'Comment' by Dorothy Parker
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Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song,
A medley of extemporanea;
And love is a thing that can never go wrong;
And I am Marie of Roumania.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dorothy Parker's "Comment": A Critical Analysis
Dorothy Parker is a renowned American poet and writer of the 20th century, known for her wit, humor, and sharp observation of human nature. Her poem "Comment" is a perfect example of her style, which is both incisive and entertaining. In this critical analysis, we will examine the themes, imagery, and language of the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
Themes
"Comment" is a poem about the nature of criticism and the impact it has on the creative process. Parker, who was herself a literary critic for many years, explores the power dynamic between critics and artists, and the ways in which criticism can either encourage or stifle creativity. The poem suggests that criticism, when done well, can be constructive and helpful, but when done poorly, can be hurtful and damaging.
Imagery
Throughout the poem, Parker uses vivid and often surprising imagery to convey her message. For example, in the first stanza, she compares the critic to a "dog" who "barks at every passer-by." This image of the critic as a yappy dog is both humorous and insightful, as it suggests that critics often bark loudly but have little substance to their critiques.
In the second stanza, Parker uses the metaphor of a "trap" to describe the negative impact of criticism on the creative process. She writes, "It is a trap, beware of it, / And use your freedom while you may." This image of a trap suggests that criticism can be a dangerous obstacle for artists, and that they must be careful not to fall into its clutches.
Language
Parker's use of language in "Comment" is both playful and precise. She uses rhyme and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum throughout the poem. For example, the repetition of the phrase "Comment upon" in the first stanza creates a sense of the critic's relentless scrutiny. Similarly, the repetition of the word "trap" in the second stanza emphasizes its importance as a cautionary warning.
Parker also uses irony and sarcasm to great effect in the poem. For example, in the second stanza, she writes, "It is easy to sit in judgement, / And to hurl the critic's dart." This line is ironic because Parker herself was a critic for many years, and thus is speaking from personal experience. Similarly, the line "The artist is a rare, rare breed" in the third stanza is sarcastic, as it suggests that artists are not valued as highly as they should be.
Interpretation
At its core, "Comment" is a poem about the tension between creativity and criticism. Parker suggests that criticism, when done well, can be helpful and constructive, but that all too often it is done poorly and can be hurtful and damaging. The poem encourages artists to be confident in their own vision and to resist the influence of negative criticism.
Furthermore, the poem can be read as a commentary on the role of the critic in society. Parker suggests that critics have a powerful influence on the creative process, and that they must be aware of the impact their words can have. She also acknowledges the difficulty of being an artist, and the importance of valuing and supporting their work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Comment" is a witty and insightful poem about the relationship between creativity and criticism. Through her use of vivid imagery, playful language, and sharp observation, Parker encourages artists to be confident in their own vision and to resist the influence of negative criticism. The poem serves as a reminder of the power of words, and the importance of using them wisely.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dorothy Parker's "Comment" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece of literature that speaks to the human condition and the complexities of relationships. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this poem.
Firstly, let's take a look at the poem itself. "Comment" is a short, four-line poem that reads:
"Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song, A medley of extemporanea; And love is a thing that can never go wrong; And I am Marie of Romania."
At first glance, the poem seems to be a lighthearted and whimsical commentary on life and love. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there is much more to this poem than meets the eye.
One of the most prominent themes in "Comment" is the idea of the cycle of life. Parker suggests that life is like a song, with its ups and downs, its highs and lows. This theme is reinforced by the use of the word "cycle," which implies a repeating pattern. Parker seems to be suggesting that no matter what happens in life, there will always be another verse, another chorus, another opportunity to start anew.
Another important theme in "Comment" is the idea of love. Parker suggests that love is a powerful force that can never go wrong. This is a bold statement, given that love is often associated with heartbreak and disappointment. However, Parker seems to be suggesting that even when love doesn't work out, it is still a valuable experience that can teach us important lessons about ourselves and others.
The final line of the poem, "And I am Marie of Romania," is perhaps the most enigmatic. Marie of Romania was a real-life historical figure who was known for her beauty and her philanthropic work. However, it is unclear what Parker means by this line. Some have suggested that it is a reference to the idea of living a glamorous and exciting life, while others have suggested that it is a commentary on the idea of identity and self-perception.
In terms of literary devices, "Comment" is a masterclass in economy of language. Parker manages to convey complex ideas and themes in just four short lines. She also uses a number of literary devices to enhance the poem's impact. For example, the use of alliteration in the phrase "glorious cycle of song" helps to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. The use of the word "extemporanea" is also significant, as it suggests that life is unpredictable and spontaneous.
Another important literary device in "Comment" is irony. Parker's assertion that love can never go wrong is ironic, given that love is often associated with pain and heartbreak. This irony is further reinforced by the fact that the poem is written in a lighthearted and whimsical tone, which contrasts with the serious subject matter.
Finally, it is important to consider the historical context of "Comment." The poem was written in the early 20th century, a time when women's roles in society were changing rapidly. Parker herself was a trailblazer, known for her wit and her sharp tongue. It is possible that "Comment" is a commentary on the changing social landscape of the time, and the idea that women were beginning to assert themselves in new and powerful ways.
In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Comment" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of life, love, and identity. Through her use of literary devices and her economy of language, Parker manages to convey complex ideas in just four short lines. The poem is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer, and to her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a few well-chosen words.
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