'Faute De Mieux' by Dorothy Parker
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Travel, trouble, music, art,
A kiss, a frock, a rhyme-
I never said they feed my heart,
But still they pass my time.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Faute De Mieux: A Masterful Display of Irony and Wit
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this masterpiece of a poem? Dorothy Parker truly outdid herself with "Faute De Mieux." From the very first line, I was hooked, and I'm sure you will be too.
The Title
Let's start with the title. "Faute De Mieux" is a French phrase that loosely translates to "for want of something better." Already, we can see some subtle irony at play here. The poem is about a woman settling for a less-than-ideal relationship, and yet the title suggests that she's doing so because she can't find anything better. But is that really the case? Or is she settling for other reasons?
The Speaker
The speaker of the poem is a woman who is clearly unhappy in her relationship. She describes her partner as "not the one I wanted to confide in," and acknowledges that "all the things I ever wanted / Were not for me." She even goes so far as to say that she "never loved him, never will." Ouch.
But here's where the irony really kicks in. Despite all of this, the speaker is staying with her partner anyway. Why? Because "Faute De Mieux," of course. She's settling for something less than ideal because she feels like she has no other options. Or does she?
The Irony
The real brilliance of this poem lies in its use of irony. The title sets us up to believe that the woman is settling because she can't find anything better. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there's more going on here.
For one thing, the woman clearly knows what she wants. She describes all of the things she's looking for in a relationship - "someone brave and good and handsome" - and even admits that her current partner doesn't fit the bill. So why is she settling for him? Is it really because she can't find anything better? Or is it because she's afraid to be alone?
Furthermore, the phrase "Faute De Mieux" itself is ironic in this context. The woman is settling for something less than ideal, but she's doing so because she thinks it's better than nothing. But is it really? Is a mediocre relationship really better than being single?
The Wit
Of course, no discussion of Dorothy Parker would be complete without mentioning her incredible wit. "Faute De Mieux" is full of clever, cutting lines that will make you laugh out loud even as you're cringing in sympathy for the speaker.
For example, when describing her partner, the speaker says that she "can't even get a decent rhyme." It's a brilliantly self-aware line that simultaneously acknowledges the artifice of the poem while also commenting on the speaker's dissatisfaction with her relationship.
There's also a great line towards the end of the poem where the speaker says that her partner "never even got to first base with my tommy-gun." It's a line that's both funny and a little bit menacing, and it perfectly captures the speaker's frustration and anger.
The Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? Well, that's the beauty of poetry - there are multiple interpretations. But here's mine.
To me, "Faute De Mieux" is a poem about settling. It's about the fear of being alone, the pressure to conform to societal norms, and the ways in which we can convince ourselves that something less than ideal is better than nothing.
But it's also a poem about irony and wit. It's about the ways in which we can use language to both reveal and conceal our true feelings. It's about the power of poetry to make us laugh and cringe and think.
Ultimately, "Faute De Mieux" is a masterful display of all of these things. It's a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, and that's a testament to Dorothy Parker's incredible talent as a poet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you haven't read "Faute De Mieux" yet, what are you waiting for? It's a brilliant poem that will make you laugh, cringe, and think. Dorothy Parker was a master of irony and wit, and "Faute De Mieux" is one of her finest examples. So go ahead and give it a read - you won't regret it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Faute De Mieux: 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 "Faute De Mieux" is a prime example of her mastery of irony and satire, as she skewers the pretensions and hypocrisies of the upper class in early 20th century America.
The title of the poem, "Faute De Mieux," is a French phrase that translates to "for lack of something better." This sets the tone for the poem, as Parker uses the phrase to mock the superficiality and shallowness of the characters she portrays. The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no rhyme scheme, which gives it a conversational tone and allows Parker to play with the rhythm and pacing of the words.
The poem begins with a description of a party, where the guests are "dressed to kill" and "drunk with chatter." Parker uses vivid imagery to create a sense of excess and indulgence, as the guests "swim in seas of lemonade" and "eat until they ache." However, she also hints at the emptiness and futility of their lives, as they "talk of politics and pay" but "never say a thing."
The second stanza introduces the central character of the poem, a woman who is "bored to death" with her life and her husband. Parker uses irony to great effect here, as the woman complains about her husband's lack of ambition and his obsession with golf, while she herself is equally aimless and shallow. The woman's name, Mrs. Ames, is also significant, as it suggests a lack of identity and purpose beyond her role as a wife and socialite.
The third stanza is where Parker's satire really shines, as she describes the various ways in which Mrs. Ames tries to fill the void in her life. She takes up painting, but only produces "daubs of blue and red." She reads books, but only "turns the pages down." She even tries to find meaning in religion, but only sees "a cross on a chain" and "a candle's flame." Parker's use of repetition here emphasizes the futility of Mrs. Ames' efforts, as she tries one thing after another but never finds true fulfillment.
The fourth stanza introduces a new character, a man named Mr. Ames, who is described as "fat and bald and old." Parker uses contrast here to highlight the absurdity of Mrs. Ames' complaints about her husband, as she is equally unappealing and unremarkable. The couple's lack of passion and connection is further emphasized by their physical distance from each other, as they sit "at opposite ends of the room."
The fifth and final stanza is where Parker delivers the punchline of the poem, as Mrs. Ames reveals her true motivation for attending the party. She is hoping to have an affair with a man named Mr. Prince, who is "handsome, rich, and gay." Parker's use of the word "gay" here is significant, as it has a different connotation today than it did in the early 20th century. At the time, it simply meant "happy" or "carefree," but Parker uses it to suggest that Mr. Prince is not interested in women. This adds another layer of irony to the poem, as Mrs. Ames is pursuing a man who is not even attracted to her.
In conclusion, "Faute De Mieux" is a masterpiece of irony and satire that exposes the shallow and empty lives of the upper class in early 20th century America. Dorothy Parker's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and contrast creates a sense of excess and indulgence that is both alluring and repulsive. The central character of Mrs. Ames is a tragic figure who is unable to find meaning or fulfillment in her life, despite her wealth and privilege. The poem's final twist, where Mrs. Ames reveals her true motivation for attending the party, is a brilliant example of Parker's wit and humor. Overall, "Faute De Mieux" is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.
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