'Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925Daily dawns another day;
I must up, to make my way.
Though I dress and drink and eat,
Move my fingers and my feet,
Learn a little, here and there,
Weep and laugh and sweat and swear,
Hear a song, or watch a stage,
Leave some words upon a page,
Claim a foe, or hail a friend-
Bed awaits me at the end.Though I go in pride and strength,
I'll come back to bed at length.
Though I walk in blinded woe,
Back to bed I'm bound to go.
High my heart, or bowed my head,
All my days but lead to bed.
Up, and out, and on; and then
Ever back to bed again,
Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall-
I'm a fool to rise at all!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" by Dorothy Parker: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As I sit down to write about Dorothy Parker's "Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom," I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement. After all, Parker is one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, known for her wit, humor, and biting social commentary. And this poem, in particular, is a gem - a short yet profound meditation on the human condition, love, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Join me as we delve deeper into the world of "Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" and explore its many layers of meaning.

Context and Background

Before we analyze the poem itself, let us first understand the context and background in which it was written. "Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" was first published in Parker's collection of poetry, "Sunset Gun" in 1928. This was a time of great social and cultural change in the United States, with the roaring twenties in full swing and the country recovering from the trauma of World War I. Parker herself was a prominent figure in the literary and social scene of New York, known for her sharp tongue and quick wit.

Poetic Devices and Structure

Now, let us move on to the poem itself. "Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" is a short, free-verse poem consisting of six lines, each of which is packed with meaning and significance. The poem is written in the first person, from the perspective of the speaker, who is addressing an unknown audience. The use of the first person makes the poem deeply personal and intimate, as if the speaker is confiding in the reader.

The language of the poem is deceptively simple, with short, clipped phrases and a lack of punctuation. This gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is in the midst of a profound realization that they must share with the world. The lack of punctuation also creates a sense of ambiguity and fluidity, as the reader must interpret the poem for themselves.

The poem is rich in poetic devices, including repetition, alliteration, and metaphor. The repetition of the phrase "One flesh" in the first and last lines of the poem creates a sense of symmetry and unity, as if the speaker is emphasizing the importance of this phrase. The alliteration in the second line - "Lying apart now" - creates a sense of distance and separation, which contrasts with the unity of "One flesh." Finally, the metaphor of the "ceiling of a bedroom" as a canvas for an inscription adds a layer of depth and richness to the poem, suggesting that the speaker is reflecting on their own experiences of love and intimacy.

Themes and Interpretation

So, what does "Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" mean? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of love and intimacy, and the impossibility of capturing these fleeting moments in time. The phrase "One flesh" suggests a deep, physical connection between two people, which is contrasted with the distance and separation of "Lying apart now." The speaker seems to be reflecting on a past relationship, perhaps one that has ended, and is mourning the loss of that connection.

The metaphor of the "ceiling of a bedroom" is particularly rich, as it suggests that the speaker is trying to capture this moment of intimacy and connection in a tangible way. However, the act of inscribing something on a ceiling is inherently futile - the message will eventually fade, and the moment will be lost forever. In this way, the poem suggests that love and intimacy are transitory and impermanent, and that no amount of effort can truly capture their essence.

This theme is echoed in the final line of the poem, which states that "Tomorrow / Will be the same as yesterday." This line suggests a sense of repetition and routine, as if the speaker is trapped in a cycle of longing and loss. However, it also suggests a sense of acceptance and resignation - the speaker knows that tomorrow will not bring any new revelations or experiences, and is content to simply exist in the present moment.

Conclusion

"Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of love and intimacy in a few short lines. Through its use of poetic devices and rich metaphors, the poem explores the fleeting nature of human connection and the impossibility of capturing these moments in time. As we read and reflect on this poem, we are reminded of the fragility and beauty of the human experience, and the importance of cherishing those moments of connection whenever we can.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom: An Analysis

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical works. Her poem, "Poetry Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom," is a perfect example of her unique style. The poem, which was first published in 1926, is a short but powerful piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.

The poem is written in the form of an inscription that one might find on the ceiling of a bedroom. It begins with the line, "You shall see me," which immediately draws the reader in and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing someone, perhaps a lover or a friend, and promising that they will always be present, even after they are gone.

The next few lines of the poem are a bit more cryptic. The speaker says, "You shall hear me / In the sound of the water / When the rivers run together." This could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be a reference to the cyclical nature of life, with the rivers representing the passage of time. It could also be a metaphor for the speaker's voice being carried on through the memories of those who knew them.

The next stanza of the poem is where things start to get a bit darker. The speaker says, "You shall glimpse me / In the moonlight's pallor / When I visit you / In your darkest hour." This is a clear reference to death, with the speaker promising to be present even after they have passed away. The use of the word "pallor" is particularly effective, as it conjures up an image of a ghostly figure.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says, "But shall I greet you / You shall see me smile." This is a bittersweet ending to the poem, as the speaker is promising to be present even after they are gone, but they will not be able to physically interact with the person they are addressing. The use of the word "smile" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker is at peace with their own mortality.

Overall, "Poetry Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem. It explores themes that are universal and timeless, such as love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. The use of the form of an inscription is particularly effective, as it gives the poem a sense of permanence and timelessness. Dorothy Parker's unique style and wit are on full display in this poem, making it a must-read for anyone interested in poetry or literature in general.

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