'Salome's Dancing-Lesson' by Dorothy Parker
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She that begs a little boon
(Heel and toe! Heel and toe!)
Little gets- and nothing, soon.
(No, no, no! No, no, no!)
She that calls for costly things
Priceless finds her offerings-
What's impossible to kings?
(Heel and toe! Heel and toe!)
Kings are shaped as other men.
(Step and turn! Step and turn!)
Ask what none may ask again.
(Will you learn? Will you learn?)
Lovers whine, and kisses pall,
Jewels tarnish, kingdoms fall-
Death's the rarest prize of all!
(Step and turn! Step and turn!)
Veils are woven to be dropped.
(One, two, three! One, two, three!)
Aging eyes are slowest stopped.
(Quietly! Quietly!)
She whose body's young and cool
Has no need of dancing-school-
Scratch a king and find a fool!
(One, two, three! One, two, three!)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Salome's Dancing-Lesson: A Critique of Dorothy Parker's Poem
Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, authored a poem titled "Salome's Dancing-Lesson." The poem was originally published in 1926 and has since become widely recognized as one of Parker's most profound works of literature. The poem is an interpretation of the biblical account of Salome, a young girl who was responsible for the beheading of John the Baptist. In this critique, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall interpretation of Parker's "Salome's Dancing-Lesson."
Literary Devices
Before diving into the interpretation of the poem, it's essential to look at the literary devices used by Parker to convey her message. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it lacks a consistent rhyme scheme or meter. This technique allows for a more organic flow of the poem and gives the poet the freedom to express their thoughts in a more natural manner. Parker also uses enjambment to create a sense of continuity between the lines. The use of enjambment is particularly effective in the poem's opening lines:
"If I could have him like this in my arms,
my feet nailed to the floor,
like this, and not oh this."
The enjambment between the first and second line creates a sense of urgency and longing. It feels as if the speaker is desperately trying to express their desire but cannot find the words to do so.
Furthermore, Parker employs symbols and metaphors throughout the poem to reinforce her message. One example is the image of Salome's "veil," which represents her hidden desires and her willingness to conceal her true identity. The veil serves as a metaphor for the barriers that Salome has to overcome to achieve her goals.
Themes
The primary theme of the poem is the struggle of a woman to assert herself in a patriarchal society. Parker's Salome is both a victim and a survivor, struggling against the limitations imposed on her by society. The poem portrays Salome as a woman who is trying to claim her power in a male-dominated world. Parker highlights the difficulties of being a woman in a man's world by depicting Salome's confinement within her gender role.
The poem also explores the psychological and emotional struggles of Salome as she confronts the realities of her own desires. Parker's Salome is a complex character, torn between her desire for power and her fear of exposure. The poem reveals that Salome's true power exists in her ability to control her own desires.
Interpretation
The poem begins with Salome's desire to possess John the Baptist. The speaker expresses her desire to have him "in her arms," but she cannot act on her desire because of the societal expectations that restrain her. The poem shows that Salome's desire is not only for John the Baptist but also for power and control.
Salome's dance is the central event of the poem. The dance is a symbol of her desire for power and control. Parker shows that Salome has the ability to use her sexuality as a weapon against the men in her life. The poem reveals that Salome's dance is not only a dance of seduction but also a dance of power. The dance is a means for Salome to assert her own power and control over her destiny.
The poem also explores the psychological and emotional struggles of Salome. The dance forces Salome to confront her own desires and her fear of exposure. Her desire to possess John the Baptist is a reflection of her own insecurities and fears. Parker shows that despite Salome's desires, she is still a victim of societal expectations. Salome's veil represents the barriers that she has to overcome to achieve her goals. The poem emphasizes the importance of breaking down these barriers to achieve true empowerment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Salome's Dancing-Lesson" is a powerful poem that explores the struggles of a woman to assert herself in a patriarchal society. The poem is a reflection of the societal expectations that women face in their pursuit of power and control. Parker's use of literary devices such as free verse, enjambment, symbols, and metaphors effectively conveys the message of the poem. The poem's central theme of the struggle for power and control makes it relevant even today when women are still struggling to break down barriers in their pursuit of empowerment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Salome's Dancing-Lesson: An Analysis of Dorothy Parker's Classic Poem
Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, was known for her wit, humor, and sharp observations of human behavior. Her poem, Salome's Dancing-Lesson, is a perfect example of her unique style and perspective. In this 16-line poem, Parker uses vivid imagery, irony, and symbolism to explore the themes of power, desire, and control.
The poem begins with the speaker describing Salome, the biblical figure who famously danced for King Herod and demanded the head of John the Baptist as a reward. Salome is portrayed as a seductive and powerful woman, with "eyes like a serpent" and a "smile like a blade." The speaker then describes Salome's dancing-lesson, which is being taught by a man who is "old and gray and blear-eyed." This contrast between the youthful and alluring Salome and the aged and unattractive dance instructor sets up the central conflict of the poem: the struggle for power and control between the sexes.
Throughout the poem, Parker uses vivid and often grotesque imagery to convey the intensity of Salome's desire and the brutality of her actions. For example, when Salome dances, she is described as "twisting like a serpent" and "whirling like a dervish." These images suggest both the sensuality and the danger of Salome's movements. Similarly, when Salome demands the head of John the Baptist, she is described as "laughing like a snake" and "licking her lips like a beast." These images reinforce the idea that Salome is not just a seductive woman, but a powerful and dangerous one.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the use of irony. The speaker describes Salome's dance instructor as "old and gray and blear-eyed," suggesting that he is no match for Salome's youth and beauty. However, it is this very instructor who holds the power in the situation, as he is the one teaching Salome how to dance. Similarly, when Salome demands the head of John the Baptist, she is portrayed as a ruthless and bloodthirsty woman. However, it is King Herod who ultimately gives in to her demands, suggesting that it is he who is weak and powerless.
The poem also contains several symbols that add depth and meaning to the text. For example, the snake is a recurring image throughout the poem, representing both Salome's seductive power and her dangerous nature. The blade, which is used to describe Salome's smile, is another symbol of her violence and aggression. Finally, the head of John the Baptist is a powerful symbol of the consequences of desire and the destructive nature of power.
In conclusion, Salome's Dancing-Lesson is a powerful and complex poem that explores the themes of power, desire, and control. Through vivid imagery, irony, and symbolism, Dorothy Parker creates a portrait of a seductive and dangerous woman who is both alluring and terrifying. The poem is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer and her ability to capture the complexities of human behavior in just a few lines of verse.
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