'Afternoon' by Dorothy Parker
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When I am old, and comforted,
And done with this desire,
With Memory to share my bed
And Peace to share my fire,
I'll comb my hair in scalloped bands
Beneath my laundered cap,
And watch my cool and fragile hands
Lie light upon my lap.
And I will have a sprigged gown
With lace to kiss my throat;
I'll draw my curtain to the town,
And hum a purring note.
And I'll forget the way of tears,
And rock, and stir my tea.
But oh, I wish those blessed years
Were further than they be!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dorothy Parker's "Afternoon": A Literary Analysis
Oh, what a beautiful poem "Afternoon" is! Dorothy Parker, the American poet and writer, has created a masterpiece that captures the essence of a lazy afternoon spent in contemplation. In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem and try to understand the deeper meaning behind it. So, sit back and relax as we embark on this literary journey.
Themes
The theme of "Afternoon" is the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The poem describes a peaceful afternoon that slowly slips away, and the speaker reflects on how quickly time passes. She observes the trees swaying in the wind and the clouds drifting by, and she realizes that life is like that too - constantly moving and changing. The speaker also ponders the inevitability of death and how everything in life must come to an end.
Another theme in the poem is the contrast between nature and human society. The speaker observes the beauty of nature - the clouds, the trees, the birds - and contrasts it with the chaos and noise of the city. She longs to escape the confines of urban life and return to the simplicity of nature.
Symbols
One of the main symbols in "Afternoon" is the sun. The speaker remarks on how the sun is "sliding down the sky" and how its rays are "dwindling down." The setting sun represents the passage of time and the inevitability of death. It also symbolizes the end of the day and the approaching darkness. The sun is personified as a living entity that is slowly dying, much like a human being.
Another symbol in the poem is the tree. The speaker observes the tree's "long leafy boughs" and how they sway in the wind. The tree symbolizes nature and the beauty of the natural world. It also represents stability and strength, as it stands firm even in the face of strong winds. The tree is a constant in the changing world, a symbol of hope amidst the chaos.
Literary Devices
Dorothy Parker employs several literary devices in "Afternoon" to enhance its themes and symbols. One of these devices is personification, where she gives human qualities to non-human entities. For example, the sun is personified as "sliding down the sky" and "dwindling down." The clouds are personified as "floating by" and "fleeting." These personifications create a sense of movement and life in the poem, as if the natural world is alive and active.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery, where the poet creates vivid and sensory impressions in the reader's mind. For example, the poet describes the sun as "dropping like a golden coin" and the clouds as "white as wool." These images create a sense of beauty and wonder, and they allow the reader to see the world through the speaker's eyes.
The use of repetition is also prominent in the poem. The phrase "it is late" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the passage of time and the approaching darkness. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and reminds the reader that time is fleeting.
Interpretation
So, what does "Afternoon" mean? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the beauty of nature. The speaker observes the world around her and reflects on how quickly time passes. She longs to escape the chaos and noise of human society and return to the simplicity of nature.
The sun and the tree are both symbolically important in the poem. The setting sun represents the inevitability of death and the passing of time, while the tree represents the stability and strength of nature. The speaker can find solace in the fact that even though everything in life must come to an end, nature will always remain constant and unchanging.
Overall, "Afternoon" is a beautiful and contemplative poem that reminds us of the beauty of the natural world and the fleeting nature of life. Dorothy Parker's use of literary devices and symbols creates a sense of movement and life in the poem, and her vivid imagery allows us to see the world through the speaker's eyes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Afternoon" is a remarkable poem that captures the beauty and transience of life. It is a meditation on the passage of time, the inevitability of death, and the simplicity of nature. Through her masterful use of literary devices and symbols, Dorothy Parker has created a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Afternoon by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Irony and Sarcasm
Dorothy Parker is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her wit, humor, and biting sarcasm. Her poem "Afternoon" is a perfect example of her unique style, which combines irony and satire to create a powerful commentary on the human condition. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Afternoon" to understand why it is considered a classic of modern poetry.
Themes
"At Afternoon" is a poem that explores the theme of loneliness and the emptiness of modern life. The speaker of the poem is a woman who is alone in her apartment, waiting for her lover to arrive. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the lover is not coming, and the woman is left to confront her own loneliness and despair.
The poem also touches on the theme of time and the passing of the day. The woman is waiting for her lover in the afternoon, a time that is often associated with relaxation and leisure. However, as the day wears on, the woman becomes increasingly anxious and restless, as she realizes that her lover is not coming.
Structure
The structure of "Afternoon" is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of four lines each. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a conversational tone, as if the speaker is talking directly to the reader.
The first stanza sets the scene, with the woman waiting for her lover in her apartment. The second stanza introduces the theme of time, as the woman watches the clock and becomes increasingly anxious. The third stanza is the turning point of the poem, as the woman realizes that her lover is not coming. The final stanza is a reflection on the emptiness of modern life, as the woman contemplates her own loneliness.
Literary Devices
Parker uses a variety of literary devices in "Afternoon" to create a powerful and memorable poem. One of the most striking is irony, which is used throughout the poem to highlight the gap between the woman's expectations and reality. For example, in the first stanza, the woman is "waiting for the green / In a sea of talk." This suggests that she is looking for a moment of peace and quiet in the midst of a noisy and chaotic world. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the woman's expectations are not going to be met, and she is left alone with her thoughts.
Another literary device used in "Afternoon" is sarcasm, which is used to create a sense of bitterness and disillusionment. For example, in the third stanza, the woman says, "I shall sit here, serving tea / To friends who bring no friend to me." This suggests that the woman is surrounded by people who are not really her friends, and who do not understand her loneliness and despair.
Finally, Parker uses imagery to create a vivid and memorable picture of the woman's surroundings. For example, in the second stanza, the woman watches "The shadows lengthen on the wall, / Then, as the darkness falls." This creates a sense of foreboding and unease, as the woman realizes that time is slipping away and her lover is not coming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Afternoon" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, which combines irony, sarcasm, and imagery to create a powerful commentary on the human condition. The poem explores the themes of loneliness and the emptiness of modern life, and uses a simple and straightforward structure to convey its message. Parker's use of literary devices such as irony and sarcasm creates a sense of bitterness and disillusionment, which is both poignant and memorable. Overall, "Afternoon" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and is a testament to Parker's unique talent as a poet.
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