'Lines On Reading Too Many Poets' by Dorothy Parker
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Roses, rooted warm in earth,
Bud in rhyme, another age;
Lilies know a ghostly birth
Strewn along a patterned page;
Golden lad and chimbley sweep
Die; and so their song shall keep.
Wind that in Arcadia starts
In and out a couplet plays;
And the drums of bitter hearts
Beat the measure of a phrase.
Sweets and woes but come to print
Quae cum ita sint.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lines On Reading Too Many Poets: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Dorothy Parker, one of the most famous writers of the 20th century, was known for her wit, humor, and biting criticism. Her poem "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a scathing critique of the excessive indulgence in poetry and the poets themselves. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the meaning of the poem, its structure, and its relevance in today's world. So, let's begin!
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a look at the poem itself:
If I read another poem about a leaf, I shall scream. And my very sanity I shall have to keep, For that last onslaught on my brain's a dream.
I can't go on like this, day after day, It's too much for any one mind to bear, All the poets in the world seem to say, Everything that there is to say, and then some more, I swear.
And they all use the same tired, worn-out words, Like "beauty," and "sorrow," and "love," As if they were the only things that stirred The hearts of men, all else above.
I'm sick of sonnets, villanelles, and odes, Of rhyming couplets and free verse too. Why can't they write about real things, like toads Or garbage cans, or shoes?
Oh, I know I'm being harsh and unfair, But really, is it too much to ask For something new, something fresh and rare, Something that will make me gasp?
So, if you're a poet, please take heed, And spare me your verse about the moon, And write instead about a common weed, And I'll love you from July to June.
Analysis
At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple rant against the excess of poetry and the repetitive nature of poets. However, upon closer examination, one can see that there is much more to it than meets the eye.
Structure
The poem is made up of four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is roughly iambic tetrameter. The use of a strict structure and rhyme scheme is a nod to traditional poetry, which Parker seems to be criticizing.
Theme
The central theme of the poem is the overindulgence in poetry and the monotony of the subjects that poets write about. Parker seems to be suggesting that poets are too focused on writing about grand, abstract ideas like love and beauty and not focused enough on the mundane realities of everyday life.
Tone
The tone of the poem is sarcastic and biting. Parker uses hyperbole and exaggeration to emphasize her frustration with the state of poetry. However, there is also a hint of playfulness in her words, as if she is poking fun at herself and her own love for poetry.
Literary Devices
Parker employs several literary devices to convey her message. The repetition of the phrase "I shall" in the first stanza emphasizes her frustration and the intensity of her emotions. The use of alliteration, such as "tired, worn-out words" and "rhyming couplets," adds to the musicality of the poem. Parker also uses irony, as she herself is a poet and is criticizing her own profession.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? Parker's poem can be seen as a commentary on the state of poetry in the early 20th century. At the time, poetry was seen as an elevated art form, and poets were expected to write about grand, abstract ideas. Parker seems to be pushing back against this, arguing that poetry should be more grounded in reality.
Her call for poets to write about "real things, like toads / Or garbage cans, or shoes" can be seen as a precursor to the modernist movement in poetry, which rejected traditional forms and subject matter in favor of more experimental and unconventional styles.
Furthermore, Parker's poem can be interpreted as a critique of the male-dominated literary world of her time. By calling for poets to write about "common weeds," she is challenging the idea that only grand, abstract concepts are worthy of poetic exploration. She is also advocating for a more inclusive and diverse range of voices in poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a witty and insightful critique of the state of poetry in the early 20th century. Through her use of sarcasm and irony, Parker highlights the monotony of poetic subject matter and calls for a more grounded, diverse range of voices in poetry. Her poem can still resonate with readers today, as we continue to grapple with questions of what poetry should be and what it should address.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lines On Reading Too Many Poets: An Analysis
Dorothy Parker, the American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and satirical writing style. Her poem, "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets," is a perfect example of her ability to use humor to make a serious point. In this poem, Parker explores the idea of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of poetry available to read and the impact it can have on a reader.
The poem begins with the speaker admitting that she has read too many poets and that it has left her feeling "dazed and dumb." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker goes on to describe the various ways in which reading too much poetry can be overwhelming.
One of the main themes of the poem is the idea that reading too much poetry can be confusing. The speaker describes how she has read so many different poets that she can no longer distinguish between their styles. She says, "I cannot tell what any one / Poet from another done." This confusion is further emphasized in the next stanza, where the speaker says that she has "lost the knack / Of knowing where the rhyme will stop." This inability to predict the rhyme scheme of a poem is a clear sign that the speaker has been exposed to too many different styles of poetry.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea that reading too much poetry can be exhausting. The speaker describes how she has read so much poetry that she is "weary of all the many / Nights and days with literature." This exhaustion is further emphasized in the next stanza, where the speaker says that she is "tired of all the things to read." This sense of weariness is a clear indication that the speaker has been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of poetry available to read.
Despite the overwhelming nature of reading too much poetry, the speaker still finds herself drawn to it. She says, "Yet when a glance I backward cast / The skyline overfilled with poets / I always will return at last / To those who know me not, but know its." This final stanza suggests that, despite the difficulties of reading too much poetry, the speaker still finds value in it. She may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of poetry available to read, but she still finds herself drawn to it.
Overall, "Lines On Reading Too Many Poets" is a humorous and insightful exploration of the impact that reading too much poetry can have on a reader. Through her use of humor and satire, Parker is able to make a serious point about the overwhelming nature of poetry. The poem is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer and her ability to use humor to make a serious point.
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