'Testament' by Dorothy Parker
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Oh, let it be a night of lyric rain
And singing breezes, when my bell is tolled.
I have so loved the rain that I would hold
Last in my ears its friendly, dim refraln.
I shall lie cool and quiet, who have lain
Fevered, and watched the book of day unfold.
Death will not see me flinch; the heart is bold
That pain has made incapable of pain.
Kinder the busy worms than ever love;
It will be peace to lie there, empty-eyed,
My bed made secret by the leveling showers,
My breast replenishing the weeds above.
And you will say of me, "Then has she died?
Perhaps I should have sent a spray of flowers."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Testament by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker's "Testament" is a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of identity, mortality, and the fragility of human life. Written in Parker's signature wry and understated style, the poem offers an intimate glimpse into the poet's own fears and insecurities, as well as the universal struggles that we all face as we navigate the complexities of existence. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem in detail, analyzing its language, structure, and imagery, and unpacking its many layers of meaning.
Form and Structure
"Testament" is a poem of nine stanzas, each consisting of three lines. The brevity of the stanzas, combined with the poem's overall length, creates a sense of fragmentation and dislocation, as if the speaker is struggling to find coherence and meaning in a world that is increasingly chaotic and unpredictable. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular rhyme or meter, which gives the language a natural, conversational quality.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Parker repeats certain key phrases, such as "I said," "I shall," and "I know," which create a sense of urgency and intensity. The repetition also serves to underscore the poem's central theme of mortality, as the speaker repeatedly affirms her own existence in the face of death.
Language and Imagery
Parker's language in "Testament" is simple and direct, but rich in imagery and metaphor. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world, which serve as a counterpoint to the speaker's existential angst. For example, the poem opens with a description of a garden in full bloom, with "flowers rioting" and "winds straying." This idyllic scene, however, is soon disrupted by the speaker's realization that she is mortal: "I said: 'What about my eyes?' / He said: 'Keep them on the road.'"
The image of the road is a recurring motif in the poem, serving as a metaphor for the journey of life. The speaker is told to keep her eyes on the road, to focus on the path ahead, and not to be distracted by the beauty of the world around her. This image is a powerful one, evoking the sense of a long and winding road, with all its twists and turns, ups and downs, and moments of both joy and sorrow.
Another key image in the poem is that of the bird. The speaker describes herself as a "little bird" who is "fearful of the breeze," and who must learn to fly on her own. This image is a poignant one, evoking the vulnerability and fragility of human life, as well as the need to be brave and take risks in order to truly live.
Themes
"Testament" is a poem that touches on many different themes, all of which are related to the central theme of mortality. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is that of identity. The speaker is struggling to define herself in the face of death, to find meaning and purpose in a world that is fleeting and impermanent. This struggle is reflected in the repeated use of the phrase "I am," as the speaker affirms her own existence and asserts her own identity.
Another key theme in the poem is that of isolation. The speaker is alone in her struggles, without the support of family or friends. This sense of isolation is underscored by the repetition of the phrase "I know no one," which emphasizes the speaker's loneliness and sense of alienation.
Finally, the poem also explores the theme of acceptance. The speaker knows that death is inevitable, and she is forced to come to terms with this fact. This acceptance, however, does not come easily, and the speaker must struggle to find peace in the face of her own mortality.
Interpretation
"Testament" is a deeply personal and introspective poem, but it is also a poem that speaks to the universal human experience. We all face the same struggles and uncertainties, the same fears and doubts, as we navigate the complexities of existence. Parker's poem reminds us that life is both beautiful and fragile, and that we must make the most of the time that we have.
At the same time, the poem is also a celebration of life, of all its joys and wonders. Despite the speaker's fears and insecurities, she is still able to appreciate the beauty of the world around her, to revel in the riot of flowers and the straying of winds. This appreciation for the world is what gives the poem its power and its poignancy, and it is what makes it a timeless work of literature.
In conclusion, "Testament" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of human existence with honesty and insight. Through its vivid language, rich imagery, and recurring motifs, the poem speaks to the universal human experience, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life, and urging us to make the most of the time that we have. Dorothy Parker's legacy lives on through her works, and "Testament" remains an enduring testament to her talent and her vision.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Testament by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Irony and Wit
Dorothy Parker is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, known for her sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and clever wordplay. Her poem "Testament" is a prime example of her unique style, combining irony and humor to create a powerful commentary on life, death, and the human condition.
At first glance, "Testament" appears to be a simple poem about a woman's last wishes. The speaker, who is presumably the poet herself, lists a series of requests for her funeral and burial, including the type of flowers she wants and the way she wants to be dressed. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The first hint of irony comes in the second stanza, when the speaker asks to be buried in a "profound" dress. This word has a double meaning, as it can refer both to a dress that is deep or intense, and to a dress that is low-cut or revealing. By using this word, Parker is subtly mocking the idea that a woman's worth is tied to her appearance, and suggesting that even in death, women are expected to be objects of desire.
The next stanza continues this theme, as the speaker asks for a "simple" funeral, but then adds that she wants "six maids of honor" to bear her pall. This is another example of Parker's use of irony, as the idea of a simple funeral is contradicted by the extravagant request for six maids of honor. The speaker is poking fun at the idea that even in death, people are judged by their social status and wealth.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as the speaker asks to be cremated and have her ashes scattered over Manhattan. This request is both practical and symbolic, as it reflects the speaker's love for the city and her desire to be a part of it even after death. However, it also has a deeper meaning, as the act of scattering ashes is a way of breaking down the physical body and returning it to the earth. By choosing this method of disposal, the speaker is rejecting the idea that the body is sacred or holy, and suggesting that death is a natural and inevitable part of life.
The final stanza of the poem is a masterful example of Parker's use of irony and wordplay. The speaker asks that her epitaph read "Excuse my dust," which is a clever pun on the phrase "Excuse my French." This phrase is often used to apologize for swearing or using vulgar language, and by applying it to her own death, the speaker is once again rejecting the idea that death is a solemn or sacred event. Instead, she is using humor to make light of the situation and remind us that life is fleeting and unpredictable.
Overall, "Testament" is a brilliant example of Dorothy Parker's unique style and perspective. Through her use of irony, humor, and wordplay, she creates a powerful commentary on life, death, and the human condition. The poem is both funny and poignant, and it challenges us to think about our own mortality and the way we view death and dying. In the end, Parker's legacy as a writer and thinker is secure, and "Testament" remains a classic example of her wit and wisdom.
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