'A Portrait' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1925Because my love is quick to come and go-
A little here, and then a little there-
What use are any words of mine to swear
My heart is stubborn, and my spirit slow
Of weathering the drip and drive of woe?
What is my oath, when you have but to bare
My little, easy loves; and I can dare
Only to shrug, and answer, "They are so"?You do not know how heavy a heart it is
That hangs about my neck- a clumsy stone
Cut with a birth, a death, a bridal-day.
Each time I love, I find it still my own,
Who take it, now to that lad, now to this,
Seeking to give the wretched thing away.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, A Portrait: A Masterpiece that stands the test of time

Dorothy Parker's Poetry, A Portrait is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This collection of poems is a testament to Parker's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the intricacies of human emotion in a few powerful words. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes, motifs, and language used in this collection of poems.

Themes and Motifs

One of the primary themes of Poetry, A Portrait is love and its various forms. Parker explores love in all its complexities, from the sweet, innocent love of youth to the bitter, disillusioned love of adulthood. In her poem "Fulfillment," Parker writes, "Hearts are not had as a gift but hearts are earned." This line speaks to the idea that love is not something that can be given freely but must be earned through hard work and dedication.

Another prominent theme in Parker's collection is the fleeting nature of life. In her poem "One Perfect Rose," Parker writes, "I know that he is fair,/And fairer than aught else on earth," highlighting the fleeting beauty of youth and how it fades with time. The poem "Résumé" takes this idea further, suggesting that life is short and ultimately meaningless.

Parker's use of motifs is also noteworthy. Throughout the collection, she uses references to nature and the seasons to represent the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. In "The Gentlest Lady," she writes, "So secretly, it seems to me,/She gives her time to hill and tree." This line suggests that nature endures even as humans come and go.

Language and Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of Parker's poetry is her use of language and imagery. Her poems are filled with clever wordplay and metaphors that add depth and complexity to her writing. In "Résumé," for example, she writes, "Razors pain you;/Rivers are damp;/Acids stain you;/And drugs cause cramp." This verse is a clever play on the old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Parker takes this idea and turns it on its head, suggesting that words can be just as harmful as physical pain.

Parker's use of imagery is equally impressive. In "The Dark Girl's Rhyme," she writes, "My mouth's a little wound,/That hurts when I speak." This image of a mouth as a wound is both powerful and haunting, suggesting that words can be both painful and healing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's Poetry, A Portrait is a masterful collection of poems that explores the complexities of love and the fleeting nature of life. Parker's use of themes, motifs, language, and imagery is both clever and powerful, making this collection a timeless work of art. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, Poetry, A Portrait is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of language.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry A Portrait: A Masterpiece of Literary Art

Dorothy Parker is a name that resonates with literary enthusiasts and poetry lovers alike. Her works are a testament to her wit, humor, and ability to capture the essence of human emotions in a few lines. One of her most famous poems, Poetry A Portrait, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers even today.

The poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and the role it plays in our lives. It is a portrait of poetry itself, personified as a woman who is both beautiful and elusive. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of poetry.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Parker describing poetry as a "slender, delicate girl." The use of the word "slender" suggests that poetry is fragile and easily broken, while "delicate" implies that it is refined and sophisticated. The girl is also described as "haughty and aloof," suggesting that poetry is not easily accessible and requires effort to understand.

The second stanza delves deeper into the nature of poetry, describing it as a "mistress" who is "cruel and cold." This suggests that poetry is not always kind to its readers and can be difficult to understand. The use of the word "mistress" also implies that poetry is something that we desire but can never fully possess.

The final stanza is perhaps the most powerful, with Parker describing poetry as a "siren" who lures us in with her beauty and then leaves us stranded. The use of the word "siren" is particularly apt, as it suggests that poetry can be both alluring and dangerous. The final line, "And we cannot say with all our wonderful words, what she sings, what she brings, but we may tell of her doom," is a poignant reminder that while we may never fully understand poetry, we can still appreciate its beauty and power.

One of the most striking aspects of Poetry A Portrait is its use of imagery. Parker's descriptions of poetry as a "slender, delicate girl" and a "siren" are particularly vivid and memorable. The use of personification also adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing Parker to explore the nature of poetry in a more nuanced way.

Another notable feature of the poem is its use of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. This gives the poem a musical quality that adds to its beauty and elegance. The use of rhyme and meter also helps to create a sense of unity and coherence, tying the three stanzas together and giving the poem a sense of completeness.

Overall, Poetry A Portrait is a masterpiece of literary art that continues to inspire and captivate readers today. Parker's use of vivid imagery, personification, and rhyme and meter create a powerful portrait of poetry that is both beautiful and elusive. The poem is a reminder that while we may never fully understand poetry, we can still appreciate its beauty and power, and that is something truly remarkable.

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