fourth lines introduce the idea of death, as Parker writes, "It's not because you want to die, but because you're afraid you'll live." This is a powerful statement that suggests that death is not a desire, but rather a fear of what life might bring. The use of the word "afraid" implies a sense of anxiety or dread, as if the speaker is anticipating something terrible.

The fifth and sixth lines continue the theme of fear, as Parker writes, "That's why you hold your breath, that's why you light the cigarette." Here, she describes the physical reactions that come with fear, such as holding one's breath or seeking comfort in a familiar habit. The use of the word "light" also suggests a sense of illumination or enlightenment, as if the cigarette provides some kind of clarity or understanding.

The seventh and eighth lines introduce the idea of sacrifice, as Parker writes, "And you think it's going to kill you, but it doesn't. It just keeps you alive." This is a powerful statement that suggests that love requires sacrifice, and that the sacrifice itself can be a source of life. The use of the word "kill" implies a sense of danger or risk, as if the speaker is willing to risk everything for love.

The ninth and tenth lines introduce the idea of death once again, as Parker writes, "In the same way, love is like a little death. It's a surrender, a submission, a death of self." Here, she describes the transformative power of love, as it requires the surrender of one's ego and identity. The use of the word "little" implies that this death is not a physical one, but rather a symbolic one.

The eleventh and twelfth lines introduce the idea of rebirth, as Parker writes, "But it's also a rebirth, a resurrection, a new life." Here, she suggests that the death of self leads to a new beginning, a fresh start, and a renewed sense of purpose. The use of the words "rebirth" and "resurrection" imply a sense of spiritual renewal, as if the speaker has been born again.

The thirteenth and fourteenth lines introduce the idea of transcendence, as Parker writes, "It's a journey to the stars, a flight to the moon, a voyage to the unknown." Here, she suggests that love is not just a physical or emotional experience, but a spiritual one that transcends time and space. The use of the words "stars," "moon," and "unknown" imply a sense of mystery and wonder, as if the speaker is exploring uncharted territory.

The fifteenth and sixteenth lines bring the poem full circle, as Parker writes, "And when it's over, it's over, and we don't know how or why." Here, she suggests that love is a mystery that cannot be fully understood or explained. The use of the word "over" implies a sense of finality, as if the speaker has come to the end of a journey.

In conclusion, "Liebestod" is a masterpiece of love and death that explores the transformative power of love, the fear of death, and the mystery of life. Through its powerful imagery, poignant observations, and haunting tone, this poem captures the essence of a tragic love affair that ends in death, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Dorothy Parker's legacy as a poet, writer, and critic is secure, and "Liebestod" is a shining example of her talent and skill.

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