'But Not Forgotten' by Dorothy Parker


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I think, no matter where you stray,
That I shall go with you a way.
Though you may wander sweeter lands,
You will not soon forget my hands,
Nor yet the way I held my head,
Nor all the tremulous things I said.
You still will see me, small and white
And smiling, in the secret night,
And feel my arms about you when
The day comes fluttering back again.
I think, no matter where you be,
You'll hold me in your memory
And keep my image, there without me,
By telling later loves about me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

But Not Forgotten: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

I am absolutely thrilled to dive into the world of Dorothy Parker's poetry today. Her poem, "But Not Forgotten," is a beautiful piece that speaks of love, loss, and the passing of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the themes, imagery, and language used by Parker to create this masterpiece.

The Theme of Love

Love, undoubtedly, is the most prominent theme in "But Not Forgotten." Parker talks about a love that has passed, but not forgotten. She describes a love that was once strong and powerful, but now only exists as a memory. The poem begins with the lines:

I think, no matter where you stray,
That I shall go with you a way.

These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as they show the depth of the speaker's love for the person they are addressing. The speaker is willing to follow the person they love, no matter where they go. This line also establishes a sense of timelessness, as the speaker suggests that their love will endure, even if they are physically apart.

The Passage of Time

Another major theme in the poem is the passage of time. Parker uses a variety of images and metaphors to illustrate how time has affected the speaker's love. For example, she writes:

And though you chafe, yet, by my troth,
You are mine, your name is Death.

Here, Parker personifies time as "Death," showing how it inevitably erodes even the strongest of loves. However, the speaker still claims ownership over the person they love, showing that even though time may have passed, their love remains strong.

The Power of Memory

Memory is also an important theme in "But Not Forgotten." The poem is filled with memories of the past, and the speaker reflects on them with a sense of longing and nostalgia. Parker writes:

For I have kept the love you gave,
And though you're gone, and far away,
With you my heart still yearns to stay.

These lines show how memories of the past can have a powerful hold over us, even when the person we love is no longer with us. The speaker has kept the love that was given to them, and it still lives on in their heart.

Imagery and Language

Parker's use of imagery and language in "But Not Forgotten" is nothing short of masterful. She uses a variety of metaphors and personifications to create a vivid and emotional landscape. For example, she writes:

Though you have faded from my sight,
But never from my heart your light.

Here, Parker uses the metaphor of light to represent the person the speaker loves. Even though they may be gone, their light still shines on in the speaker's heart.

Parker also uses alliteration and repetition to great effect in the poem. The repetition of the word "gone" in the final stanza emphasizes the sense of loss and longing felt by the speaker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "But Not Forgotten" is a beautiful and emotional poem that explores the themes of love, time, and memory. Parker's use of imagery and language creates a vivid and powerful landscape, and the poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of time and distance. Overall, this poem is a wonderful example of Parker's talent and skill as a poet, and it remains a timeless classic in the world of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

But Not Forgotten: A Timeless Poem by Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker, an American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and satirical writing style. Her poem, But Not Forgotten, is a poignant and timeless piece that explores the theme of loss and the memories that remain after someone has passed away. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the meaning of the poem, its structure, and the literary devices used by Parker to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line, "I think, no matter where you stray," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is addressing someone who has passed away, and the use of the word "stray" implies that the person is no longer with us. However, the speaker goes on to say that even though the person is gone, they are not forgotten. This sentiment is echoed throughout the poem, as the speaker reminisces about the memories they shared with the person and the impact they had on their life.

The structure of the poem is simple, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a musical quality and helps to emphasize the repetition of certain phrases. The use of repetition is a common literary device in poetry, and in this case, it serves to reinforce the idea that the person is not forgotten. The phrase "But not forgotten" appears at the end of each stanza, almost like a refrain, and serves as a reminder that even though the person is gone, their memory lives on.

The first stanza of the poem focuses on the memories that the speaker has of the person who has passed away. They recall the times they spent together, the laughter they shared, and the moments that they will always cherish. The use of the word "treasure" in the second line emphasizes the value that these memories hold for the speaker. They may be gone, but the memories remain, and they are a source of comfort and solace.

The second stanza shifts the focus to the impact that the person had on the speaker's life. They describe how the person "made a difference" and how their presence in their life was a gift. The use of the word "gift" is significant, as it implies that the person's presence was something to be cherished and appreciated. The speaker acknowledges that the person may be gone, but their impact on their life will never be forgotten.

The third stanza is perhaps the most emotional, as the speaker expresses their sadness at the person's passing. They describe how they "weep" and how their heart is heavy with grief. However, even in the midst of their sorrow, they are comforted by the memories they have of the person. The use of the word "comfort" in the third line is significant, as it implies that the memories are a source of solace and support for the speaker.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the person's legacy. The speaker acknowledges that even though the person is gone, their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew them. They describe how the person's "light" still shines, even though they are no longer with us. The use of the word "light" is significant, as it implies that the person had a positive impact on the world and that their memory is a source of inspiration for those who knew them.

In terms of literary devices, Parker employs several techniques to convey her message. The use of repetition, as mentioned earlier, is perhaps the most significant. The phrase "But not forgotten" serves as a reminder that even though the person is gone, their memory lives on. The use of imagery is also significant, particularly in the third stanza, where the speaker describes their grief as a heavy weight on their heart. The use of metaphor is also present in the final stanza, where the person's memory is compared to a shining light.

In conclusion, But Not Forgotten is a timeless poem that explores the theme of loss and the memories that remain after someone has passed away. Through its simple structure and use of repetition, Parker emphasizes the idea that even though the person is gone, they are not forgotten. The poem is a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the memories we have of those who have passed away and the impact they had on our lives.

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