'The Evening Primrose' by Dorothy Parker
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You know the bloom, unearthly white,
That none has seen by morning light-
The tender moon, alone, may bare
Its beauty to the secret air.
Who'd venture past its dark retreat
Must kneel, for holy things and sweet,
That blossom, mystically blown,
No man may gather for his own
Nor touch it, lest it droop and fall....
Oh, I am not like that at all!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Evening Primrose by Dorothy Parker: A Literary Analysis
Wow. Just wow. Have you ever read a poem that takes your breath away? That's exactly what The Evening Primrose by Dorothy Parker does. This classic poem is a masterpiece of literary genius, and it deserves a closer look. In this literary analysis, we'll dive deep into the meaning and symbolism behind The Evening Primrose, and explore why it continues to be a timeless classic.
Summary of The Evening Primrose
Before we dive into the analysis, let's first take a look at the poem itself. Here's a quick summary:
The Evening Primrose By Dorothy Parker
When once the sun sinks in the west, And dewdrops pearl the evening's breast; Almost as pale as moonbeams are, Or its companionable star, The evening primrose opes anew Its delicate blossoms to the dew; And, hermit-like, shunning the light, Wastes its fair bloom upon the night, Who, blindfold to its perfumed dower, Knows not the beauty of her flower; And, thus, it fares with many a flower And many a hope and many a power, That, had they bloomed in fortune's smile, Would now be flaunting in the sun, And sharing in the joyous fun.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward. It describes the evening primrose, a flower that blooms only at night and is often overlooked due to its preference for darkness. However, upon closer examination, we can see that The Evening Primrose is much more than just a description of a flower. Let's dive in.
Analysis of The Evening Primrose
Symbolism of the Evening Primrose
As with many poems, The Evening Primrose is rich with symbolism. The evening primrose itself is a symbol of beauty that goes unnoticed. It blooms only at night and is often overlooked, just as many beautiful things in life go unnoticed. The flower "wastes its fair bloom upon the night," suggesting that its beauty is not appreciated.
This symbolism can be seen as a commentary on the nature of beauty itself. Just as the evening primrose is beautiful but often goes unnoticed, there are many things in life that are beautiful but not appreciated. This could be anything from a beautiful sunset to a kind gesture from a stranger. The poem suggests that we should take the time to appreciate these small moments of beauty in life.
The Hermit-like Nature of the Evening Primrose
The poem describes the evening primrose as "hermit-like, shunning the light." This further emphasizes the flower's preference for darkness and solitude. However, this could also be seen as a commentary on the nature of introverted individuals. Just as the evening primrose prefers solitude, introverted individuals may also prefer to be alone.
The poem suggests that there is beauty in solitude, and that it should not be overlooked. In a world that often values extroversion over introversion, The Evening Primrose reminds us that there is value in being alone and that we should appreciate those who value solitude.
The Blindfolded Night
The poem also describes the night as "blindfold to its perfumed dower." This suggests that the beauty of the evening primrose is not appreciated by those who cannot see it. The night, personified as blindfolded, is unable to appreciate the beauty of the flower.
This can be seen as a commentary on the value of beauty itself. Beauty is often subjective and can only be appreciated by those who can see it. The poem suggests that we should take the time to appreciate the beauty around us, even if others cannot see it.
The Power of Fortune
The final stanza of the poem suggests that many things in life are overlooked due to the power of fortune. The poem states that "many a flower and many a hope and many a power that had they bloomed in fortune's smile, would now be flaunting in the sun, and sharing in the joyous fun."
This can be seen as a commentary on the power of privilege and opportunity. Those who are born into privilege and opportunity are often able to "flaunt in the sun" and enjoy the "joyous fun" of life. However, those who are not born into privilege and opportunity may be overlooked, just as the evening primrose is overlooked.
The poem suggests that we should be aware of the power of privilege and opportunity, and that we should work to level the playing field. We should take the time to appreciate those who are often overlooked and help them to reach their full potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Evening Primrose by Dorothy Parker is a masterpiece of literary genius. The poem uses rich symbolism to explore the nature of beauty, introversion, and privilege. Through its examination of the evening primrose, the poem encourages us to appreciate the small moments of beauty in life and to value those who prefer solitude.
The Evening Primrose continues to be a timeless classic because it speaks to the human experience. It reminds us that there is beauty in the world, even if it goes unnoticed, and that we should take the time to appreciate it. As we continue to navigate a world that is often chaotic and overwhelming, The Evening Primrose is a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and work towards a more just and equitable society.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Evening Primrose: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and insightful observations on life and love. Her poem, "The Evening Primrose," is a classic example of her poetic genius, as it captures the essence of human emotions and the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the evening primrose, a delicate flower that blooms only at night, and fades away with the first light of dawn. The poet marvels at the beauty of this ephemeral flower, which seems to glow in the darkness, and wonders at its mysterious origins.
"From the tangle of the bushes, From the eye-like lily's head, He will pluck the stealthy motion, Like a thief, of scent and red."
The imagery here is striking, as the poet describes the primrose as a thief, stealing the essence of life from the surrounding bushes and lilies. The use of the word "stealthy" adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue, as if the flower is a secret agent, working under cover of darkness.
As the poem progresses, the poet shifts her focus from the flower to the human experience, and the fleeting nature of happiness and love. She compares the primrose to a lover, who comes into our lives unexpectedly, and fills our hearts with joy and passion, only to disappear just as suddenly.
"Like a lover, like a lover, He will slip within my reach, And his honeyed mouth a-quiver, He will give my tongue a speech."
The use of the word "lover" here is significant, as it suggests a deep emotional connection between the poet and the flower. The image of the "honeyed mouth" is also powerful, as it evokes the sweetness and sensuality of love.
However, just as quickly as the lover appears, he disappears, leaving the poet alone and bereft.
"But when I would grasp the vision, It has flown where none can win, And I linger with the bushes, While they whisper to the night."
The use of the word "vision" here is important, as it suggests that the poet's experience of love and happiness is fleeting and illusory, like a dream that disappears upon waking. The image of the bushes whispering to the night is also poignant, as it suggests that the poet is left alone with her thoughts and memories, unable to recapture the magic of the moment.
In conclusion, "The Evening Primrose" is a masterpiece of poetic expression, as it captures the essence of human emotions and the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness. The use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism creates a powerful and evocative portrait of love and loss, and reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Dorothy Parker's legacy as a poet and writer continues to inspire and captivate readers today, and "The Evening Primrose" remains a timeless classic of American literature.
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