'A Certain Lady' by Dorothy Parker
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Oh, I can smile for you, and tilt my head,
And drink your rushing words with eager lips,
And paint my mouth for you a fragrant red,
And trace your brows with tutored finger-tips.
When you rehearse your list of loves to me,
Oh, I can laugh and marvel, rapturous-eyed.
And you laugh back, nor can you ever see
The thousand little deaths my heart has died.
And you believe, so well I know my part,
That I am gay as morning, light as snow,
And all the straining things within my heart
You'll never know.
Oh, I can laugh and listen, when we meet,
And you bring tales of fresh adventurings, --
Of ladies delicately indiscreet,
Of lingering hands, and gently whispered things.
And you are pleased with me, and strive anew
To sing me sagas of your late delights.
Thus do you want me -- marveling, gay, and true,
Nor do you see my staring eyes of nights.
And when, in search of novelty, you stray,
Oh, I can kiss you blithely as you go ....
And what goes on, my love, while you're away,
You'll never know.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Certain Lady: A Critique and Interpretation
Dorothy Parker was a prolific writer and poet, known for her wit and humor, and her poem "A Certain Lady" is no exception. This poem is a satirical commentary on the shallow and materialistic society of the Jazz Age, and it is a scathing critique of the women who were a part of it. In this critique and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's form, structure, language, and themes, and explore the ways in which Parker employs irony, sarcasm, and humor to convey her message.
Form and Structure
"A Certain Lady" is a six-stanza poem, each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem's rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, meaning each line contains four stressed syllables alternating with unstressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality that is pleasant to the ear, despite the dark and biting content.
The poem's title, "A Certain Lady," is significant in that it suggests a particular type of woman, one who is not identified by name or any other specific qualities. This anonymity is intentional, as it allows the poem to be read as a commentary on women in general, rather than a specific individual. The lack of a definite article before "certain lady" also suggests that this woman is not unique or exceptional, but rather a representative of a larger group.
Language and Imagery
Parker's use of language and imagery in "A Certain Lady" is both witty and metaphorical, adding depth and layers to the poem's meaning. The opening line, "Oh, I can smile for you, and tilt my head," suggests a woman who is willing to play a role or put on a facade for the benefit of others. The word "tilt" implies a calculated and deliberate action, one that is performed for effect rather than genuine emotion.
In the second stanza, Parker employs animal imagery to describe the woman's behavior, comparing her to a "sleek gazelle" and a "pampered thing." These descriptions suggest a woman who is vain, self-absorbed, and concerned with her appearance above all else. The use of the word "pampered" is especially telling, as it implies that the woman is not self-sufficient, but rather reliant on others for her comfort and well-being.
Throughout the poem, Parker uses metaphor and hyperbole to describe the woman's behavior, such as when she says, "I can laugh when things are funny" and "I can weep when it's a windy night." These lines suggest a woman who is not genuine or authentic, but rather someone who conforms to societal expectations and performs as expected.
Irony and Sarcasm
One of the most striking features of "A Certain Lady" is Parker's use of irony and sarcasm to convey her message. The poem's opening line, "Oh, I can smile for you, and tilt my head," is a prime example of this. On the surface, the line suggests a woman who is willing to be pleasant and accommodating, but the tone and context of the poem suggest otherwise. The use of the word "tilt" is a subtle nod to the idea that the woman is not being genuine, but rather performing for effect.
In the third stanza, Parker writes, "I can say no nicety is too nice." This line is a clear example of sarcasm, as the woman is suggesting that she is willing to go to any extreme to please others. The phrase "no nicety is too nice" is also a play on words, as it suggests that the woman is willing to be excessively nice, but also that her niceness is not genuine or sincere.
Throughout the poem, Parker uses irony and sarcasm to criticize the woman's behavior and the society that encourages it. The poem's final lines, "But oh, my love, so many, many things / I can't do," are a poignant reminder that the woman's conformity and performance come at a great cost.
Themes
The central theme of "A Certain Lady" is the destructive nature of conformity and performance, especially as it pertains to women in the Jazz Age. Parker's poem is a critique of the societal pressures placed on women to be attractive, accommodating, and obedient, and the toll that these expectations take on their sense of self and identity.
The poem also speaks to the idea of authenticity and genuineness, suggesting that the woman's performance and conformity come at the cost of her true self. The line, "But oh, my love, so many, many things / I can't do," suggests that the woman is limited by her need to conform and perform, and that she is unable to express herself fully or authentically.
Finally, "A Certain Lady" is a commentary on the emptiness and shallowness of the Jazz Age, and the obsession with materialism and surface-level appearances. The woman in the poem is willing to perform and conform to the expectations of others, but at the cost of her own sense of self and identity.
Conclusion
Dorothy Parker's "A Certain Lady" is a powerful and biting commentary on the societal pressures placed on women in the Jazz Age. Through her use of language, imagery, irony, and sarcasm, Parker conveys a message that is both poignant and timeless. The poem is a reminder that conformity and performance come at a great cost, and that true authenticity and genuineness are essential to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Certain Lady: A Poem of Love and Irony
Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, was known for her wit, humor, and sharp observations of human nature. Her poetry, in particular, is a testament to her talent for capturing the complexities of life in a few well-chosen words. One of her most famous poems, "A Certain Lady," is a perfect example of her ability to use irony and humor to comment on the human condition.
At first glance, "A Certain Lady" appears to be a simple love poem. The speaker, presumably a man, is addressing a woman he loves, telling her how much she means to him. He describes her beauty, her grace, and her charm, and declares his undying devotion to her. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to this love story than meets the eye.
The first hint of irony comes in the second stanza, when the speaker says, "Oh, I can smile for you, and tilt my head, / And drink your rushing words with eager lips." On the surface, this seems like a romantic gesture, but the use of the word "rushing" suggests that the woman is talking too much, and the speaker is merely pretending to be interested. This is reinforced in the next line, when he says, "I can laugh and listen, when we meet, / And nod my head when you unfurl your talk." Again, the emphasis is on the woman's words, and the speaker's apparent lack of interest in them.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker says, "But I am not deceived, as I have been, / Mere words no longer can impress me now." This suggests that the speaker has been in this situation before, and has been fooled by a woman's words in the past. He goes on to say, "Your smile has not the same quick, bright appeal, / As it had once for me, a little while." Here, the speaker is admitting that he is no longer as enamored with the woman as he once was. He has seen through her facade, and is no longer impressed by her words or her smile.
The final stanza is the most ironic of all. The speaker says, "I know too well what's lost that's lost for good, / You cannot fool me anymore with lies." This is a clear reference to the woman's words, which he has already dismissed as meaningless. He goes on to say, "I see too well what I shall always see, / A certain face, shaped as it pleases me." Here, the speaker is admitting that he is not in love with the woman herself, but with the image of her that he has created in his mind. He is not interested in her thoughts, her feelings, or her personality; he is only interested in her appearance.
So what is the message of "A Certain Lady"? On the surface, it appears to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling in love with someone who is not what they seem. However, on a deeper level, it is a commentary on the nature of love itself. The speaker is not in love with the woman, but with his own idea of her. He has created an idealized version of her in his mind, and is disappointed when she fails to live up to it. This is a common theme in literature, and one that Parker explores with her trademark wit and insight.
In conclusion, "A Certain Lady" is a masterpiece of irony and humor. It appears to be a simple love poem, but upon closer examination, reveals a much deeper message about the nature of love and human relationships. Parker's use of language is masterful, and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in a few well-chosen words is truly remarkable. This poem is a testament to her talent as a writer, and a reminder of why she remains one of the most beloved and celebrated authors of the 20th century.
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