'I Shall Come Back' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925I shall come back without fanfaronade
Of wailing wind and graveyard panoply;
But, trembling, slip from cool Eternity-
A mild and most bewildered little shade.
I shall not make sepulchral midnight raid,
But softly come where I had longed to be
In April twilight's unsung melody,
And I, not you, shall be the one afraid.Strange, that from lovely dreamings of the dead
I shall come back to you, who hurt me most.
You may not feel my hand upon your head,
I'll be so new and inexpert a ghost.
Perhaps you will not know that I am near-
And that will break my ghostly heart, my dear.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I Shall Come Back" by Dorothy Parker: A Poem of Resilience and Defiance

Dorothy Parker's "I Shall Come Back" is a remarkable poem that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. Written with a sharp wit and a keen eye for irony, the poem captures the speaker's determination to rise above the forces that threaten to defeat her. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, style, and imagery of Parker's poem and analyze how they contribute to its overall effect.

Themes: Resilience, Defiance, and the Human Condition

At its core, "I Shall Come Back" is a poem about resilience and defiance. The speaker declares her intention to overcome the obstacles that stand in her way, whether they are physical, emotional, or societal. She asserts her right to exist and thrive despite the forces that would crush her. The poem's title itself is a statement of determination: "I shall come back" implies that the speaker has faced setbacks before and has always found a way to return. This theme of resilience is a persistent one in Parker's work, reflecting her own struggles with depression, alcoholism, and personal tragedy.

The poem also explores the human condition, specifically the ways in which people are often mistreated or marginalized by society. The speaker describes herself as "one whom life has passed by," suggesting that she has been ignored or overlooked by those around her. She also speaks of "the world's harsh frown," implying that society is hostile to those who do not conform to its expectations. Yet despite these challenges, the speaker refuses to be defeated. In this way, the poem can be seen as a statement of defiance against the injustices of the world.

Style: Wit, Irony, and Formal Structure

One of the most striking features of "I Shall Come Back" is its style. Parker's wit and irony are on full display, as she uses language to subvert expectations and create unexpected contrasts. For example, the poem begins with the line "When I am dead, my dearest," which sounds like the beginning of a love poem. However, the next line abruptly shifts the tone: "Sing no sad songs for me." This juxtaposition of the romantic and the grim sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is full of similar twists and turns.

The poem's formal structure also contributes to its impact. It is written in quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme and an iambic tetrameter meter. This traditional form gives the poem a sense of order and balance, even as it deals with difficult and unsettling themes. The regular rhythm and rhyme scheme also create a sense of momentum, propelling the reader through the poem's twists and turns.

Imagery: Death, Nature, and the Body

"I Shall Come Back" is a poem that deals with death and mortality, and as such, it is full of vivid and evocative imagery. The first stanza describes the speaker's body after death, suggesting that it will be returned to the earth: "Plant thou no roses at my head, / Nor shady cypress tree." This image of the body as a part of nature is a common one in literature, but Parker puts her own spin on it by rejecting the traditional funeral rites.

The poem also uses nature imagery to create a sense of resilience and renewal. The speaker declares that she will "come back in the green of the grass," implying that she will be reborn in a new form. This image of the grass as a symbol of life and growth is a powerful one, and it echoes the poem's theme of resilience in the face of adversity.

Finally, the poem uses the body as a metaphor for the human condition. The speaker declares that she will "walk the woodlands paths again," suggesting that she will reclaim her physical and emotional autonomy. This image of the body as a site of agency and power is a powerful one, and it speaks to the poem's theme of defiance against the forces that would seek to control or oppress us.

Conclusion: A Poem of Hope and Resilience

In conclusion, "I Shall Come Back" is a remarkable poem that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. Through its themes of resilience, defiance, and the human condition, its style of wit and irony, and its imagery of death, nature, and the body, the poem creates a powerful sense of hope and renewal. Dorothy Parker's legacy as a writer is marked by her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience with wit and insight, and "I Shall Come Back" is a shining example of her talent. As readers, we can take comfort in the poem's message of resilience and defiance, and we can be inspired by its vision of a world in which we all have the power to reclaim our autonomy and thrive.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I Shall Come Back: A Poem of Love and Loss

Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, is known for her sharp wit and biting humor. However, her poem "I Shall Come Back" reveals a different side of her writing - one that is deeply emotional and poignant.

The poem, which was first published in 1922, is a tribute to a lost love. It is a powerful expression of the pain and longing that comes with the end of a relationship, and the hope that one day, love will be rekindled.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing her lost love, saying "I shall come back without fanfaronade." The word "fanfaronade" means boastful or empty talk, and the speaker is essentially saying that she will return without any grand gestures or false promises. She is acknowledging that the relationship has ended, and that there is no point in pretending otherwise.

The second stanza continues in this vein, with the speaker saying "I shall put snowdrops at your door." Snowdrops are a type of flower that bloom in the winter, and are often seen as a symbol of hope and renewal. By placing them at her lost love's door, the speaker is expressing her desire to start anew, to put the past behind them and move forward.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as the speaker declares "Though you scorn the touch of my hand, I shall stand by you." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that her lost love may not want her back, may even reject her, but she will still be there for them. This is a testament to the depth of her love, and her willingness to endure pain and rejection in the hope of reconciliation.

The fourth stanza is a bit more ambiguous, with the speaker saying "For I have learned that love is beyond / All measure of wealth or fame." This could be interpreted in a few different ways - perhaps the speaker is saying that she has realized that love is more important than material possessions or social status, or maybe she is saying that her love for her lost love is so great that it transcends any worldly concerns.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker saying "I shall come back at some selfsame hour / From sleep that smothers and stills." Here, the speaker is expressing her belief that one day, she will be reunited with her lost love. The phrase "some selfsame hour" suggests that this reunion will happen at a specific time, perhaps a time that was significant to their relationship. The reference to "sleep that smothers and stills" could be interpreted as a metaphor for death, suggesting that the speaker believes that even in death, their love will endure.

Overall, "I Shall Come Back" is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the pain and hope of lost love. It is a testament to the power of love to endure even in the face of rejection and loss, and a reminder that sometimes, the greatest act of love is simply to be there for someone, even when they don't want you to be.

As a reader, I was struck by the raw emotion and vulnerability of the poem. It is clear that the speaker is deeply in love with her lost love, and is willing to endure whatever pain and rejection may come her way in the hope of being reunited with them. The use of imagery, such as the snowdrops and the reference to sleep, adds depth and richness to the poem, and helps to convey the speaker's emotions in a powerful way.

In conclusion, "I Shall Come Back" is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who has ever experienced the pain and longing of lost love. Dorothy Parker's skillful use of language and imagery, combined with her deep understanding of the human heart, make this poem a timeless masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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