'Fable' by Dorothy Parker
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Oh, there once was a lady, and so I've been told,
Whose lover grew weary, whose lover grew cold.
"My child," he remarked, "though our episode ends,
In the manner of men, I suggest we be friends."
And the truest of friends ever after they were-
Oh, they lied in their teeth when they told me of her!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Fable by Dorothy Parker: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel as if it were written solely for you? That's how I felt when I first read "Fable" by Dorothy Parker. The poem, with its witty language and poignant message, resonated deeply with me, and I'm sure it will do the same for you. So, let's dive in and explore this timeless piece of literature.
Overview
"Fable" is a short but powerful poem that uses animals as allegories to comment on human behavior. In the poem, a snake and a spider are depicted as characters who are both trying to survive in their own way. The snake is portrayed as being carefree and confident, while the spider is depicted as being cautious and fearful. However, when the snake finally meets its end, it is the spider who ultimately triumphs.
Structure and Style
The structure of "Fable" is simple yet effective. It consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a playful and lighthearted tone. The language used in the poem is also simple and straightforward, which makes it accessible to both casual and serious readers.
However, what really sets "Fable" apart is its clever use of metaphors and allegories. By using animals to represent human behavior, Parker is able to comment on society in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The snake, for example, represents those who are reckless and overconfident, while the spider represents those who are cautious and calculating. By contrasting these two characters, Parker is able to comment on the dangers of both extremes.
Analysis
The poem begins with the introduction of the snake, who is described as being "happy" and "cool." This characterization sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the snake's carefree personality is contrasted with the spider's cautiousness.
The second stanza describes the spider's fear of the snake, which is understandable given the snake's reputation as a dangerous predator. However, the spider's fear is also a sign of its intelligence, as it recognizes the danger that the snake poses.
The third stanza is where the contrast between the snake and the spider becomes most apparent. While the snake is "hot and high" in its confidence, the spider is "sly and shy" in its caution. This contrast sets up the conflict that drives the rest of the poem.
In the fourth stanza, the snake finally meets its end. The imagery used to describe the snake's death is vivid and gruesome, with the snake being "cut in half." This violent imagery is a stark reminder of the dangers of overconfidence, and it serves as a warning to those who would follow in the snake's footsteps.
The fifth stanza is where the real message of the poem comes into play. With the snake dead, the spider is finally able to relax and enjoy its newfound freedom. The spider's victory over the snake is a reminder that caution and intelligence can be just as powerful as confidence and bravado.
The final stanza serves as a coda to the poem, with Parker reminding us that "it pays to be smart." This simple message is the heart of the poem, as it encourages us to be cautious and thoughtful in our approach to life.
Interpretation
So, what does "Fable" mean? At its core, the poem is a commentary on human behavior. By using animals to represent different personality types, Parker is able to comment on the dangers of both overconfidence and caution. The snake's overconfidence leads to its downfall, while the spider's caution ultimately leads to its victory.
However, the poem is not simply a warning against overconfidence. It also celebrates the power of intelligence and caution. While the snake may be flashy and impressive, it is ultimately the spider's intelligence that allows it to triumph.
Ultimately, "Fable" is a reminder that intelligence and caution can be just as powerful as confidence and bravado. It encourages us to be thoughtful in our approach to life, and to recognize the dangers of overconfidence. In a world where confidence is often celebrated above all else, "Fable" is a refreshing and insightful reminder of the power of intelligence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Fable" is a timeless poem that uses animals as allegories to comment on human behavior. Through its simple language and clever use of metaphors, the poem encourages us to be thoughtful and cautious in our approach to life. It warns us of the dangers of overconfidence, while celebrating the power of intelligence and caution. If you haven't read "Fable" before, I highly recommend it. It's a poem that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Fable by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and incisive commentary on the human condition. Her poem "Fable" is a prime example of her mastery of irony and satire, as she uses a simple animal fable to expose the hypocrisy and folly of human behavior.
The poem begins with a familiar trope of animal fables, as a crow and a peacock engage in a conversation about their respective virtues. The crow, who is known for his plain appearance and harsh voice, boasts of his practicality and usefulness, while the peacock, with his colorful feathers and graceful strut, extols his beauty and elegance. The two birds then encounter a group of humans, who are admiring the peacock's splendor and ignoring the crow's presence.
Here, Parker sets up the central irony of the poem, as the humans, who are supposed to be the superior and rational beings, are shown to be shallow and superficial in their judgments. They are blinded by the peacock's external beauty and fail to recognize the crow's inner worth. This is a common theme in Parker's work, as she often exposes the flaws and follies of human nature through the lens of animal fables and satirical humor.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the humans capture the peacock and subject him to cruel and unnatural treatments, such as clipping his feathers and forcing him to perform tricks. The crow, who witnesses this injustice, tries to warn the peacock of the dangers of vanity and pride, but the peacock remains stubborn and defiant, insisting that his beauty is worth any price.
This is where Parker's satire becomes more pointed and biting, as she exposes the human tendency to exploit and abuse those who are different or vulnerable. The peacock, who represents the marginalized and oppressed, is punished for his uniqueness and forced to conform to the standards of the dominant culture. The crow, who represents the voice of reason and compassion, is ignored and dismissed as insignificant.
The final lines of the poem are a masterstroke of irony and satire, as Parker subverts the traditional moral of animal fables and exposes the hypocrisy of human morality. The crow, who has been the voice of wisdom and morality throughout the poem, is revealed to be a thief, as he steals a piece of bread from a nearby bakery. The humans, who have been the villains of the story, are shown to be the victims of the crow's theft, as they chase him down and punish him for his crime.
This reversal of roles is a powerful commentary on the arbitrary and subjective nature of morality, as well as the human tendency to judge others based on external appearances and social status. Parker is suggesting that the peacock and the crow are not inherently good or bad, but are products of their environment and circumstances. The humans, who are supposed to be the arbiters of justice and morality, are shown to be just as flawed and fallible as the animals they are judging.
In conclusion, "Fable" is a masterpiece of irony and satire, as Dorothy Parker uses a simple animal fable to expose the hypocrisy and folly of human behavior. Through the characters of the crow and the peacock, she highlights the human tendency to judge others based on external appearances and social status, and the consequences of such judgments. She also exposes the human tendency to exploit and abuse those who are different or vulnerable, and the arbitrary and subjective nature of morality. The poem is a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and humility in our interactions with others, and a testament to Parker's enduring legacy as a master of wit and wisdom.
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