'Bric-A-Brac' by Dorothy Parker

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Little things that no one needs --Little things to joke about --
Little landscapes, done in beads.Little morals, woven out,
Little wreaths of gilded grass,Little brigs of whittled oak
Bottled painfully in glass;These are made by lonely folk.Lonely folk have lines of daysLong and faltering and thin;
Therefore -- little wax bouquets,Prayers cut upon a pin,
Little maps of pinkish lands,Little charts of curly seas,
Little plats of linen strands,Little verses, such as these.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bric-A-Brac: An Exploration of Dorothy Parker's Emotional Complexity

If you're a fan of dark wit, biting sarcasm, and unapologetic honesty, then you've likely encountered the works of Dorothy Parker. Her poetry collection, Bric-A-Brac, is a prime example of her razor-sharp wit and her ability to capture the pain and complexity of human emotion.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore Parker's collection, examining her themes, stylistic choices, and emotional depth. Prepare to be dazzled, disarmed, and moved as we delve into the world of Bric-A-Brac.

Themes: Love, Loss, and Irony

Parker's Bric-A-Brac is a masterclass in the art of irony. Her poems often take a darkly comedic tone, poking fun at the absurdity of human relationships, while at the same time revealing the pain and vulnerability that lies beneath.

One of the most prominent themes in the collection is love and its many complications. Parker's poems explore the highs and lows of romantic relationships, from the giddy excitement of falling in love to the crushing heartbreak of rejection and loss.

In "A Certain Lady," Parker offers a scathing critique of a woman who uses her sexuality to manipulate men:

Oh, did you never hear of
a certain lady dancer?
who, etcetera, etcetera,
and so forth, more or less,
sang I, as if I should live forever.

Here, Parker's speaker is mocking the titular lady's pretensions of sophistication and seductiveness, while at the same time acknowledging the power that sex and beauty can hold over men.

Other poems in the collection, such as "Fulfillment" and "Observation," explore the pain of unrequited love and the difficult choices that come with it:

I never loved you more, ma cherie,
Than as I walked away from you that evening.
The forest swallowed me, the blue night knew me,
And so the dawn star found me on my knees.

Here, Parker's speaker is acknowledging the pain of loving someone who cannot or will not return their affection, while at the same time recognizing the beauty and power of that love.

Stylistic Choices: Wit, Wordplay, and Musicality

One of the things that makes Parker's poetry so distinctive is her use of wit and wordplay. Her poems are full of clever puns, double entendres, and unexpected turns of phrase. This wordplay serves to underscore the ironic tone of her work, as well as to showcase her literary dexterity.

Take, for example, the opening lines of "One Perfect Rose":

A single flow’r he sent me, since we met.
All tenderly his messenger he chose;
Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet—
One perfect rose.

Here, Parker is using the pun on "flow'r" and "flower" to create a sense of ambiguity and playfulness. The repeated use of "one perfect rose" serves as a kind of refrain, emphasizing the absurdity of the speaker's situation.

Another notable stylistic choice in Bric-A-Brac is Parker's use of musicality. Many of her poems have a lyrical quality to them, with a strong sense of rhythm and rhyme. This musicality serves to heighten the emotional impact of her work, as well as to create a sense of unity and coherence throughout the collection.

Emotional Depth: Pain, Vulnerability, and Resilience

Despite the often ironical and comedic tone of her work, Parker's poetry is full of emotional depth and complexity. She is unafraid to explore the pain and vulnerability that lies at the heart of human relationships, and her poems are infused with a sense of empathy and understanding.

In "Résumé," Parker offers a searing critique of the ways in which society pressures women to conform to narrow standards of beauty and behavior:

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's speaker is acknowledging the pain and difficulty of living in a world that is hostile to women, while at the same time finding a kind of dark humor and resilience in the face of that pain.

Similarly, in "Unfortunate Coincidence," Parker explores the pain of losing someone you love:

By the time you swear you're his,
Shivering and sighing,
And he vows his passion is
Infinite, undying—
Lady, make note of this:
One of you is lying.

Here, Parker's speaker is acknowledging the pain and betrayal that can come with love and loss, while at the same time refusing to give up on the possibility of connection and intimacy.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Irony and Emotional Complexity

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's Bric-A-Brac is a masterpiece of irony and emotional complexity. Her poems are full of wit, wordplay, and musicality, while at the same time exploring the pain, vulnerability, and resilience that lies at the heart of human relationships.

If you're looking for a collection that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the human condition, then look no further than Bric-A-Brac. It's a work of art that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Bric-A-Brac: An Analysis of Dorothy Parker's Classic

Dorothy Parker, a renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and satirical writing style. Her poem, Poetry Bric-A-Brac, is a classic example of her unique style and perspective on the world of poetry. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and explore why it has stood the test of time.

The poem begins with a sarcastic tone, as Parker mocks the idea of poetry being a "bric-a-brac" - a collection of random and meaningless objects. She writes, "Oh, little thoughts are bric-a-brac, / And when I die I give / To the finder of my little thoughts / All else there is to live." Here, Parker is suggesting that her thoughts and ideas are insignificant and unimportant, and that the only thing of value she has to offer is her poetry. This is a common theme in her work, as she often pokes fun at the idea of writers and artists being revered as geniuses.

The second stanza of the poem continues this theme, as Parker writes, "I give my dreams, my tears, my sighs, / My laughter and my pain, / My songs that echo in my heart, / But never will again." Here, she is suggesting that her poetry is a reflection of her innermost thoughts and emotions, and that it is the only way for her to truly express herself. She is also acknowledging the fleeting nature of creativity, as once a poem is written, it can never be recreated in the same way again.

The third stanza of the poem takes a more serious turn, as Parker reflects on the power of poetry to connect people across time and space. She writes, "And if some day, when I am gone, / Someone should find a line / That I had writ, it might be theirs, / And all that I call mine." Here, she is suggesting that her poetry has the potential to live on long after she is gone, and that it may even have a profound impact on someone else's life. This is a powerful message, as it speaks to the enduring power of art to transcend time and space.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem returns to Parker's trademark wit and humor, as she writes, "So take my little bric-a-brac, / And put it on a shelf, / And if some day it brings you joy, / Don't thank me for myself." Here, she is suggesting that her poetry is not meant to be taken too seriously, and that it should be enjoyed for what it is - a collection of random thoughts and ideas. She is also poking fun at the idea of artists and writers being revered as geniuses, suggesting that her poetry is not something to be worshipped, but rather something to be enjoyed and appreciated.

In terms of structure, Poetry Bric-A-Brac is a four-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the first and third lines rhyming, and the second and fourth lines rhyming. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the poem, which is fitting given its theme of the interconnectedness of all things.

In terms of literary devices, Parker employs a number of techniques to convey her message. One of the most prominent is irony, as she uses sarcasm and humor to poke fun at the idea of poetry being a collection of meaningless objects. She also uses repetition, as the phrase "little thoughts" appears twice in the first stanza, and the phrase "my" appears multiple times throughout the poem. This creates a sense of unity and coherence in the poem, as each stanza builds on the previous one.

Another literary device that Parker employs is imagery, as she uses vivid descriptions to bring her poetry to life. For example, in the second stanza, she writes, "My songs that echo in my heart, / But never will again." This creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the reader can imagine the sound of the songs echoing in the poet's heart.

Overall, Poetry Bric-A-Brac is a classic example of Dorothy Parker's unique style and perspective on the world of poetry. Through her use of irony, repetition, and vivid imagery, she creates a powerful message about the interconnectedness of all things, and the enduring power of art to transcend time and space. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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