'Fighting Words' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925Say my love is easy had,Say I'm bitten raw with pride,
Say I am too often sad-Still behold me at your side.Say I'm neither brave nor young,Say I woo and coddle care,
Say the devil touched my tongue-Still you have my heart to wear.But say my verses do not scan,And I get me another man!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Fighting Words: A Deep Dive into Dorothy Parker's Classic Poetry

Introduction

Dorothy Parker was one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, known for her wit and her razor-sharp tongue. Her poetry was no exception, and "Fighting Words" is one of her most famous works. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem, exploring its themes and analyzing its language and structure. So buckle up, dear reader, and get ready to explore the mind of one of America's most iconic writers.

The Poem

But I shall sit alone and watch the night come, And I shall hear the geese go by out of the darkness, Honking lost love, lost youth- And I shall be afraid.

Analyzing the Structure

Let's start with the structure of the poem. At first glance, it appears simple, with only four short lines. However, upon closer examination, we can see that there is more going on here than meets the eye.

For starters, the poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not adhere to any formal rhyme scheme or meter. This gives Parker more creative freedom, allowing her to focus on the meaning of the words rather than their form.

Furthermore, the poem is divided into two stanzas, with a break in the middle marked by a dash. This creates a sense of pause, as if the speaker is taking a breath before continuing.

The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker sitting alone and watching the night come. The second stanza introduces a sense of foreboding, with the geese honking "lost love, lost youth" and the speaker admitting that she is afraid.

Analyzing the Language

Now let's take a closer look at the language of the poem. One of the first things that stands out is the use of the word "alone." This is a recurring theme in Parker's work, and it speaks to the isolation and loneliness that many people feel.

The phrase "watch the night come" is also significant. It suggests a sense of waiting or anticipation, as if the speaker is expecting something to happen. This is reinforced by the mention of the geese, who are honking as they fly by.

The use of the word "lost" in relation to both love and youth is particularly poignant. It suggests that these things are not just gone, but irretrievable. The speaker is mourning not just what she has lost, but what she can never get back.

Finally, the admission of fear in the last line is a powerful moment. It reveals the vulnerability and fragility of the speaker, and it suggests that there is something ominous lurking in the darkness.

Interpreting the Themes

So what does all of this mean? What is Parker trying to say with this poem?

One interpretation is that the poem is about the passage of time and the inevitability of loss. The speaker is watching the night come, a metaphor for the end of the day and the approach of darkness. The geese flying by are a reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and love, both of which are lost forever.

Another interpretation is that the poem is about the fear of death. The speaker is alone, and the darkness represents the unknown. The honking of the geese, who are flying away, suggests a sense of finality. The speaker is afraid of what comes next, and she knows that she cannot avoid it.

Yet another interpretation is that the poem is about the isolation and loneliness that many people feel. The speaker is sitting alone, and there is a sense of longing in her words. The geese are a reminder of what she has lost, and she is afraid of being alone forever.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Fighting Words" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the universal themes of loss, fear, and loneliness. Its structure and language are carefully crafted to convey a sense of foreboding, and its themes are open to interpretation. Dorothy Parker was a master of her craft, and this poem is a testament to her talent as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Fighting Words: A Classic Masterpiece by Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and biting humor. Her poem "Fighting Words" is a classic example of her style, and it has stood the test of time as a masterpiece of modern poetry. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem, and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.

The poem "Fighting Words" is a short, four-line verse that packs a powerful punch. It reads:

Say my love is easy had, Say I'm bitten raw with pride, Say I am too often sad-- Still behold me at your side.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple love poem, expressing the speaker's devotion to their beloved. However, upon closer examination, we can see that there is much more going on beneath the surface.

The first line, "Say my love is easy had," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "easy" implies that the speaker's love is not genuine or sincere, but rather something that can be obtained without much effort. This is a subtle jab at the idea of love as a commodity, something that can be bought and sold like any other product.

The second line, "Say I'm bitten raw with pride," is a more direct attack on the idea of love as a source of pride. The word "bitten" suggests that the speaker's pride has been wounded, perhaps by their own actions or by the actions of their beloved. This line challenges the notion that love should be a source of pride, and instead suggests that it can be a source of pain and vulnerability.

The third line, "Say I am too often sad," is a continuation of the theme of vulnerability. The word "sad" implies that the speaker is not always happy or content in their love, but rather experiences moments of doubt and sadness. This line challenges the idea of love as a constant source of happiness, and instead suggests that it can be a source of struggle and hardship.

Finally, the fourth line, "Still behold me at your side," is a defiant statement of the speaker's commitment to their beloved, despite the challenges they face. This line suggests that love is not just about happiness and pride, but also about loyalty and perseverance. It is a powerful statement of the speaker's determination to stand by their beloved, no matter what.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It is a quatrain, or four-line stanza, with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which contrasts with the more complex themes and ideas it explores. The brevity of the poem also adds to its impact, as each line is carefully chosen to convey a specific message.

In terms of literary devices, Parker uses several techniques to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One of the most notable is the use of irony. The poem's title, "Fighting Words," suggests that the speaker is ready to engage in a verbal battle with anyone who challenges their love. However, the poem itself is not a battle cry, but rather a subtle critique of the very idea of love as a source of pride and happiness. This irony adds depth and complexity to the poem, and invites the reader to consider the true nature of love and its role in our lives.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "Say" is repeated three times, each time introducing a new challenge to the speaker's love. This repetition creates a sense of momentum and builds tension, as the reader wonders what new challenge will be introduced next. It also emphasizes the speaker's defiance in the face of these challenges, as they refuse to be swayed by others' opinions or doubts.

Finally, the poem's use of imagery is worth noting. The phrase "bitten raw with pride" creates a vivid image of a wound, suggesting that the speaker's pride has been injured in some way. This image adds a visceral quality to the poem, making it more relatable and emotionally resonant. The phrase "behold me at your side" also creates a powerful image of loyalty and devotion, suggesting that the speaker is willing to stand by their beloved through thick and thin.

In conclusion, "Fighting Words" is a classic masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to Dorothy Parker's skill as a writer and poet. Through its themes of love, pride, and vulnerability, its structure and literary devices, and its use of irony and imagery, the poem invites us to consider the true nature of love and its role in our lives. It is a powerful reminder that love is not always easy or straightforward, but rather a complex and multifaceted emotion that requires courage, perseverance, and loyalty.

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