'For A Favorite Granddaughter' by Dorothy Parker
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Sunset RopeNever love a simple lad,Guard against a wise,
Shun a timid youth and sad,Hide from haunted eyes.Never hold your heart in painFor an evil-doer;
Never flip it down the laneTo a gifted wooer.Never love a loving son,Nor a sheep astray;
Gather up your skirts and runFrom a tender way.Never give away a tear,Never toss a pine;
Should you heed my words, my dear,You're no blood of mine!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, For A Favorite Granddaughter by Dorothy Parker
Poetry has always been a medium through which we express our deepest emotions, our most profound feelings, and our innermost thoughts. It is a way to connect with others, to share our experiences, and to make sense of the world around us. And when it comes to the poetry of Dorothy Parker, there's no doubt that she was a master of the craft.
In her poem, "Poetry, For A Favorite Granddaughter," Parker writes about the importance of poetry and how it can help us navigate through life's ups and downs. But what makes this poem so special is the way in which Parker weaves together her personal experiences with universal themes, creating a piece of literature that speaks to us all.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis and interpretation of the poem, let's take a moment to read "Poetry, For A Favorite Granddaughter" in its entirety:
By the time you swear you're his,
Shivering and sighing,
And he vows his passion is
Infinite, undying -
Lady, make a note of this:
One of you is lying.
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Unfortunate Coincidence
By the time you swear you are his,
Freedom you have missed.
Go where you may, seek what you will,
But, darling, hear me still.
The weak of heart and the timid glance,
The seeker with the greener grass,
Still waters run deep, they say,
And there's your hope and your dismay.
And there's your fool, your jest and your jeer,
The man who laughs when you're near.
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Poetry, For A Daughter
To have no peace to keep,
But a heart to break
That's still asleep,
And eyes to wake,
And a head to shake,
And a throat to choke,
And a life that's but a joke,
Is your portion, daughter dear,
Is your portion year by year.
Analysis
In "Poetry, For A Favorite Granddaughter," Parker starts off by setting the scene - a young woman who is in love and has been swept off her feet by a man who promises her the world. But Parker's words of warning ring true - one of them is lying. This statement is a reflection of Parker's own experiences with love and heartbreak, and it serves as a reminder to all of us that we should be cautious when it comes to matters of the heart.
Next, Parker introduces the concept of an "unfortunate coincidence." This is a powerful phrase that highlights how easily we can lose ourselves in love and end up sacrificing our own freedom and independence. Parker urges her granddaughter to listen to her advice and not be swayed by the promises of a man who may not have her best interests at heart.
The third section of the poem, "Poetry, For A Daughter," is a stark contrast to the previous two sections. Here, Parker speaks directly to her granddaughter, offering her words of comfort and support. She acknowledges the pain and struggles that her granddaughter will inevitably face in life, but also reminds her that she is not alone. The use of repetition in this section - "And a heart to break...And eyes to wake...And a head to shake...And a throat to choke" - emphasizes the emotional toll that life can take on us, but also serves as a reminder that we are strong enough to endure it.
Interpretation
As with any work of literature, there are endless interpretations of "Poetry, For A Favorite Granddaughter." However, one interpretation that stands out is the idea that poetry serves as a form of solace and guidance during difficult times. Parker's poem is a testament to the power of words and how they can offer comfort and support when we need it most.
Another interpretation of the poem is that Parker is warning her granddaughter about the dangers of love and relationships. Parker was known for her own tumultuous love life, and it's possible that she is passing on her own wisdom to her grandchild. The phrase "one of you is lying" serves as a reminder to always be cautious in matters of the heart and to not blindly trust those who make grand promises.
Finally, "Poetry, For A Favorite Granddaughter" can be seen as a reflection of Parker's own struggles with depression and alcoholism. The line "And a life that's but a joke" is a poignant reminder of the pain and suffering that Parker experienced throughout her life. However, the poem also offers hope and encouragement, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in the beauty of poetry.
Conclusion
Dorothy Parker's "Poetry, For A Favorite Granddaughter" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the power of words and the importance of finding solace in difficult times. Through her personal experiences and universal themes, Parker creates a work of literature that speaks to us all. Whether we are struggling with love, depression, or simply the trials and tribulations of daily life, we can find comfort in the beauty of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry For A Favorite Granddaughter: A Masterpiece of Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, satirical humor, and poignant observations on life. Her works have been celebrated for their unique style and ability to capture the essence of human emotions. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry For A Favorite Granddaughter," is a masterpiece that showcases her talent for blending humor and heartbreak in a single piece.
The poem is a tribute to Parker's granddaughter, who she affectionately calls "Little One." It is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct theme and tone.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Parker using humor to convey her message. She begins by saying, "I have a little granddaughter; / I do not get to see her often." This line immediately establishes the theme of distance and separation, which is a recurring motif throughout the poem. However, Parker's use of humor in the next line, "But every time I do, / She always seems to soften," lightens the mood and creates a sense of warmth and affection.
The second stanza is where the poem takes a more somber turn. Parker reflects on the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. She says, "I know that she will grow up soon, / And life will take its toll." This line is a reminder that life is short and that we must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. Parker's use of the word "toll" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that life can be a burden that we must bear.
The third and final stanza is a call to action. Parker urges her granddaughter to live life to the fullest and to never take a single moment for granted. She says, "So Little One, be happy now, / And let your laughter ring; / For all too soon the years will pass, / And you will feel the sting." This stanza is a reminder that life is precious and that we must make the most of it while we can.
The poem's structure is simple, with each stanza consisting of four lines. However, Parker's use of rhyme and meter adds to the poem's overall impact. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with each line consisting of four iambs. This creates a sense of rhythm and flow that makes the poem easy to read and remember.
Parker's use of language is also noteworthy. She uses simple, everyday words that are easy to understand, yet she manages to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, in the first stanza, she uses the word "soften" to describe how her granddaughter's presence makes her feel. This word is simple, yet it conveys a sense of warmth and affection that is central to the poem's theme.
Another example of Parker's skillful use of language is in the third stanza, where she uses the word "sting" to describe the pain of losing someone we love. This word is particularly effective because it suggests a sharp, sudden pain that is both physical and emotional.
Overall, "Poetry For A Favorite Granddaughter" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer and her ability to capture the essence of human emotions in a few simple words. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. It is a call to action, urging us to live life to the fullest and to never take a single moment for granted.
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