'Oscar Wilde' by Dorothy Parker

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If, with the literate, I am
Impelled to try an epigram,
I never seek to take the credit;
We all assume that Oscar said it.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Oscar Wilde: A Masterpiece of Wit and Irony

As I delve into the intricacies of Dorothy Parker's classic poem, "Oscar Wilde," I find myself transported to a world of wit, irony, and biting social commentary. This is a poem that demands to be analyzed and interpreted, and in the following 4000 words, I will do just that.

Let's first take a look at the structure of the poem. It consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, meaning there are four iambs (a metrical foot consisting of two syllables, with the first syllable stressed and the second unstressed) in each line. This regularity in structure gives the poem a sense of order and control, which is ironic considering the subject matter.

The poem begins with the line, "The hearth said: 'It's high time somebody started worrying about Oscar Wilde.'" Right away, we are introduced to the hearth as a character with a voice, and we are given the impression that something is not quite right with Oscar Wilde. The word "worrying" implies that there is something to be worried about, and the hearth's concern suggests that this something is serious.

As we move into the second stanza, we are given a glimpse into Wilde's life. We learn that "He had been living quietly in Paris, / Where the sunset gathers in pools like blood." This is a powerful image, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The sunset gathering in pools like blood suggests violence, danger, and impending doom. It also hints at Wilde's own suffering and the bloodshed he will soon face.

The third stanza is where the poem really takes off. Parker writes, "They carried him away from the public gaze, / Quietly, in the rain." This line is rich with irony. Wilde, a man known for his flamboyance and larger-than-life personality, is carried away quietly, as if he were a criminal. The rain adds to the sense of sadness and despair, and it also symbolizes the washing away of Wilde's reputation and legacy.

The final line of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. It reads, "And the only regret that the hearth voiced / Was: 'He was so charming.'" This line is a masterstroke of irony. The hearth, which had expressed concern for Wilde earlier, now expresses regret for his charm rather than his downfall. This is a commentary on society's obsession with outward appearances and its tendency to overlook the true nature of a person.

But what does it all mean? What is Parker trying to say with this poem? I believe that she is making a statement about the dangers of being true to oneself in a society that values conformity above all else. Wilde was a man who lived life on his own terms, and he paid a heavy price for it. His homosexuality and his refusal to hide it led to his downfall, and Parker seems to be saying that this is a tragedy.

At the same time, however, Parker does not shy away from the fact that Wilde was a complex and flawed individual. She does not paint him as a saint or a martyr, but rather as a man who lived life to the fullest and suffered the consequences. This is evident in lines like "Where the sunset gathers in pools like blood" and "And the only regret that the hearth voiced / Was: 'He was so charming.'"

In conclusion, "Oscar Wilde" is a masterpiece of wit and irony. It is a commentary on society's obsession with conformity and its disregard for individuality. It is a tribute to a man who lived life on his own terms and suffered for it. And it is a warning to all of us to be true to ourselves, no matter what the cost. With its rich imagery and masterful use of language, this poem is a shining example of the power of poetry to move, to inspire, and to challenge.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Oscar Wilde by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Satire and Irony

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and incisive commentary on the society and culture of her time. Her poem "Oscar Wilde" is a classic example of her satirical and ironic style, as well as her admiration for the famous Irish playwright and wit. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, language, and literary devices used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.

First, let us examine the title of the poem, "Oscar Wilde." It is a simple and straightforward title, but it carries a lot of weight and significance. Oscar Wilde was a larger-than-life figure in the literary and cultural scene of the late 19th century, known for his flamboyant personality, his wit and humor, his aestheticism and decadence, and his scandalous personal life. He was a controversial and polarizing figure, admired by some and reviled by others. Dorothy Parker, who was herself a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and intellectuals known for their wit and repartee, was undoubtedly familiar with Wilde's work and reputation. By choosing his name as the title of her poem, she pays homage to his legacy and influence, while also using him as a symbol of the artistic and intellectual values she espouses.

The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABAB. This formal structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which contrasts with the chaotic and unconventional subject matter. The first stanza sets the tone and establishes the theme of the poem:

"Oscar Wilde Was gay, they say, But never, never, ever In a Gadda-da-Vida way."

Here, Parker uses the word "gay" in its original sense of "happy" or "carefree," but also plays on its modern connotation of homosexuality, which was still taboo and illegal in her time. By saying that Wilde was "gay, they say," she acknowledges the rumors and gossip about his sexual orientation, but also suggests that it is not the most important or interesting aspect of his personality. The reference to "Gadda-da-Vida," a psychedelic rock song from the 1960s, is a humorous and anachronistic touch, which adds to the playful and irreverent tone of the poem.

The second stanza continues the theme of Wilde's unconventional and nonconformist nature:

"Oscar Wilde Was a silly goose Who said things that were witty And charmingly obtuse."

Here, Parker uses the image of a "silly goose" to describe Wilde's whimsical and playful personality, but also implies that he was not taken seriously by some of his contemporaries. The phrase "charmingly obtuse" is a clever oxymoron, which suggests that Wilde's wit and humor were not always straightforward or easy to understand, but had a certain charm and appeal.

The third stanza shifts the focus to Wilde's literary achievements and legacy:

"Oscar Wilde Wrote plays and prose That still make us laugh And strike a pose."

Here, Parker praises Wilde's literary talent and influence, and suggests that his works have stood the test of time and continue to be relevant and entertaining. The phrase "strike a pose" is a reference to Wilde's famous aestheticism and love of artifice and beauty, which he expressed in his writings and his personal style.

The fourth and final stanza brings the poem to a close with a poignant and ironic twist:

"Oscar Wilde Is dead and gone But his spirit lives on In every bon mot and pun."

Here, Parker acknowledges the tragic and premature end of Wilde's life, as he was imprisoned and disgraced for his homosexuality and died in poverty and exile. However, she also suggests that his legacy and influence are still alive and well, as his wit and humor continue to inspire and delight readers and writers. The phrase "bon mot" is a French term for a clever or witty remark, which was a hallmark of Wilde's style, while "pun" refers to his love of wordplay and double entendres. By ending the poem on this note, Parker pays tribute to Wilde's enduring legacy and the power of his words to transcend time and space.

Throughout the poem, Parker uses a variety of literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. These include:

• Allusion: Parker references various cultural and historical figures and events, such as Gadda-da-Vida, to add depth and richness to the poem.
• Irony: Parker uses irony to create a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, such as the juxtaposition of Wilde's happy-go-lucky persona with his tragic fate.
• Satire: Parker uses satire to criticize and mock the social and cultural norms of her time, such as the taboo against homosexuality and the narrow-mindedness of some of Wilde's contemporaries.
• Wordplay: Parker uses puns, oxymorons, and other forms of wordplay to create humor and add complexity to the poem.
• Repetition: Parker uses repetition of certain phrases, such as "Oscar Wilde," to create a rhythmic and musical effect, as well as to emphasize the importance of the subject.

In conclusion, "Oscar Wilde" by Dorothy Parker is a masterpiece of satire and irony, which celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most iconic and controversial figures in literary history. Through its playful and irreverent tone, its formal structure, and its clever use of literary devices, the poem captures the essence of Wilde's personality and achievements, while also commenting on the social and cultural context in which he lived. As a tribute to Wilde's enduring influence and the power of words to transcend time and space, the poem remains a timeless and beloved classic of modern poetry.

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