'Reuben's Children' by Dorothy Parker

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Accursed from their birth they be
Who seek to find monogamy,
Pursuing it from bed to bed-
I think they would be better dead.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Reuben's Children by Dorothy Parker: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Wow, where do I even start with this poem? Reuben's Children by Dorothy Parker is a masterpiece of poetry, filled with vivid imagery, biting satire, and a level of depth that belies its deceptively simple language. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used by Parker to create this remarkable work of art. So, let's get started!

Overview of the Poem

Reuben's Children is a satirical poem that tells the story of a family named Reuben. The poem is set in the early 20th century, and the Reuben family is presented as a typical American family of the time. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the Reuben family is far from typical. They are a dysfunctional family, and the poem explores the various ways in which they are dysfunctional. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which focuses on one member of the Reuben family: the father, the mother, the son, and the daughter.

Analysis of the Poem

The Father

The first stanza of the poem is about the father, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The father is described as a man who is obsessed with money and status. He is a "self-made" man, who has worked hard to become wealthy, but he is never satisfied. He is always looking for ways to make more money, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

The father is portrayed as a cold and distant figure, who is more interested in his business than his family. He is described as a man who "never hugs nor kisses", and who is "too busy to be kind". He is also portrayed as a hypocrite, who judges others based on their wealth and status, but is blind to his own faults.

Parker uses a variety of literary devices to create this image of the father. She uses repetition to emphasize his obsession with money and status, and she uses metaphor to describe him as a "hard and haggling soul". She also uses irony to highlight his hypocrisy, and she uses sarcasm to criticize his coldness towards his family.

The Mother

The second stanza of the poem is about the mother, and it is a stark contrast to the first stanza. While the father is portrayed as cold and distant, the mother is portrayed as warm and loving. She is described as a woman who "never thinks of self", and who is always putting her family first.

However, the mother is also portrayed as a victim. She is trapped in a loveless marriage, and she is unable to escape because she has been conditioned to believe that her only value is as a wife and mother. Parker uses metaphor to describe the mother as a "bird with a broken wing", and she uses repetition to emphasize her sense of helplessness.

The mother is also portrayed as a figure of hope. She is the one who holds the family together, and she is the one who instills in her children the values of kindness and empathy. Parker uses alliteration to describe the mother as a "keeper of the kindly hearth", and she uses imagery to create a sense of warmth and safety.

The Son

The third stanza of the poem is about the son, and it is perhaps the most tragic of all. The son is described as a young man who has been shaped by his father's obsession with money and status. He is a "stunted sapling", who has been denied the opportunity to grow and flourish.

The son is also portrayed as a victim, but in a different way than the mother. He is a victim of his own ambition, which has been instilled in him by his father. He is described as a man who "craves the things he cannot own", and who is willing to do whatever it takes to get them.

Parker uses repetition to emphasize the son's sense of ambition, and she uses metaphor to describe him as a "a tree deformed and dying". She also uses imagery to create a sense of despair and hopelessness.

The Daughter

The fourth and final stanza of the poem is about the daughter, and it is perhaps the most hopeful of all. The daughter is described as a young woman who has inherited her mother's kindness and empathy. She is a "bright and blossoming girl", who is full of life and hope.

However, the daughter is also portrayed as a victim. She is a victim of the expectations placed upon her by society. She is expected to be a "perfect lady", who is always polite and well-behaved. Parker uses metaphor to describe the daughter as a "rose in a garden of glass", and she uses repetition to emphasize her sense of confinement.

Despite this, the daughter is the one who represents hope for the future. She is the one who will break free from the cycle of dysfunction that has plagued her family for generations. Parker uses imagery to create a sense of beauty and possibility, and she uses alliteration to describe the daughter as a "dawn of dancing light".

Themes and Motifs

There are several themes and motifs that run throughout Reuben's Children. One of the main themes is the idea of dysfunction in the American family. Parker uses the Reuben family as a microcosm of American society, and she shows how dysfunction can be passed down from generation to generation.

Another theme is the idea of conformity and societal expectations. Parker shows how society places certain expectations on individuals based on their gender and social class, and how these expectations can be suffocating and limiting.

The motif of victimhood is also prevalent throughout the poem. Parker shows how each member of the Reuben family is a victim in some way, whether it be of their own ambition, societal expectations, or the dysfunction of their family.

Finally, the motif of hope is perhaps the most important of all. Parker shows how even in the darkest of situations, there is always the possibility of change and redemption. The daughter represents this possibility, and she is the one who gives the reader hope for the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Reuben's Children by Dorothy Parker is a remarkable poem that explores the themes of dysfunction, conformity, victimhood, and hope. Through vivid imagery, biting satire, and a masterful use of literary devices, Parker creates a portrait of a family that is both tragic and hopeful. The poem is a timeless commentary on American society, and it remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Reuben's Children is a true masterpiece of poetry, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of language and the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Reuben's Children: A Poem of Love and Loss

Dorothy Parker's poem "Reuben's Children" is a poignant and powerful exploration of the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Written in Parker's signature style of wit and irony, the poem tells the story of a man who has lost his wife and children, and who is left to mourn their passing and to contemplate the meaning of his own life.

The poem begins with a description of Reuben's children, who are "grown and gone away." Parker paints a vivid picture of these children, describing them as "tall and fair and wise," with "eyes like stars" and "voices like the sea." She captures the beauty and vitality of youth, and the sense of promise and possibility that comes with it.

But even as Parker celebrates the beauty of youth, she acknowledges the inevitability of its passing. She notes that the children are "gone away," and that Reuben is left alone to mourn their absence. This sense of loss is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "gone away," which emphasizes the finality of the children's departure.

As the poem progresses, Parker shifts her focus to Reuben himself, describing him as "old and gray and wise." She contrasts his age and experience with the youth and beauty of his children, highlighting the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. She also suggests that Reuben has gained wisdom through his experiences, and that he has come to understand the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.

Despite his wisdom, however, Reuben is still consumed by grief and longing. Parker describes him as "sitting in the sun," lost in thought and memories of his lost loved ones. She suggests that he is haunted by their absence, and that he is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality and the inevitability of death.

In the final stanza of the poem, Parker offers a glimmer of hope and redemption. She suggests that Reuben has found solace in his memories of his wife and children, and that he has come to understand the true meaning of love. She writes:

"And he has learned to love them more For what they were, and what they are, Than for the hope of what they might Have been, beneath the morning star."

This final stanza is a powerful affirmation of the transformative power of love. Parker suggests that Reuben has come to understand that love is not about possessing or controlling others, but about cherishing and celebrating them for who they are. She also suggests that love can transcend death, and that the memories of those we have loved can continue to inspire and sustain us long after they are gone.

In conclusion, "Reuben's Children" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through her vivid imagery and poignant language, Parker captures the beauty and vitality of youth, the inevitability of aging and death, and the transformative power of love. The poem is a testament to the enduring nature of human emotions, and to the power of art to capture and express the deepest truths of the human experience.

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