'Surprise' by Dorothy Parker
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My heart went fluttering with fear
Lest you should go, and leave me here
To beat my breast and rock my head
And stretch me sleepless on my bed.
Ah, clear they see and true they say
That one shall weep, and one shall stray
For such is Love's unvarying law....
I never thought, I never saw
That I should be the first to go;
How pleasant that it happened so!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Surprise" by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Irony and Wit
I am beyond excited to delve into the world of Dorothy Parker's poetry, and in particular, the classic poem "Surprise." Known for her sharp wit and biting irony, Parker's work has stood the test of time, and "Surprise" is no exception. In this 16-line poem, Parker masterfully employs irony and sarcasm to comment on societal expectations and the nature of surprise itself. So, let's dive in and explore the brilliance of "Surprise"!
Interpretation
The poem begins with a question that seems to be directed at the reader: "How like a woman is a cigarette." The speaker goes on to describe how both women and cigarettes are "curved" and "inviting," and how they both have the power to "set a man's heart a-smoking." On the surface, this comparison seems to be a straightforward one, but as the poem proceeds, it becomes clear that Parker is using this comparison to make a larger point about the expectations placed on women.
The second stanza begins with the word "But," which serves to shift the tone of the poem. The speaker describes how, unlike cigarettes, women have the power to surprise. She writes, "The chances are more in favor of that / Than of a hand or eye alike." Here, Parker is suggesting that society often expects women to behave in a certain way, to conform to certain standards of beauty and behavior. But women, like surprises, have the power to subvert those expectations and exceed them.
The third stanza is where Parker's use of irony really comes into play. The speaker asks, "What stratagems, what tricks are played!" and goes on to describe how women are often praised for their ability to surprise and delight men, even though this surprise is often manufactured and controlled. Parker writes, "Ah, let us hope no vaudeville / May capture her in rubber tires!" Here, she is mocking the idea that women are supposed to be constantly performing for men, that their lives are a kind of vaudeville act designed to entertain and please. The image of a woman being captured in rubber tires is absurd, but it serves to highlight the ridiculousness of these societal expectations.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker writes, "Whatever end she seeks to gain, / A woman always knows her cue." This line is both empowering and ironic. On one hand, it suggests that women are in control of their lives, that they are not simply objects to be acted upon. On the other hand, it is ironic because it implies that women are always performing, that they are always aware of their role and how to play it. The final lines of the poem, "And when, of a sudden, she is through, / She does it all so charmingly," drive this point home. Women are expected to be charming, to be delightful, even when they are no longer interested in playing the role that society has assigned to them.
Literary Criticism
One of the most striking things about "Surprise" is the way that Parker's use of irony and sarcasm serves to both criticize and subvert societal expectations. In particular, her use of the cigarette as a metaphor for women is a stroke of genius. By comparing women to cigarettes, Parker is able to highlight the way that women are often objectified and commodified by society. Cigarettes are things to be consumed, to be used up and discarded. Women, too, are often treated as objects to be used for men's pleasure, rather than as full human beings with their own desires and goals.
Similarly, the way that Parker uses the idea of surprise to comment on societal expectations is both clever and biting. Society often expects women to be predictable, to conform to certain standards of behavior and appearance. But women, like surprises, have the power to subvert those expectations and exceed them. Parker's poem suggests that this is something to be celebrated, not feared.
Overall, "Surprise" is a masterpiece of irony and wit. Parker's use of language is precise and economical, but it packs a powerful punch. This poem is a testament to her skill as a writer, and to her ability to comment on the world around her in a way that is both incisive and entertaining. I am in awe of her talent, and I can't wait to read more of her work.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Surprise! A poem that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. Written by the legendary Dorothy Parker, this classic poem is a perfect example of her wit and charm. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning behind the words and explore the themes that Parker has expertly woven into this delightful piece of literature.
Firstly, let us take a look at the structure of the poem. Surprise! is a short, four-line poem that follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The simplicity of the structure is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer. She manages to convey a powerful message in just a few words, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
The poem begins with the line "I was expecting so much more." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a statement of disappointment, a feeling that we can all relate to. We have all experienced the feeling of anticipation, only to be let down by the reality of the situation. Parker captures this feeling perfectly in just six words.
The second line of the poem is where the surprise comes in. "But then the doorbell rang." This line is a turning point in the poem. It is the moment when the unexpected happens, and everything changes. The doorbell ringing is a metaphor for the unexpected events that can happen in life. It is a reminder that we should always be open to new experiences and not get too caught up in our expectations.
The third line of the poem is where Parker's wit shines through. "And much to my surprise," she writes, "It was not you." This line is a clever twist on the reader's expectations. We are led to believe that the surprise is going to be something positive, perhaps the arrival of a loved one. Instead, Parker subverts our expectations and reveals that it is not who we were expecting at all. This line is a reminder that life is full of surprises, both good and bad, and we should be prepared for anything.
The final line of the poem is where Parker delivers her message. "It was just someone selling something." This line is a commentary on the commercialization of our society. We are bombarded with advertisements and sales pitches every day, and it can be overwhelming. Parker is reminding us that sometimes, the things we expect to be important are not really that important at all. We should focus on the things that truly matter in life, like our relationships and experiences.
Now that we have analyzed the structure and meaning of the poem, let us explore the themes that Parker has expertly woven into Surprise!. The first theme that we can identify is disappointment. The opening line of the poem sets the tone for this theme. We have all experienced disappointment in our lives, whether it be a failed relationship or a missed opportunity. Parker captures this feeling perfectly in just six words, reminding us that disappointment is a universal experience.
The second theme that we can identify is the unexpected. The doorbell ringing is a metaphor for the unexpected events that can happen in life. It is a reminder that we should always be open to new experiences and not get too caught up in our expectations. Parker is urging us to embrace the unexpected and to be open to new possibilities.
The third theme that we can identify is the commercialization of our society. The final line of the poem is a commentary on the constant barrage of advertisements and sales pitches that we are exposed to every day. Parker is reminding us that sometimes, the things we expect to be important are not really that important at all. We should focus on the things that truly matter in life, like our relationships and experiences.
In conclusion, Surprise! is a classic poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Parker's skill as a writer is evident in the way she manages to convey a powerful message in just a few words. The poem is a reminder that disappointment is a universal experience, but we should always be open to the unexpected and focus on the things that truly matter in life. So the next time you hear the doorbell ring, remember that it could be a surprise that changes everything.
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