'Vers Demode' by Dorothy Parker
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For one, the amaryllis and the rose;
The poppy, sweet as never lilies are;
The ripen'd vine, that beckons as it blows;
The dancing star.
For one, the trodden rosemary and rue;
The bowl, dipt ever in the purple stream
And, for the other one, a fairer due-
Sleep, and no dream.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Witty Yet Poignant Vers Demode by Dorothy Parker
Have you ever read a poem that made you chuckle, but also left you with a sense of sadness? Vers Demode is one such poem, written by the celebrated American author and poet, Dorothy Parker. In this 24-line poem, Parker cleverly captures the essence of a fading relationship, using her signature wit and humor.
The Title: Vers Demode
The title of the poem, Vers Demode, is in itself an interesting choice. "Vers" is a French word that means "verse" or "poetry", while "Demode" means "out of fashion" or "obsolete". Parker's use of a French word in the title, combined with the English phrase "out of fashion", sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the relationship being described has become outdated and is no longer in vogue.
The Structure: Four Quatrains
Vers Demode is divided into four quatrains, each consisting of four lines. This structure is typical of a ballad, a form of poetry that tells a story in a simple and direct manner. However, Parker's use of rhyme and meter is rather unconventional, adding to the poem's unique voice.
The rhyme scheme in each quatrain is ABAB, with the exception of the third, which follows the pattern AABB. The meter is also irregular, with lines ranging from six to ten syllables. This variation in rhyme and meter adds to the poem's playfulness, while also creating a sense of unpredictability, much like the relationship being described.
The Content: A Fading Relationship
Vers Demode is a poem about a relationship that has lost its spark. The speaker, presumably Parker herself, describes the mundane routine of daily life with her partner, highlighting the lack of passion and romance. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem:
You who are kicking against Fate,
Tell me how is a man to be great?
He cannot sharpen his wits on his wife,
His friends are his friends, for life.
The speaker addresses the reader directly, asking them to consider the difficulties faced by a man trying to achieve greatness, while also maintaining a happy marriage. The implication is that these two goals are incompatible, and that the speaker's own relationship has suffered as a result. The second and third lines in particular highlight the isolation felt by the speaker, as she laments the fact that she cannot stimulate her husband intellectually, and that her friends are not enough to fulfill her emotional needs.
The second quatrain continues this theme of loneliness and dissatisfaction:
He cannot make any great ascension
By using his wife as a stair;
And all of his happy contension
Will end in a middle-aged air.
Here, Parker uses a clever metaphor to describe the speaker's husband's inability to achieve greatness through his relationship. The image of a man using his wife as a "stair" is humorous and absurd, yet also sad, as it suggests that the woman is merely a means to an end. The final line, "middle-aged air", reinforces the idea that the relationship has lost its vitality and is now stagnant.
The third quatrain takes a more somber turn:
The beauty of youth may be fleet,
The might of the sword may be vain,
But I, in the dusk of defeat,
Cry aloud for a life that is plain.
Here, the speaker acknowledges the transience of youth and power, but also expresses her desire for a simpler, more fulfilling life. The phrase "dusk of defeat" is particularly poignant, as it suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance of the relationship's decline.
The final quatrain brings the poem full circle, returning to the theme of the impossibility of achieving greatness and happiness simultaneously:
Let him have fame, let him have glory,
Yet cogent am I that the wraith
Of his middle-aged ordinary
Will not be eluded by faith.
The use of the word "wraith" adds a haunting quality to the poem, as it suggests that the speaker's husband's unfulfilled desires will continue to haunt him, even if he achieves greatness. The final line, with its use of the word "faith", is striking, as it suggests that even the most fervent belief cannot overcome the realities of life.
Interpretation: The Price of Ambition
Vers Demode is a poem that speaks to the universal struggle of balancing ambition and personal relationships. Parker's use of humor and irony adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it suggests that even the most seemingly perfect relationships can be fraught with tension and unhappiness.
The poem also touches on the theme of the changing roles of women in society. The speaker's lament that she cannot sharpen her husband's wits, combined with her desire for a simpler life, suggests a longing for a more traditional gender role, where women are expected to support their husbands rather than compete with them.
