'Braggart' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925The days will rally, wreathing
Their crazy tarantelle;
And you must go on breathing,
But I'll be safe in hell.Like January weather,
The years will bite and smart,
And pull your bones together
To wrap your chattering heart.The pretty stuff you're made of
Will crack and crease and dry.
The thing you are afraid of
Will look from every eye.You will go faltering after
The bright, imperious line,
And split your throat on laughter,
And burn your eyes with brine.You will be frail and musty
With peering, furtive head,
Whilst I am young and lusty
Among the roaring dead.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "Braggart" by Dorothy Parker

Oh, what a delight it is to read Dorothy Parker's "Braggart"! This short poem may seem simple at first glance, but upon closer examination, it reveals layers of meaning and complexity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language used by Parker in "Braggart".

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in "Braggart" is the idea of false bravado. The speaker of the poem appears to be a man who boasts about his past exploits and accomplishments, but upon closer examination, we realize that he is actually a coward who has never taken any risks. Parker subverts the traditional idea of the heroic male figure by revealing the insecurity and cowardice that often lie beneath the surface.

Another theme in the poem is the concept of self-delusion. The speaker of the poem is so convinced of his own greatness that he ignores the reality of his situation. He is so desperate to appear brave and successful that he has convinced himself of his own lies. Parker challenges the idea of self-aggrandizement and shows the danger of living in a world of delusions.

Finally, "Braggart" can be seen as a criticism of the culture of war and violence. The speaker of the poem is a soldier who boasts about his supposed accomplishments in battle. Parker uses this character to critique the glorification of war and the idea that violence is the only way to prove one's bravery and worth.

Symbolism

Parker uses a variety of symbols in "Braggart" to convey her themes. One of the most significant symbols is the "medal" that the speaker claims to have won. The medal represents the traditional idea of heroism and bravery, but in this case, it is a symbol of false bravado. The speaker has never won a medal and is using it as a way to impress others and boost his own ego.

Another symbol in the poem is the "scar". The speaker claims to have received a scar in battle, but Parker reveals that it is actually a small cut from a kitchen knife. The scar represents the idea of superficial wounds and the way that people often exaggerate their own experiences to appear more impressive.

Finally, the "drum" mentioned in the poem can be seen as a symbol of war and violence. The speaker claims to have beaten a drum in battle, but again, Parker reveals that it is a lie. The drum represents the idea of military propaganda and the way that war is often glorified and celebrated.

Language

One of the most striking things about "Braggart" is Parker's use of language. She uses a variety of literary techniques to convey her themes and create a vivid image of the speaker. For example, Parker uses irony to show the contrast between the speaker's words and his actions. The speaker claims to be brave and heroic, but his actions reveal him to be a coward.

Parker also uses repetition to emphasize the speaker's lies. The phrase "I have" is repeated several times throughout the poem, showing the speaker's desperation to appear impressive. Additionally, Parker uses sarcasm to critique the culture of war and violence. When the speaker claims to have "beaten a drum", Parker responds with the dismissive phrase "Oh, yes, he did." This sarcasm shows the absurdity of the speaker's claims and highlights the danger of glorifying war.

Finally, Parker's use of rhyme and meter adds to the poem's effectiveness. The rhyme scheme of AABBCCDD emphasizes the speaker's repetitive lies, while the meter creates a sense of rhythm and urgency. By using these techniques, Parker creates a powerful and memorable poem that challenges traditional ideas of heroism and bravery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Braggart" is a powerful poem that uses a variety of literary techniques to convey its themes. Through the use of symbolism, language, and metaphor, Parker critiques the culture of war and the glorification of violence. She also challenges traditional ideas of heroism and bravery by revealing the cowardice and self-delusion that often lie beneath the surface. In the end, "Braggart" is a timeless poem that continues to speak to readers today, reminding us of the dangers of false bravado and the importance of confronting reality.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Braggart: A Masterpiece of Satire and Irony

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and incisive commentary on the human condition. Her poem, "The Poetry Braggart," is a perfect example of her satirical genius and her ability to expose the pretensions and vanities of the literary world.

The poem, which was first published in 1926, is a scathing critique of the self-important and self-aggrandizing poets who believe that their work is superior to that of others. Parker's target is the "poetry braggart," a figure who is all too familiar in the world of literature. This is a person who believes that their poetry is the best, that they are the most talented writer, and that their work is destined for greatness.

The poem begins with a description of the poetry braggart, who is "a man who talks incessantly of his own small poetry." This person is so obsessed with his own work that he cannot stop talking about it, even when no one else is interested. He is convinced that his poetry is the greatest thing ever written, and he is determined to make sure that everyone knows it.

Parker's use of irony is evident in the second stanza, where she describes the poetry braggart's work as "thin and feeble." This is a clear contrast to the braggart's own opinion of his work, and it highlights the absurdity of his claims. The braggart is so convinced of his own greatness that he cannot see the flaws in his own writing.

The third stanza is perhaps the most biting of all, as Parker exposes the hypocrisy of the poetry braggart. She writes, "He'll tell you that he never reads / The work of other men." This is a clear indication that the braggart is not interested in the work of others, and that he believes his own work to be superior. However, as Parker points out in the next line, "He writes, and writes, and writes, and reads / His own work over again." This is a clear indication that the braggart is not only interested in his own work, but that he is obsessed with it.

The fourth stanza is a masterful use of satire, as Parker describes the braggart's reaction to criticism. She writes, "If you should say, 'I think it's good, / But then, I'm not so bright,'" the braggart will respond with "a look that plainly says / You're not, and that's all right." This is a clear indication that the braggart is not interested in constructive criticism, and that he believes himself to be above reproach.

The final stanza is a fitting conclusion to the poem, as Parker exposes the futility of the poetry braggart's efforts. She writes, "He'll never be a poet great, / He'll never write a line / That lives beyond his own brief date, / For all his talk and whine." This is a clear indication that the braggart's efforts are ultimately futile, and that his work will never be remembered beyond his own lifetime.

In conclusion, "The Poetry Braggart" is a masterpiece of satire and irony, and a scathing critique of the self-important and self-aggrandizing poets who believe that their work is superior to that of others. Parker's use of irony, satire, and biting humor is masterful, and her ability to expose the pretensions and vanities of the literary world is unparalleled. This poem is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the world of literature, and a testament to Parker's enduring legacy as one of America's greatest writers.

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