'Comment' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1926Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song,
A medley of extemporanea;
And love is a thing that can never go wrong;
And I am Marie of Roumania.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Analyzing the Witty and Satirical Works of Dorothy Parker

As Shakespeare famously said, "Brevity is the soul of wit," and no one embodied this philosophy better than Dorothy Parker. In her collection of poems titled "Comment," the American writer and poet showcases her sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and keen sense of observation.

Parker's poems are political, personal, and social commentaries on the world around her. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and literary devices used by the author in "Comment" to understand her unique style and contribution to modernist poetry.

Introduction to the Poet

Dorothy Parker was born in 1893 in Long Branch, New Jersey. Her father was a businessman, and her mother died when she was young. Parker attended a Catholic school in New York City, and later went on to work as a book reviewer and theater critic for various publications.

She was a prominent member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of New York City writers, critics, and intellectuals who met regularly at the Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s. Along with her humorous and satirical poems, Parker is also known for her short stories, essays, and screenplays.

Her works often focused on the themes of love, loss, and betrayal, and were characterized by her trademark wit and cynicism. Parker's writing style was influenced by the modernist movement of the early 20th century and her contemporaries, such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound.

Analysis of the Poems in "Comment"

Theme of Love and Relationships

One of the recurring themes in Parker's poetry is love and relationships. However, her poems on this topic are far from the conventional and romanticized portrayals of love. Instead, Parker offers a more realistic and satirical view of love, often highlighting the disappointments and disillusionments that come with it.

In "One Perfect Rose," Parker mocks the absurdity of gifting a single rose to a lover as a token of affection. She uses hyperbole to express her disdain for such superficial gestures, saying:

Why is it no one ever sent me yet
One perfect limousine, do you suppose?
Ah no, it's always just my luck to get
One perfect rose.

Here, Parker uses the image of a limousine, a symbol of wealth and luxury, to contrast the triviality of a rose. The repetition of the phrase "one perfect" emphasizes the ridiculousness of such a gift.

Similarly, in "Unfortunate Coincidence," Parker presents a cynical view of love and the unpredictability of relationships. She uses irony to suggest that the universe conspires against lovers, saying:

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.

Here, Parker subverts the traditional notion of love being eternal and steadfast. Instead, she suggests that love is fickle and unreliable, and that one person in a relationship is always lying or deceiving the other.

Through these satirical portrayals of love, Parker offers a refreshing take on a universal theme that has been romanticized in literature for centuries.

Social Commentary

Apart from love and relationships, Parker's poetry also offers commentary on social issues of her time. In "The Gentlest Lady," Parker critiques the patriarchal and oppressive nature of society, saying:

She thanked the Lord for every meal She ate, except the banquet—
To stuff your belly, heart and brain
With mutton, pork and pigeon,
She said, was wicked, very plain;
She never touched a smidgeon
Of fish or fowl, or anything
The least bit toothsome-tasty;
But fruit and eggs—there was a king!
She ate them, pure and hasty.

Here, Parker uses the image of food to highlight the gendered expectations and restrictions placed on women by society. The alliteration and rhyme scheme in the poem add to its satirical tone.

Similarly, in "The Flaw in Paganism," Parker critiques the hypocrisy of organized religion and its inability to provide true salvation. She uses imagery to describe the hollowness of religious rituals, saying:

Lo, keen-eyed maidens fling the mace,
And naked youths, flower garlanded,
Trip lightly in the measured pace
Of jig and caper, hop and tread;
While he, with chiselled cheekbone, stands
With sweeping gesture, proud and free,
And with his strong convincing hands
Demonstrates natural piety.

Here, Parker uses the image of pagan rituals to illustrate the emptiness of religious practices that focus more on showmanship than true spirituality.

Literary Devices and Style

Parker's poems are characterized by their witty language, clever wordplay, and use of literary devices such as irony, hyperbole, and sarcasm. She often uses rhyme and meter to create a musical quality in her poetry, but she also experiments with form and free verse in some of her works.

In "Résumé," Parker uses repetition to emphasize the monotony and despair of a woman's life. The poem goes:

Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.

Here, Parker repeats the first word of each line to create a sense of rhythm and monotony, which reflects the theme of the poem.

In "News Item," Parker uses irony to highlight the absurdity of war and its impact on human lives. She writes:

Men seldom make passes
At girls who wear glasses.

Here, Parker subverts the traditional idea of glasses being unattractive for women and uses it to comment on the destructive consequences of war.

Conclusion

Dorothy Parker's "Comment" is a collection of poems that showcase her unique style and voice. Her witty and satirical portrayals of love, relationships, and social issues offer a refreshing perspective on universal themes. Parker's use of literary devices and her experimentation with form add to the complexity and depth of her poetry.

Through her works, Parker not only reflects the concerns and anxieties of her time but also offers insights into the human condition that are relevant even today. Her legacy as a prominent writer and poet of the 20th century continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and readers.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dorothy Parker's Poetry Comment is a classic piece of literary criticism that has stood the test of time. Written in 1926, it is a witty and insightful analysis of the state of poetry at the time. Parker's commentary is still relevant today, as it speaks to the enduring power of poetry and the importance of critical engagement with the art form.

At the heart of Parker's commentary is her belief that poetry should be accessible to all readers. She argues that poetry should not be an elitist pursuit, reserved only for the educated and cultured. Instead, she believes that poetry should be written in a language that is understandable to everyone. This is evident in her critique of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land, which she describes as "a poem so packed with meaning that it has no room for music."

Parker's emphasis on accessibility is also reflected in her praise for the work of Edna St. Vincent Millay. She describes Millay's poetry as "simple and direct," and praises her ability to "speak to the heart of the average reader." This is a clear indication of Parker's belief that poetry should be written in a way that is relatable to a wide audience.

Another key theme in Parker's commentary is the importance of emotion in poetry. She argues that poetry should not be a dry intellectual exercise, but should instead be a vehicle for expressing deep emotions. This is evident in her critique of the work of Ezra Pound, whom she accuses of being "too cold and cerebral." Parker believes that poetry should be passionate and heartfelt, and that it should move the reader on a visceral level.

Parker's commentary is also notable for its focus on the role of the poet in society. She argues that poets have a responsibility to engage with the world around them, and to use their art to comment on social and political issues. This is evident in her critique of the work of Robert Frost, whom she accuses of being "too detached from the world." Parker believes that poets should be actively engaged in the world, and that their work should reflect this engagement.

Overall, Parker's Poetry Comment is a masterful piece of literary criticism that speaks to the enduring power of poetry. Her emphasis on accessibility, emotion, and social engagement is as relevant today as it was in 1926. Parker's commentary is a reminder that poetry is not an elitist pursuit, but a vital art form that has the power to move and inspire us all.

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