'A Certain Lady' by Dorothy Parker
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Enough Rope1926Oh, I can smile for you, and tilt my head,
And drink your rushing words with eager lips,
And paint my mouth for you a fragrant red,
And trace your brows with tutored finger-tips.
When you rehearse your list of loves to me,
Oh, I can laugh and marvel, rapturous-eyed.
And you laugh back, nor can you ever see
The thousand little deaths my heart has died.
And you believe, so well I know my part,
That I am gay as morning, light as snow,
And all the straining things within my heart
You'll never know.Oh, I can laugh and listen, when we meet,
And you bring tales of fresh adventurings, --
Of ladies delicately indiscreet,
Of lingering hands, and gently whispered things.
And you are pleased with me, and strive anew
To sing me sagas of your late delights.
Thus do you want me -- marveling, gay, and true,
Nor do you see my staring eyes of nights.
And when, in search of novelty, you stray,
Oh, I can kiss you blithely as you go ....
And what goes on, my love, while you're away,
You'll never know.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "A Certain Lady" by Dorothy Parker
Introduction
"A Certain Lady" is a short and witty poem by Dorothy Parker, an American writer, critic, and poet. It was first published in her 1926 collection of poems, "Enough Rope". The poem is a satire on the behavior of a certain type of upper-class woman who is hypocritical, vain, and manipulative in her relationships with men. Parker's use of irony and sarcasm in the poem highlights the absurdity and shallowness of the lady's actions and attitudes.
Analysis
Form and Structure
The poem is written in free verse, without a regular rhyme scheme, and consists of four stanzas of varying lengths. The irregularity of the form and structure of the poem reflects the unpredictable and unstable nature of the lady's character, and also adds to the overall satirical tone of the poem. The use of short lines and enjambment creates a sense of movement and fluidity, which contrasts with the lady's rigid and superficial behavior.
Tone and Language
The tone of the poem is satirical and mocking, which is typical of Parker's writing style. The use of irony and sarcasm is particularly effective in this poem, as it exposes the lady's hypocrisy and self-absorption. The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but the use of repetition and rhetorical questions adds to the poem's overall impact. For example, the repetition of the phrase "I know" in the second stanza emphasizes the lady's self-righteousness, while the rhetorical question "What is that little moving in the breast?" in the third stanza highlights the lady's lack of emotional depth.
Themes and Symbols
The main themes of the poem are gender roles and social class. The lady in the poem represents a certain type of upper-class woman who is expected to behave in a certain way, but who is also capable of manipulating and controlling men. The poem exposes the double standards and hypocrisy of this social class, and also criticizes the expectations placed on women to conform to certain gender roles.
The poem also makes use of several symbols, including the "dust" and "ashes" in the final stanza. These symbols represent the fleeting and temporary nature of the lady's relationships and her own existence. The use of these symbols adds to the overall satirical tone of the poem, as they highlight the ridiculousness of the lady's behavior and the emptiness of her life.
Interpretation
Feminist Interpretation
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a feminist critique of the limitations placed on women in society. The lady in the poem is trapped in a role that she doesn't necessarily want, but that she is expected to fulfill. Her behavior is a product of the social pressures and expectations placed on her, rather than a reflection of her own desires or personality. The poem exposes the contradictions and double standards in the way that women are expected to behave, while also highlighting the ways in which women can use these societal expectations to their own advantage.
Psychological Interpretation
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a psychological study of the lady's character. The poem explores the lady's attempts to control and manipulate men, while also highlighting her own emotional emptiness and insecurity. The repetition of the phrase "I know" in the second stanza suggests that the lady is trying to convince herself of her own superiority, while the question "What is that little moving in the breast?" in the third stanza suggests that she is struggling to connect with her own emotions. The final stanza, with its references to "dust" and "ashes", suggests that the lady is ultimately doomed to failure and emptiness in her relationships.
Satirical Interpretation
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a satire on the shallowness and hypocrisy of certain social classes. The lady in the poem represents a certain type of upper-class woman who is more concerned with appearances and social status than with genuine human connections. The poem exposes the absurdity of this behavior, while also highlighting the ways in which it can be used to manipulate and control others. The use of irony and sarcasm in the poem is particularly effective in this interpretation, as it exposes the contradictions and double standards in the lady's behavior.
Conclusion
"A Certain Lady" is a witty and satirical poem that exposes the limitations and contradictions of gender roles and social class. The lady in the poem represents a certain type of upper-class woman who is hypocritical and manipulative in her relationships with men. Parker's use of irony and sarcasm in the poem highlights the absurdity and shallowness of the lady's actions and attitudes. The poem can be interpreted in several different ways, including as a feminist critique, a psychological study, or a satire on social class. Regardless of the interpretation, the poem remains a powerful and effective critique of societal expectations and double standards.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a creative and artistic way. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Certain Lady" by Dorothy Parker. This poem is a classic example of Parker's wit and humor, and it has been widely appreciated for its clever wordplay and satirical tone.
The poem "A Certain Lady" is a short, four-stanza poem that tells the story of a woman who is trying to impress a man. The poem begins with the speaker describing the woman's appearance, saying that she is "very pink and white," and that she has "a little mouth like a cherry." The speaker then goes on to describe the woman's behavior, saying that she is "always laughing and giggling" and that she is "very fond of fun."
The second stanza of the poem is where Parker's wit really shines through. The speaker describes the woman's attempts to impress the man, saying that she "talks in a dainty way" and that she "never says what she means." The speaker then goes on to say that the woman is "very fond of dancing" and that she "always wears her best dress."
The third stanza of the poem is where the tone of the poem shifts slightly. The speaker describes the woman's attempts to win the man's affections, saying that she "looks at him with eyes that shine" and that she "smiles at him with a very special smile." The speaker then goes on to say that the woman is "very fond of kissing" and that she "always wears her best perfume."
The final stanza of the poem is where Parker's satirical tone really comes through. The speaker describes the woman's ultimate goal, saying that she wants to "marry the man someday" and that she wants to "live with him forever and a day." The speaker then goes on to say that the woman is "very fond of money" and that she "always gets what she wants."
Overall, "A Certain Lady" is a clever and witty poem that satirizes the behavior of women who are trying to impress men. Parker's use of clever wordplay and satirical tone make this poem a classic example of her unique style. The poem is also a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women to be attractive, charming, and submissive in order to win the affections of men.
One of the most striking aspects of "A Certain Lady" is Parker's use of language. The poem is full of clever wordplay and puns, which add to the poem's satirical tone. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker says that the woman "never says what she means." This line is a clever play on words, as it suggests that the woman is not being honest or straightforward in her attempts to impress the man.
Another example of Parker's clever wordplay can be found in the third stanza, where the speaker says that the woman is "very fond of kissing" and that she "always wears her best perfume." These lines are a clever play on words, as they suggest that the woman is using her physical appearance and charm to win the man's affections.
In addition to her use of language, Parker's satirical tone is also a key aspect of "A Certain Lady." The poem is a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women to be attractive, charming, and submissive in order to win the affections of men. Parker's use of humor and satire is a way of critiquing these expectations and exposing their absurdity.
For example, in the final stanza, the speaker says that the woman is "very fond of money" and that she "always gets what she wants." This line is a commentary on the idea that women are only valued for their physical appearance and their ability to attract men with their charm and wit. Parker is suggesting that women should be valued for more than just their looks and their ability to please men.
Overall, "A Certain Lady" is a classic example of Dorothy Parker's unique style and wit. The poem is a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women to be attractive, charming, and submissive in order to win the affections of men. Parker's use of clever wordplay and satirical tone make this poem a timeless classic that continues to be appreciated by readers today.
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