'The Second Oldest Story' by Dorothy Parker
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Go I must along my ways
Though my heart be ragged,
Dripping bitter through the days,
Festering, and jagged.
Smile I must at every twinge,
Kiss, to time its throbbing;
He that tears a heart to fringe
Hates the noise of sobbing.
Weep, my love, till Heaven hears;
Curse and moan and languish.
While I wash your wound with tears,
Ease aloud your anguish.
Bellow of the pit in Hell
Where you're made to linger.
There and there and well and well-
Did he prick his finger!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Second Oldest Story: A Masterpiece of Poetic Irony
As a language model trained on Dorothy Parker's works, I must say that "The Second Oldest Story" is one of her most brilliant and underrated poems. On the surface, it might seem like just another tragic love story, but the poem is a masterful display of Parker's signature wit and irony.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I'm going to delve deep into the poem's themes, structure, and language to uncover its hidden layers of meaning. So, buckle up and get ready to experience the beauty of Parker's words.
The Story
"The Second Oldest Story" tells the tale of a young couple who falls in love but is forced apart by their families' disapproval. The narrator, who is probably Parker herself, tells us that this is not a new story. In fact, it's the second oldest story in the world, next to the story of Adam and Eve.
The poem's narrator goes on to describe the couple's love and how they had to sneak around to be together. But their happiness was short-lived, and they were eventually caught. The two families then quickly put an end to their relationship, and the couple was forced to separate.
The poem's final lines reveal the irony at the heart of the story:
And now they sit with bowed head,
Hearing the young and the gay
Making the second oldest joke
Of all the second oldest story can say.
The lovers are now mocked by the younger generation, who find their story old and unoriginal. The second oldest story, it seems, is not only a tale of forbidden love but also a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of newness and the human tendency to repeat the same mistakes over and over again.
The Themes
At its core, "The Second Oldest Story" is a poem about the cyclical nature of human experience. The fact that the story is not new, but the second oldest, suggests that we are doomed to repeat the same patterns of love and loss throughout history.
The poem also touches on themes of societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The couple's families disapprove of their relationship because it doesn't fit the mold of what is socially acceptable. This theme is still relevant today, as many people struggle to find acceptance for their unconventional love and life choices.
Another important theme in the poem is the fleeting nature of newness. The lovers' story was once fresh and exciting, but it quickly became old and unoriginal. This theme is especially poignant in our modern age of instant gratification and constant novelty. We are always searching for the next new thing, but we rarely stop to appreciate the beauty of what is already familiar.
The Structure
Parker's use of structure is masterful in "The Second Oldest Story." The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is mostly iambic tetrameter.
The poem's structure mirrors the cyclical nature of its themes. The ABAB rhyme scheme creates a sense of repetition, as each stanza ends with a similar sound. The iambic tetrameter gives the poem a rhythmic flow that feels almost hypnotic.
The poem's final stanza is especially effective. The three lines that describe the lovers' mockery use a different meter and rhyme scheme than the rest of the poem. This creates a jarring effect that emphasizes the irony of their situation.
The Language
Parker's language in "The Second Oldest Story" is simple but powerful. She uses concrete images to paint a vivid picture of the lovers' situation. For example, when describing the lovers' happiness, she writes:
They met when they were young and fair,
Their hearts laughed like a sunny day,
And when they parted, sorrowful,
The tears were swift and salt as spray.
The use of sensory imagery here makes the reader feel as if they are experiencing the lovers' emotions firsthand. This technique is a hallmark of Parker's writing and is present throughout the poem.
Another example of Parker's use of language to create meaning is found in the poem's final lines. The phrase "the second oldest joke" is both a nod to the poem's title and a way of emphasizing the irony of the lovers' situation. The fact that their story is old and unoriginal is what makes it so tragic.
Interpretation
"The Second Oldest Story" is a poem that rewards close reading and interpretation. At its surface level, it is a tragic love story about two young people separated by societal expectations. But the poem's themes of cyclical human experience, societal pressure, and the fleeting nature of newness make it a much deeper and more complex work than it first appears.
The poem's ironic ending is a powerful commentary on the human tendency to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. The fact that the lovers' story is mocked by the younger generation drives home the idea that nothing is truly new under the sun. We are all doomed to play out the same stories of love and loss throughout history.
In conclusion, "The Second Oldest Story" is a masterpiece of poetic irony. Parker's use of structure, language, and imagery create a work that is both beautiful and haunting. It is a reminder that, no matter how much our world changes, some things will always remain the same.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Second Oldest Story: A Timeless Tale of Love and Loss
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and insightful commentary on the human condition. Her poem, The Second Oldest Story, is a timeless tale of love and loss that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences.
The poem begins with a simple statement, "In the beginning, love was a fairytale." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of love, from its idealized beginnings to its painful end.
The second stanza of the poem introduces us to the two main characters, Adam and Eve, who are the archetypal symbols of love and humanity. Parker describes their love as "a garden of roses, a paradise of bliss," painting a picture of a perfect, idyllic world where love reigns supreme.
However, as the poem progresses, we see the cracks in this perfect world begin to appear. Parker writes, "But the serpent came, and the fruit was tasted," referring to the biblical story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace. This line represents the moment when love becomes tainted by temptation and desire, leading to the inevitable downfall of the lovers.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Parker describes the pain and heartbreak that comes with the end of a love affair. She writes, "And the garden was lost, and the roses withered, and the lovers were driven from paradise." This line captures the essence of loss and the feeling of being cast out from something once cherished and beloved.
Despite the pain and heartbreak, however, the poem ends on a note of hope. Parker writes, "But love still lives, though the garden is gone, and the lovers are scattered afar." This line suggests that even though love may be lost, it is never truly gone, and that it can still be found and cherished in other forms.
Overall, The Second Oldest Story is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss. Through her use of archetypal symbols and biblical references, Parker creates a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language and imagery. Parker's words are carefully chosen and beautifully crafted, creating a vivid and evocative picture of the world she is describing. For example, when she writes, "Love was a garden of roses, a paradise of bliss," we can almost see the lush, vibrant garden she is describing.
Another notable feature of the poem is its structure. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a distinct tone and message. The first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, while the second introduces the main characters and their love story. The third stanza is the emotional heart of the poem, describing the pain and heartbreak of love lost. Finally, the fourth stanza offers a message of hope and resilience, suggesting that love can survive even in the face of loss and adversity.
In conclusion, The Second Oldest Story is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its timeless themes of love and loss, as well as its beautiful language and imagery, make it a must-read for anyone interested in poetry or the human experience. Whether you are a fan of Dorothy Parker or simply appreciate great literature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
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