Overall, Vers Demode is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that captures the complexities of romantic relationships and the price of ambition. Parker's use of humor and irony adds a layer of depth to the poem, making it both relatable and memorable.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Vers Demode: A Timeless Poem by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, a renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical works that often reflect the social and cultural norms of her time. One of her most famous poems, Vers Demode, is a perfect example of her unique style and perspective. Written in 1927, the poem is a commentary on the changing trends in literature and the decline of traditional poetic forms. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Vers Demode and understand why it remains relevant even after almost a century.
The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "I am not one of those who sip." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker's position as an outsider who does not conform to the norms of the literary world. The use of the word "sip" is significant, as it implies a casual and superficial approach to poetry, which the speaker rejects. Instead, she declares her allegiance to the traditional forms of poetry, which she calls "the old, the true, the noble." This line is crucial, as it establishes the central theme of the poem, which is the conflict between the old and the new, the traditional and the modern.
The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker's critique of modern poetry begins. She describes the new forms of poetry as "thin and bright and quick with life," but also as "a bubble blown in vanity." This line is a powerful metaphor that captures the essence of modern poetry, which the speaker sees as shallow and self-indulgent. The use of the word "vanity" is significant, as it suggests that modern poets are more concerned with their own fame and success than with the quality of their work. The speaker's disdain for modern poetry is further emphasized in the third stanza, where she describes it as "a thing that quickens, then dies away." This line suggests that modern poetry lacks the enduring quality of traditional forms, which have stood the test of time.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker's critique of modern poetry becomes more specific. She describes the new forms of poetry as "free verse, blank verse, and sestinas." These are all forms of poetry that emerged in the early 20th century and were seen as a departure from the strict rules of traditional forms. The speaker's use of these terms is significant, as it shows that she is familiar with the new trends in poetry but rejects them nonetheless. She sees these forms as a betrayal of the beauty and elegance of traditional forms, which she describes as "the sonnet, the rondel, and the rondeau." These are all forms of poetry that originated in medieval France and were popularized by poets such as Petrarch and Villon. The speaker's use of these terms is significant, as it shows her appreciation for the history and tradition of poetry.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker's critique of modern poetry becomes more personal. She describes the new poets as "young and gay and bold," but also as "unversed in sorrow and unversed in age." This line is significant, as it suggests that modern poets lack the depth and wisdom that comes with experience. The speaker sees this as a weakness, as she believes that poetry should be a reflection of life's struggles and complexities. She also suggests that modern poets are too focused on their own pleasure and enjoyment, and do not take their craft seriously enough. This line is a powerful critique of the modern literary world, which the speaker sees as shallow and superficial.
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker's critique of modern poetry becomes more philosophical. She describes the new forms of poetry as "a thing that frets, and fades, and slips, and slides." This line suggests that modern poetry lacks the stability and permanence of traditional forms, which have endured for centuries. The speaker sees this as a reflection of the larger cultural trends of her time, which she sees as unstable and uncertain. She suggests that modern poets are too focused on the present moment and do not have a sense of history or tradition. This line is a powerful critique of the modern world, which the speaker sees as lacking in stability and continuity.
In terms of structure, Vers Demode is a traditional poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. Each stanza consists of four lines, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. The use of traditional forms is significant, as it reflects the speaker's appreciation for the beauty and elegance of poetry. It also serves as a contrast to the modern forms of poetry that the speaker critiques, which are often free verse and do not follow a strict structure.
In terms of language, Vers Demode is a masterful example of Parker's wit and satire. The use of words such as "sip," "vanity," and "gay" are all significant, as they capture the essence of the speaker's critique of modern poetry. The use of metaphors such as "a bubble blown in vanity" and "a thing that frets, and fades, and slips, and slides" are also significant, as they convey the speaker's disdain for the superficiality and transience of modern poetry. The use of traditional forms of poetry such as the sonnet, the rondel, and the rondeau are also significant, as they reflect the speaker's appreciation for the history and tradition of poetry.
In conclusion, Vers Demode is a timeless poem that remains relevant even after almost a century. Its critique of modern poetry and its celebration of traditional forms are still relevant today, as the debate between the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, continues. Parker's wit and satire are also still relevant today, as they capture the essence of the human condition and the complexities of the literary world. Vers Demode is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of literature.
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