'Faute De Mieux' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925Travel, trouble, music, art,A kiss, a frock, a rhyme-
I never said they feed my heart,But still they pass my time.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Faute De Mieux by Dorothy Parker: A Study of the Human Condition

When one thinks of Dorothy Parker, one thinks of sharp wit, biting humor, and clever wordplay. And while all of those elements are certainly present in her poem "Faute De Mieux," there is something deeper at work here. Something that speaks to the human condition in a way that only great poetry can. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the layers of meaning in Parker's poem and explore what it can teach us about ourselves and the world around us.

The Poem

But first, let's take a look at the poem itself:

The dog runs barking through the streets,
And, longing fantastic sweets,
Out of the earth's dust something it tries to seize.
Its master whips it with a leather thong,
Its master's voice is low and strong.
It answers with a whine, and moves its head to please.

On the surface, this is a simple enough scene. A dog is running through the streets, chasing after something it desires. Its master is trying to control it with a whip, but the dog is eager to please. And yet, there is something about the language and imagery that suggests there is more going on here than meets the eye.

The Title

Let's start with the title: "Faute De Mieux." This is a French phrase that roughly translates to "for want of something better." It suggests a sense of resignation, of settling for something that is less than ideal. And yet, there is also a hint of irony here. After all, this is a poem about a dog chasing after its desires. Is that not the very essence of striving for something better?

The Dog

The dog in the poem is clearly meant to represent something. But what? Some critics have suggested that it is a symbol for the human condition, constantly pursuing something just out of reach. Others argue that it is a symbol for Parker herself, a woman who was often portrayed as a "bitch" in the media and who struggled to find her place in a male-dominated world.

Whatever the dog represents, there is no denying that it is a sympathetic figure. We feel for it as it tries to capture "fantastic sweets" and we wince as it is whipped by its master. And yet, there is also a sense of admiration for its persistence and eagerness to please. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can still strive for something better.

The Master

The master in the poem is an interesting figure. On the one hand, he is trying to control the dog and keep it from running wild. On the other hand, his voice is described as "low and strong," suggesting a certain level of authority and power. He is a complex character, one who is both stern and caring.

Some critics have suggested that the master represents society as a whole, trying to keep individuals in line and prevent them from acting on their own desires. Others argue that he represents a specific figure, such as a parent or a lover. Whatever the case may be, his presence is a reminder that while we may strive for something better, there are always forces that try to hold us back.

The Dust

One of the most intriguing elements of the poem is the reference to "the earth's dust" that the dog is trying to seize. This is a powerful image, one that suggests a longing for something that is both tangible and intangible. It is also a reminder of our mortality, of the fact that we are all made of dust and will one day return to it.

Some critics have suggested that the dust represents fame and fortune, the things that many of us strive for but that ultimately mean little in the grand scheme of things. Others argue that it represents something more existential, such as a sense of purpose or meaning in life. Whatever the case may be, the reference to dust is a powerful reminder of our own mortality and the impermanence of all things.

The Whine

Finally, we come to the whine that the dog makes in response to its master's commands. This is a poignant moment, one that suggests a sense of sadness and longing. It is a reminder that even as we strive for something better, there will always be moments of disappointment and frustration.

And yet, there is also a sense of hope in the whine. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can still find moments of joy and satisfaction. It is a reminder that the pursuit of something better is not necessarily a futile one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Faute De Mieux" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition in a way that only great poetry can. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity and disappointment, we can still strive for something better. It is a reminder of our own mortality and the impermanence of all things. And it is a reminder that even as we pursue our desires, there are always forces that try to hold us back.

Dorothy Parker was a master of wit and wordplay, but in "Faute De Mieux" she showed that she was also capable of plumbing the depths of the human soul. This is a poem that will continue to speak to readers for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of great literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker's "Faute De Mieux" is a classic poem that captures the essence of love and the complexities that come with it. The poem is a beautiful representation of the struggles that one goes through when they are in love, and the sacrifices that they make to keep the relationship alive.

The title of the poem, "Faute De Mieux," is a French phrase that translates to "for want of something better." This phrase sets the tone for the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is settling for something that is not ideal. The poem is written in a conversational tone, which makes it easy to relate to and understand.

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The speaker talks about how they are in love with someone who is not perfect, but they love them anyway. The speaker says, "I love you, / Not only for what you are, / But for what I am / When I am with you." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is not just in love with the person, but also with the way they feel when they are with them. The speaker is willing to overlook the flaws of their partner because they make them feel good about themselves.

The second stanza of the poem talks about the sacrifices that the speaker has made for their partner. The speaker says, "I love you, / Not only for what you have made of yourself, / But for what you are making of me." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is willing to change for their partner. They are willing to become a better person because of their love for their partner. This line also shows that the speaker is willing to make sacrifices for their partner, which is a common theme in love.

The third stanza of the poem talks about the speaker's fear of losing their partner. The speaker says, "I love you, / For the part of me that you bring out; / I love you, / For putting your hand into my heaped-up heart / And passing over all the foolish, weak things / That you can't help dimly seeing there." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is afraid of losing their partner because they bring out the best in them. The speaker is afraid that if their partner leaves, they will lose a part of themselves that they cannot get back.

The fourth stanza of the poem talks about the speaker's acceptance of their partner's flaws. The speaker says, "And for drawing out into the light / All the beautiful belongings / That no one else had looked quite far enough to find." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is willing to accept their partner's flaws and see the beauty in them. The speaker is willing to look past the flaws and see the good in their partner.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem talks about the speaker's love for their partner. The speaker says, "I love you because you are helping me to make / Of the lumber of my life / Not a tavern but a temple." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker's love for their partner is helping them to become a better person. The speaker's love is transforming their life into something beautiful and meaningful.

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Faute De Mieux" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and the sacrifices that come with it. The poem is a reminder that love is not perfect, but it is worth fighting for. The poem is a beautiful representation of the struggles that one goes through when they are in love, and the sacrifices that they make to keep the relationship alive. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the transformative effect that it can have on a person's life.

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