'Prophetic Soul' by Dorothy Parker

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Because your eyes are slant and slow,
Because your hair is sweet to touch,
My heart is high again; but oh,
I doubt if this will get me much.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Prophetic Soul by Dorothy Parker: A Literary Criticism

Are you the kind of person who feels exhilarated when you read a poem that is both cryptic and meaningful? If so, then Prophetic Soul by Dorothy Parker is the perfect poem for you.

This poem is a masterpiece that explores the complex thoughts of the speaker on the nature of time and fate. The poem is written in free verse and consists of four stanzas. Each stanza has a unique structure and tone, making this poem an excellent example of Parker's poetic genius.

Stanza 1

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Parker writes, "I knew a soul that wandered wide / And knew the corners of the earth / But who, content, in peace had died / Within the radius of his birth."

The first line immediately grabs the reader's attention with the use of the word "soul." It sets the stage for the exploration of the soul that will continue throughout the poem. The soul is described as wandering wide, which suggests that it has experienced many things and has seen many places. However, the soul is also described as being content and peaceful, which suggests that it has found meaning and purpose in its life.

The phrase "within the radius of his birth" is interesting because it suggests that the soul has not traveled far from its place of origin. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the idea of fate and destiny, as if the soul was meant to stay close to home all along.

Stanza 2

The second stanza takes a darker turn. Parker writes, "I knew a soul that dared to stray / Outside the pathway of the sun / And there, struggling, passed away / Where the untrodden shadows run."

The use of the word "dared" suggests that the soul was taking a risk by straying from the path of the sun. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for someone who is trying to break free from societal norms and expectations. The fact that the soul "passed away" suggests that this was not a successful venture.

The mention of "untrodden shadows" creates a sense of mystery and danger. It suggests that there are places in the world that are unexplored and possibly dangerous. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the unknown, which can be both exciting and terrifying.

Stanza 3

The third stanza shifts the focus to the concept of time. Parker writes, "I knew a soul that chased the day / And hunted the white hours to their lair / And found, when they were put away / The shadows waiting for him there."

The use of "chased" and "hunted" suggests a sense of urgency and desperation. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the human tendency to always want more and never be satisfied. The idea of "white hours" being put away suggests the passing of time and the inevitability of aging.

The mention of "shadows waiting" creates a sense of foreboding. It suggests that there is something ominous lurking in the future, waiting to pounce. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for death, which is always waiting in the shadows.

Stanza 4

The final stanza brings the poem to a thought-provoking conclusion. Parker writes, "I knew a soul that in this life / Had sinned and suffered bitter pain / But who with courage met the strife / And died, and found his life again."

The use of "sinned" and "suffered" suggests that the soul has had a difficult life. However, the fact that the soul met the strife with courage suggests that it was able to find meaning and purpose in its suffering.

The final line, "and found his life again," is both cryptic and meaningful. It suggests that the soul has transcended death and has found a new life beyond this one. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the idea of an afterlife or reincarnation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prophetic Soul by Dorothy Parker is a masterpiece that explores the complex thoughts of the speaker on the nature of time and fate. The poem is written in free verse and consists of four stanzas, each with a unique structure and tone. The poem is full of cryptic and meaningful lines that will leave the reader thinking long after they have finished reading.

This poem is a true testament to Parker's poetic genius and should be read by anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature. It is a poem that challenges the reader to think deeply about the nature of life and death, and to consider the possibility of a life beyond this one.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Prophetic Soul: A Poem of Timeless Relevance

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, satirical humor, and insightful observations of human nature. Her poem, Prophetic Soul, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human existence, the fleeting nature of time, and the inevitability of death. Written in a simple yet profound style, the poem resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, as it speaks to the universal human experience of mortality and the search for meaning in life.

The poem begins with a powerful opening line that sets the tone for the rest of the piece: "Oh, we've got to trust / one another again / in some essentials." This line suggests that there is a fundamental need for trust and connection between people, especially in matters that are essential to our well-being and survival. The use of the word "again" implies that this trust has been lost or broken in some way, and that it needs to be restored for us to move forward as a society.

The next stanza continues this theme of trust and connection, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with others: "We're all going to die, / all of us, / what a circus! / That alone should make us love each other / but it doesn't." Here, Parker highlights the paradoxical nature of human existence, where the inevitability of death should bring us closer together, but instead often drives us apart. The use of the word "circus" suggests the absurdity and unpredictability of life, and the need for us to find meaning and purpose in the midst of it all.

The third stanza shifts the focus to the individual, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging: "We are all going to die, / all of us, / even the young / are dying out." This line is a reminder that no one is immune to the passage of time, and that we must make the most of the time we have, regardless of our age or circumstances. The use of the phrase "dying out" suggests the gradual fading away of life, and the need for us to embrace the present moment before it slips away.

The fourth stanza returns to the theme of trust and connection, as the speaker reflects on the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships with others: "And one more thing / before I quit / I've had enough of the / cruelty of this world / and it's time to show / a little tenderness / towards each other." Here, Parker highlights the need for us to be kind and compassionate towards one another, especially in the face of the harsh realities of life. The use of the phrase "before I quit" suggests a sense of urgency and a desire to make a difference in the world before it's too late.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death: "We are going to be / swallowed by a giant wave / and drowned / in the deeps / but what of it?" Here, Parker acknowledges the ultimate futility of life in the face of death, but also suggests that there is a certain beauty and majesty in the cycle of life and death. The use of the phrase "swallowed by a giant wave" suggests the overwhelming power of nature, and the need for us to accept our place in the grand scheme of things.

In conclusion, Prophetic Soul is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal human experience of mortality and the search for meaning in life. Through its simple yet profound language, the poem captures the essence of what it means to be human, and reminds us of the importance of trust, connection, empathy, and compassion in our relationships with others. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the wisdom of Dorothy Parker, and strive to live our lives with purpose, meaning, and love.

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