'For A Lady Who Must Write Verse' by Dorothy Parker
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Unto seventy years and seven,
Hide your double birthright well-
You, that are the brat of Heaven
And the pampered heir to Hell.
Let your rhymes be tinsel treasures,
Strung and seen and thrown aside.
Drill your apt and docile measures
Sternly as you drill your pride.
Show your quick, alarming skill in
Tidy mockeries of art;
Never, never dip your quill in
Ink that rushes from your heart.
When your pain must come to paper,
See it dust, before the day;
Let your night-light curl and caper,
Let it lick the words away.
Never print, poor child, a lay on
Love and tears and anguishing,
Lest a cooled, benignant Phaon
Murmur, "Silly little thing!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
For A Lady Who Must Write Verse: A Masterpiece in Irony and Satire
Dorothy Parker, 1926
"Sure, deck your limbs in pants, Yours are the limbs, my sweeting. You look divine as you advance — Have you seen yourself retreating?"
With these words, Dorothy Parker introduces her poem, "For A Lady Who Must Write Verse," a satirical masterpiece that explores the tension between the creative impulse and the societal expectations of women in the 1920s. Through her sharp wit and ironic commentary, Parker exposes the absurdity of the gender roles and cultural norms of her time, challenging readers to reconsider their own assumptions about art, gender, and the human experience.
The Irony of the Creative Impulse
Parker's poem begins with a mocking tone, as she addresses "A Lady Who Must Write Verse" with a sarcastic compliment about her appearance. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Parker is not merely making fun of the lady's desire to write poetry, but is actually celebrating the creative impulse that drives her. In fact, Parker herself was a celebrated writer and poet, and her own experiences as a woman in the male-dominated literary world no doubt informed her perspective.
Throughout the poem, Parker uses irony to highlight the contradiction between the societal pressure for women to conform to traditional gender roles, and the creative passion that drives them to pursue their artistic dreams. She writes:
"Ah, no, you're not too fat, No more than I am, Doll. I'd be proud to be that — What are feet for, but to go over and greet the Muse when she comes?"
Here, Parker is not only challenging the idea that a woman's worth is defined by her physical appearance, but is also suggesting that the creative impulse is something that cannot be ignored or suppressed, even in the face of societal expectations.
The Satirical Commentary on the Literary World
In addition to her commentary on gender roles and societal norms, Parker's poem also serves as a biting critique of the literary world of her time. She skewers the pretentiousness of the "high-brow" literary establishment, while also mocking the idea that poetry must be serious and profound in order to be considered art.
Parker writes:
"Write, then. Forget the rest. Pour out all the heart within. Be not afraid of its own mess, Nor yet of being seen therein."
Here, Parker is encouraging the Lady to write from the heart, without worrying about the judgment of others. She is also poking fun at the idea that poetry must be polished and refined, suggesting that the raw, messy emotions of the human experience are just as valid as any lofty philosophical ideas.
The Universal Themes of Gender and Creativity
Despite the specific cultural and historical context in which it was written, Parker's poem remains relevant and powerful today. The tension between the creative impulse and societal expectations is one that continues to affect women and other marginalized groups in many different fields, from the arts to the sciences. And the idea that art must be serious and profound in order to be considered valuable is one that still persists in many artistic circles.
Ultimately, "For A Lady Who Must Write Verse" is a testament to the power of creativity, and to the importance of pursuing one's dreams in the face of adversity. Through her biting satire and ironic commentary, Parker encourages all of us to embrace our own creative impulses, regardless of the expectations that others may have for us.
As Parker writes in her final stanza:
"Unrhymed, alas, when all is done, You'll leave your readers cold, But you yourself will have begun, And that's already bold."
Indeed, the act of creation is a bold and courageous one, and Parker's poem stands as a testament to the power of art to challenge and transform our understanding of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
For A Lady Who Must Write Verse: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and incisive commentary on the social and cultural norms of her time. Her poem, "For A Lady Who Must Write Verse," is a perfect example of her mastery of irony and satire. In this poem, Parker takes on the persona of a woman who is compelled to write poetry, but who lacks the talent and inspiration to do so. Through her clever use of language and imagery, Parker exposes the absurdity of the notion that anyone can be a poet, and the pressure that women in particular face to conform to certain artistic and cultural expectations.
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging her lack of poetic ability: "She must, because she feels the small / Bright poems prick her brain." The use of the word "must" suggests that the speaker feels a sense of obligation or duty to write poetry, even though she may not enjoy it or be particularly good at it. The phrase "bright poems" is ironic, as it implies that the poems are sparkling and full of life, when in fact the speaker is struggling to come up with anything at all.
The second stanza continues in this vein, with the speaker describing the process of trying to write poetry: "How can she write of death and sin? / Of themes like these what lady knows?" Here, Parker is poking fun at the idea that women are only capable of writing about certain topics, such as love and nature, and are not equipped to tackle weightier subjects like death and sin. The use of the word "lady" is particularly telling, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman, and is struggling to reconcile those expectations with her desire to write.
The third stanza takes a more satirical turn, as the speaker describes the various techniques she has tried to use in order to write poetry: "She might, if she were poets bred, / Steal some immortal stuff, / But since she is not, better led / To stick to writing fluff." The use of the phrase "poets bred" is a nod to the idea that some people are simply born with a talent for poetry, while others are not. The speaker is acknowledging that she falls into the latter category, and is therefore resigned to writing "fluff" – that is, light, inconsequential poetry that is not meant to be taken seriously.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most biting of all, as the speaker describes the pressure she feels to produce poetry: "Herself must be her only theme; / The mind that she must strive to please / Is that unfriendly critic team / Of girls in restless chemise." Here, Parker is mocking the idea that women are constantly being judged and evaluated by other women, particularly in terms of their appearance and behavior. The phrase "restless chemise" is a reference to the undergarments that women wore at the time, which were often uncomfortable and restrictive. By using this image, Parker is suggesting that the pressure to conform to societal expectations is not only stifling, but also physically uncomfortable.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker acknowledges that despite her struggles, she will continue to write poetry: "And though she knows she writes in vain, / And that her work is doomed to fail, / She cannot stifle her refrain / And nips at the creative trail." The use of the phrase "nips at the creative trail" is a clever play on words, as it suggests both the idea of the speaker trying to follow a path towards creativity, and also the image of a small animal nibbling at something. This final stanza is both poignant and ironic, as it suggests that despite the speaker's lack of talent and the societal pressures she faces, she is still compelled to create.
In conclusion, "For A Lady Who Must Write Verse" is a masterpiece of irony and satire, and a testament to Dorothy Parker's skill as a writer. Through her use of language and imagery, Parker exposes the absurdity of the notion that anyone can be a poet, and the pressure that women in particular face to conform to certain artistic and cultural expectations. The poem is both humorous and poignant, and serves as a reminder that creativity is not always easy, but is always worth pursuing.
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