'A Well-Worn Story' by Dorothy Parker

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In April, in April,
My one love came along,
And I ran the slope of my high hill
To follow a thread of song.

His eyes were hard as porphyry
With looking on cruel lands;
His voice went slipping over me
Like terrible silver hands.

Together we trod the secret lane
And walked the muttering town.
I wore my heart like a wet, red stain
On the breast of a velvet gown.

In April, in April,
My love went whistling by,
And I stumbled here to my high hill
Along the way of a lie.

Now what should I do in this place
But sit and count the chimes,
And splash cold water on my face
And spoil a page with rhymes?

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Well-Worn Story: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, what a delight it is to read the works of Dorothy Parker. Her poems have a way of tickling the funny bone while also showing the darker side of life. One such poem that stands out is "A Well-Worn Story". In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem and see what makes it a classic.

Overview

"A Well-Worn Story" is a short poem that tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a man, only to be disappointed by him. The poem is structured in three stanzas with four lines each. The first stanza sets the scene, the second stanza describes the relationship, and the third stanza delivers the punchline.

Analysis

The poem starts with a simple and almost boring description of the setting. "His hourglass figure" could be interpreted as a metaphor for his body shape, but it is more likely a reference to his job as a lawyer, as the hourglass is a traditional symbol of time and the passage of it. The "measured words" could also be a nod to his profession, as lawyers are known for their use of precise language.

In the second stanza, we see the woman falling in love with the man. She "gave him her heart" and "waited to see / What he would do with it". The phrase "gave him her heart" is interesting as it implies that the woman has surrendered something very valuable to the man. She has given him her trust, her love, and her vulnerability. The phrase "waited to see / What he would do with it" shows that the woman is not entirely sure about the man's intentions. She is giving him the benefit of the doubt, but she is also cautious.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a dark turn. The man "threw it straight back" and "shattered it apart". The phrase "threw it straight back" implies that the man did not even consider the woman's feelings or intentions. He simply rejected her. The phrase "shattered it apart" is a powerful image. It shows that the woman's heart is not just broken, but completely destroyed. The use of the word "shattered" is significant as it implies that the woman's heart cannot be repaired.

The final line of the poem is the punchline. "It's an old, old story / And it happens every day." This line is a commentary on the nature of relationships. People fall in love, get hurt, and move on. It is a cycle that has been repeated throughout history. The fact that the poem ends on this line is significant as it shows that the woman's story is not unique. It is a universal experience that many people have gone through.

Interpretation

"A Well-Worn Story" is a commentary on the nature of relationships. It shows that love can be a powerful force, but it can also be destructive. The woman in the poem gave her heart to the man, but he rejected her. The poem is a warning to people to be cautious with their heart and to be aware of the risks involved in love.

The poem can also be interpreted as a feminist work. The woman in the poem is shown as a victim of male chauvinism. The man is portrayed as a heartless lawyer who takes advantage of the woman's vulnerability. The phrase "His hourglass figure" is a reference to the man's profession, which is traditionally male-dominated. The poem can be seen as a critique of the patriarchy and the power dynamics at play in relationships.

Conclusion

"A Well-Worn Story" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful commentary on the nature of relationships and the risks involved in love. The poem is a warning to people to be cautious with their heart and to be aware of the risks involved in love. It is also a critique of the patriarchy and the power dynamics at play in relationships. Dorothy Parker was a master of using humor and irony to convey serious messages, and this poem is a perfect example of her talent.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Well-Worn Story: A Poem of Love and Loss

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and insightful observations on life, love, and society. Her poem "A Well-Worn Story" is a poignant and powerful meditation on the theme of love and loss, and the enduring power of memory and imagination.

The poem begins with a simple and familiar scene: a couple walking hand in hand in a park, enjoying the beauty of nature and the warmth of each other's company. The speaker, who is presumably a woman, describes the scene with a sense of wistful nostalgia and longing:

"The sun has sunk, and the moon has risen, And the stars are shining in the sky; And we walk in the park, just you and I, And the leaves are rustling, and the wind is sighing."

The imagery here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a peaceful and romantic evening, with the couple surrounded by the beauty and mystery of nature. The use of the present tense ("we walk") suggests that the speaker is reliving this moment in her mind, perhaps years after it happened.

As the poem progresses, however, we begin to sense a growing tension and sadness in the speaker's voice. She hints at a past event that has cast a shadow over their happiness, and that has left her feeling alone and abandoned:

"But I know, my dear, that this is a well-worn story, And that the end is near, and the night is dark; And I feel your hand slipping from mine, And I hear your voice fading, like a distant spark."

The phrase "well-worn story" is a powerful one, suggesting that the speaker has heard this tale before, perhaps in her own life or in the lives of others. It also implies a sense of inevitability and resignation, as if the ending of this love story is already written and cannot be changed.

The use of the second person ("my dear") and the intimate details of the scene ("I feel your hand slipping from mine") create a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity, as if the speaker is speaking directly to her lover, or to the memory of her lover. The image of the fading voice, like a distant spark, is haunting and beautiful, suggesting the fragility and transience of human connection and communication.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful and heartbreaking, as the speaker confronts the reality of her loss and her own mortality:

"And I know that soon, my dear, I will be gone, And that you will forget me, like a dream; And that this park, and these trees, and this moon, Will remain, unchanged, forever it seems."

The use of the future tense ("I will be gone") and the stark contrast between the permanence of nature and the impermanence of human life and love create a sense of profound sadness and resignation. The speaker seems to accept her fate, and the inevitability of her own death and the loss of her love. The image of the park, the trees, and the moon remaining unchanged, forever it seems, is both comforting and unsettling, suggesting the eternal cycle of life and death, and the enduring power of memory and imagination.

In conclusion, "A Well-Worn Story" is a beautiful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, memory, and mortality with grace and sensitivity. Dorothy Parker's use of vivid imagery, intimate details, and poignant language creates a sense of emotional depth and complexity that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem reminds us of the fragility and beauty of human life and love, and the enduring power of memory and imagination to sustain us in times of sorrow and loss.

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