'General Review Of The Sex Situation' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925Woman wants monogamy;
Man delights in novelty.
Love is woman's moon and sun;
Man has other forms of fun.
Woman lives but in her lord;
Count to ten, and man is bored.
With this the gist and sum of it,
What earthly good can come of it?

Editor 1 Interpretation

General Review of the Sex Situation: A Literary Criticism

by Dorothy Parker

"It boils down to something like this: There's nobody to love and nowhere to go. I'm going to bed with my typewriter."

Oh, how fierce and biting is the wit of Dorothy Parker! In her poem "General Review of the Sex Situation," she takes on the ever-present topic of love and sex and gives it her own unique twist. With her clever wordplay and biting sarcasm, Parker manages to capture the essence of the human condition when it comes to matters of the heart.

The poem opens with the speaker lamenting the state of the world when it comes to love and sex. "It boils down to something like this," she says, as if she has just figured out the answer to a difficult math problem. What follows is a litany of complaints about the lack of options available to her. "There's nobody to love and nowhere to go," she declares, as if she has searched high and low for the perfect partner but has come up empty-handed.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity, the speaker takes matters into her own hands. "I'm going to bed with my typewriter," she announces, turning to her trusty machine as a substitute for the real thing. Here, Parker cleverly employs a double entendre, as "going to bed" could refer both to the literal act of sleeping and to the figurative act of having sex.

But what makes this poem truly remarkable is not just its clever wordplay and biting humor, but also the underlying message it conveys. In a world where love and sex are often romanticized and put on a pedestal, Parker takes a more realistic approach. Rather than painting a picture of perfect love and happily-ever-afters, she acknowledges the difficulties and frustrations that come with trying to find a partner. And yet, despite this, she retains a sense of humor and resilience that is both admirable and inspiring.

One of the most striking aspects of "General Review of the Sex Situation" is its use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Parker returns to the same phrase, "It boils down to something like this," as if to emphasize the fact that there is no escaping the harsh reality of the situation. And yet, despite this repetition, the poem never feels repetitive or dull. Each time the phrase is used, it is imbued with a slightly different meaning, building up to the final punchline of the poem.

Another notable feature of the poem is its use of rhyme and meter. Parker employs a loose iambic tetrameter, with occasional variations that add a touch of whimsy to the poem. The rhyme scheme is also somewhat irregular, with slant rhymes and half-rhymes scattered throughout. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and playfulness that mirrors the speaker's attitude towards love and sex.

Overall, "General Review of the Sex Situation" is a masterpiece of wit and humor. It takes a complex and often frustrating topic and turns it into something that is both relatable and entertaining. Parker's unique voice and perspective make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Classic Poem That Still Resonates Today: Dorothy Parker's "General Review Of The Sex Situation"

Dorothy Parker was a writer, critic, and poet who lived in the early 20th century. Her work was known for its wit, humor, and sharp observations of human behavior. One of her most famous poems is "General Review Of The Sex Situation," which was first published in 1920. Despite being almost 100 years old, this poem still resonates today, as it explores the complexities of gender and sexuality in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis of the poem, let's take a look at the text itself:

Woman wants monogamy;
Man delights in novelty.
Love is woman's moon and sun;
Man has other forms of fun.

Woman lives but in her lord;
Count to ten, and man is bored.
With this the gist and sum of it,
What earthly good can come of it?

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple observation of the differences between men and women when it comes to love and sex. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that Parker is making a much more nuanced argument about gender roles and societal expectations.

The Analysis

The poem is structured as a series of couplets, each of which presents a contrast between men and women. The first couplet sets the tone for the rest of the poem: "Woman wants monogamy; / Man delights in novelty." Here, Parker is highlighting the traditional gender roles that have been assigned to men and women. Women are expected to be faithful and committed to their partners, while men are allowed to seek out new experiences and partners.

The second couplet continues this theme: "Love is woman's moon and sun; / Man has other forms of fun." Parker is suggesting that women are more emotionally invested in their relationships, while men are more interested in physical pleasure. This idea is reinforced in the third couplet: "Woman lives but in her lord; / Count to ten, and man is bored." Here, Parker is pointing out the power dynamic that exists between men and women in relationships. Women are often expected to be subservient to their partners, while men are free to do as they please.

The final couplet is where Parker really drives her point home: "With this the gist and sum of it, / What earthly good can come of it?" Here, she is questioning the societal norms that have led to these gender roles. If men and women are so fundamentally different when it comes to love and sex, how can they ever hope to have a fulfilling relationship? Parker is suggesting that these traditional gender roles are not only limiting, but also harmful to both men and women.

The Relevance Today

So why does this poem still resonate today, almost 100 years after it was written? The answer lies in the fact that gender roles and societal expectations are still very much a part of our culture. Women are still expected to be faithful and committed to their partners, while men are often praised for their sexual conquests. Women are still expected to be subservient to their partners, while men are encouraged to be dominant and assertive.

However, there has been progress in recent years towards breaking down these gender roles. Women are now more empowered than ever before, and are fighting for their rights and equality. Men are also starting to question the traditional gender roles that have been assigned to them, and are exploring new ways of expressing their masculinity.

In this context, Parker's poem is more relevant than ever. It serves as a reminder that gender roles are not set in stone, and that we have the power to challenge and change them. By questioning the societal norms that have led to these gender roles, we can create a more equal and just society for all.

Conclusion

Dorothy Parker's "General Review Of The Sex Situation" is a classic poem that still resonates today. By exploring the complexities of gender and sexuality in a way that is both timeless and relevant, Parker has created a work of art that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. As we continue to navigate the changing landscape of gender roles and societal expectations, this poem serves as a reminder that we have the power to challenge and change the norms that have been assigned to us.

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