'Inventory' by Dorothy Parker
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Four be the things I am wiser to know:
Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.
Four be the things I'd been better without:
Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.
Three be the things I shall never attain:
Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.
Three be the things I shall have till I die:
Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Inventory by Dorothy Parker: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, Inventory! What a delightful little poem this is! Written by the brilliant and witty Dorothy Parker, it's a perfect example of how a seemingly mundane topic can be transformed into a work of art with the right touch of language and style. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve deep into this poem and explore the nuances of its meaning, symbolism, and structure. So, buckle up and get ready to be enchanted by Parker's words!
A Quirky Title that Sets the Tone
Before we even get to the poem itself, let's take a moment to appreciate its title - Inventory. On the surface, it seems like a rather unremarkable word, something we associate with mundane tasks like stocktaking or accounting. But in Parker's hands, it takes on a whole new meaning. The word "inventory" suggests a list, a catalogue of sorts, a collection of things that someone deems important enough to keep track of. And that's precisely what Parker does in this poem - she takes a mental inventory of her life, her loves, and her losses. But there's also a tongue-in-cheek quality to it, as if Parker is making light of the idea of taking oneself too seriously. After all, who needs a serious inventory when you can have a playful one, full of wit and humor?
Exploring the Themes of the Poem
Now that we've established the tone and the title, let's dive into the heart of the poem - its themes. At its core, Inventory is a poem about love, loss, and the passage of time. Parker takes us on a journey through her past, present, and future, as she reflects on the people and things that have shaped her life. She begins by listing the lovers she's had, in a tone that's both nostalgic and wistful:
Four be the things I am wiser to know: Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe. Four be the things I'd been better without: Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.
The poem is structured in such a way that Parker alternates between the things she's glad she's experienced (idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe) and the things she wishes she could have avoided (love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt). This contrast creates a sense of balance in the poem, as if Parker is acknowledging that both the good and the bad have shaped her into the person she is today.
But it's the section about love that really stands out in this poem. Parker writes:
Three be the things I shall never attain: Envy, content, and sufficient champagne. Three be the things I shall have till I die: Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.
Here, Parker reveals that love is something she's never been able to attain, despite her many lovers. It's a poignant admission, one that suggests a certain level of regret and resignation. But it's also a reminder that love is not something that can be acquired or possessed like a material object. It's something that must be given and received freely, and sometimes, even then, it remains elusive.
The final section of the poem is perhaps the most melancholy of all:
Three be the things I have learned to dread: The foam, the wave, and drowning dead. Three be the things I shall never love: The serpent, the ape, and a glove.
Here, Parker confronts her mortality head-on, acknowledging the inevitability of death and the fear that comes with it. But even in the face of death, she finds a way to inject a bit of humor, as she lists the things she shall never love - the serpent, the ape, and a glove. It's a quirky and unexpected ending to a poem that's filled with both light and darkness.
The Importance of Structure and Form
Of course, a poem isn't just about the words themselves - it's also about how those words are arranged on the page. And Parker's use of structure and form in Inventory is masterful. The poem is written in four stanzas, each of which has four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, in keeping with the theme of the poem. The rhyme scheme is also consistent throughout, with each stanza following an ABAB pattern. This creates a sense of stability and predictability, which contrasts nicely with the unpredictable nature of the poem's themes.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of the poem's structure is its use of repetition. The phrases "Four be the things" and "Three be the things" appear twice each, creating a sense of continuity and unity. It's as if Parker is saying that these things - the good, the bad, the unattainable, and the dreadful - are all part of the same inventory, the same collection of experiences that make up a life. By repeating these phrases, Parker reinforces the idea that life is a series of highs and lows, and that it's the sum of these experiences that makes us who we are.
Symbolism and Imagery in Inventory
Finally, let's talk about the symbolism and imagery in this poem. While Parker's language is witty and playful, it's also rich with meaning and metaphor. For instance, the phrase "a sock in the eye" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the unexpected, unpleasant surprises that life often throws our way. Similarly, the image of the "foam, the wave, and drowning dead" could be seen as a metaphor for the chaos and uncertainty of life, and the fear that comes with it.
But perhaps the most powerful symbol in the poem is that of the glove. The fact that Parker lists it among the things she shall never love suggests that it represents something more than just a piece of clothing. Perhaps it symbolizes the idea of being trapped or confined, of being unable to move or act freely. In this sense, the glove could be seen as a metaphor for the limitations and restrictions that we all face in life.
Conclusion: A Poem Worth Celebrating
In conclusion, Inventory is a poem that's worth celebrating. It's a testament to Parker's wit and wisdom, and it's a reminder that even the most mundane aspects of life can be transformed into something beautiful through the power of language. Through her use of structure, symbolism, and imagery, Parker creates a poem that's both playful and profound, one that speaks to the complexities and contradictions of the human experience. So, if you haven't already, go ahead and add this poem to your own personal inventory - it's definitely worth keeping.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Inventory: A Classic Poem by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker is a name that resonates with many poetry enthusiasts. Her works are known for their wit, humor, and sharp observations of life. One of her most famous poems, "Inventory," is a perfect example of her unique style. In this 14-line poem, Parker takes a look at the things that make up a person's life, and in doing so, she reveals much about the human condition.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Four be the things I am wiser to know." Parker immediately sets the tone for the poem by using a numerical structure. This structure is important because it gives the poem a sense of order and control. It also allows Parker to focus on four specific things that she believes are important to know.
The first thing on Parker's list is "idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe." This line is significant because it sets up the rest of the poem. Parker is saying that these four things are essential to understanding life. Idleness represents the moments of stillness and contemplation that allow us to reflect on our lives. Sorrow represents the pain and sadness that we all experience at some point. A friend represents the people who support us and help us through difficult times. A foe represents the challenges and obstacles that we must overcome to grow and succeed.
The second stanza of the poem is where Parker really starts to delve into the meaning behind each of these four things. She says that "Four be the things I'd been better without: / Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt." This line is interesting because it seems to contradict the first stanza. Parker is saying that these four things are things that we would be better off without. However, if we look closer, we can see that Parker is actually saying that these things are both good and bad. Love can bring us joy, but it can also bring us pain. Curiosity can lead us to new discoveries, but it can also lead us down dangerous paths. Freckles are a physical characteristic that some people may not like, but they are also a part of who we are. Doubt can be crippling, but it can also lead us to question and learn.
The third stanza of the poem is where Parker really starts to get philosophical. She says, "Peace out of pain / Why should I need you again?" This line is significant because it shows Parker's belief that pain is necessary for growth. Without pain, we would never learn to appreciate peace. This idea is echoed in the next line, where Parker says, "I have forgot you." Parker is saying that she has moved on from her pain and has grown from it.
The final stanza of the poem is where Parker brings everything together. She says, "Remembered joys are never past; / At morning they are still with me; / And midnight, they are there." This line is significant because it shows Parker's belief that memories are powerful. Even though the joys of the past may be gone, they are still with us in our memories. This idea is echoed in the final line of the poem, where Parker says, "And oh, my friend, you have things to love, / You have forgotten me." Parker is saying that even though she may be forgotten, the memories of the joys and pains of life will always be with us.
Overall, "Inventory" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition. Parker's use of numerical structure, wit, and sharp observations make this poem a classic. The poem is a reminder that life is full of joys and pains, and that we must embrace both in order to grow and learn. It is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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