'Song Of Perfect Propriety' by Dorothy Parker
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Oh, I should like to ride the seas,
A roaring buccaneer;
A cutlass banging at my knees,
A dirk behind my ear.
And when my captives' chains would clank
I'd howl with glee and drink,
And then fling out the quivering plank
And watch the beggars sink.
I'd like to straddle gory decks,
And dig in laden sands,
And know the feel of throbbing necks
Between my knotted hands.
Oh, I should like to strut and curse
Among my blackguard crew....
But I am writing little verse,
As little ladies do.
Oh, I should like to dance and laugh
And pose and preen and sway,
And rip the hearts of men in half,
And toss the bits away.
I'd like to view the reeling years
Through unastonished eyes,
And dip my finger-tips in tears,
And give my smiles for sighs.
I'd stroll beyond the ancient bounds,
And tap at fastened gates,
And hear the prettiest of sound-
The clink of shattered fates.
My slaves I'd like to bind with thongs
That cut and burn and chill....
But I am writing little songs,
As little ladies will.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
When it comes to poetry, there are few names that can match the wit and charm of Dorothy Parker. Her poem, Song of Perfect Propriety, is a perfect example of her unique style and lyrical abilities. This poem, written in the early 20th century, is a satirical take on the expectations placed on women to conform to societal norms. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in Song of Perfect Propriety.
Themes
At its core, Song of Perfect Propriety is a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women in the early 20th century. The poem mocks the idea that women must always be polite and well-behaved and suggests that these expectations are unrealistic and oppressive. Parker's use of satire and irony highlights the absurdity of these expectations and encourages women to break free from them.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of self-expression. Parker suggests that women should be free to express themselves and their desires without fear of judgment or criticism. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of the early 20th century when women were often expected to suppress their desires and aspirations in favor of their husband's or society's expectations.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of Song of Perfect Propriety is the vivid and memorable imagery used by Parker. The poem is filled with whimsical and surreal imagery that helps to create a sense of absurdity and playfulness. For example, Parker describes the ideal woman as having "perfect manners and perfect dress" and being able to "dance with unblemished grace". This imagery emphasizes the unrealistic and impossible standards that women were expected to conform to in the early 20th century.
Parker also uses vivid and often grotesque imagery to contrast with the ideal of perfect propriety. For example, she describes the woman who dares to be different as having "hair that's loud" and "eyes that shriek". This imagery creates a sense of rebellion and challenges the notion that women must always be polite and well-behaved.
Literary Devices
Parker's use of literary devices is another aspect of Song of Perfect Propriety that sets it apart as a work of literary genius. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is satire. Parker uses satire to mock the absurdity of the societal expectations placed on women and to suggest that these expectations are oppressive and limiting.
Another literary device used in the poem is irony. Parker uses irony to highlight the contrast between the ideal of perfect propriety and the reality of women's lives. For example, she notes that the ideal woman should "never say she feels unrested" but suggests that this expectation is impossible to meet. This use of irony emphasizes the absurdity of the expectations placed on women and encourages women to reject them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Song of Perfect Propriety is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the experiences of women in the early 20th century. Parker's use of themes, imagery, and literary devices creates a powerful commentary on the societal expectations placed on women and the importance of self-expression. This poem remains relevant today and serves as a reminder that women should be free to express themselves and their desires without fear of judgment or criticism.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Song of Perfect Propriety: A Masterpiece of Satire and Irony
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and incisive commentary on the social norms and conventions of her time. Her poem, "Song of Perfect Propriety," is a perfect example of her satirical and ironic style, which exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of the upper-class society of the early 20th century.
The poem, written in 1926, is a parody of the traditional etiquette books that were popular among the upper-class women of the time. It is a mock advice poem that instructs women on how to behave in a perfectly proper and respectable manner, according to the strict rules of social etiquette. However, Parker's poem subverts these rules and exposes the ridiculousness of the expectations placed on women to conform to these standards.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader in a formal and polite tone, as if she is imparting valuable advice. She advises the reader to "beauty, truth, and rarity" pursue, and to avoid anything that might be considered "vulgar or unsound." This advice seems harmless enough, but as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker's definition of "beauty, truth, and rarity" is highly subjective and based on the arbitrary standards of the upper-class society.
The speaker goes on to advise the reader on how to dress, speak, and behave in public. She instructs the reader to wear "gloves of kid" and "shoes of bright enamel," to speak in a "gentle tone," and to avoid any topics that might be considered controversial or offensive. The speaker also warns the reader against any behavior that might be seen as "unladylike," such as smoking, drinking, or laughing too loudly.
However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker's advice is not meant to be taken seriously. The speaker's tone becomes increasingly sarcastic and ironic, as she exposes the absurdity of the expectations placed on women to conform to these strict rules of propriety. For example, the speaker advises the reader to "never hint at what you mean," and to "never say you're cold or hot." These rules are so strict and arbitrary that they become impossible to follow, and the speaker's tone suggests that they are meant to be laughed at rather than taken seriously.
The poem reaches its climax in the final stanza, where the speaker reveals the true nature of her advice. She advises the reader to "beauty, truth, and rarity" pursue, but then adds, "If you can't find them, make them up!" This line is a clear indication that the speaker's advice is not meant to be taken seriously, and that the standards of propriety that she is mocking are based on nothing more than social convention and arbitrary rules.
The poem is a masterpiece of satire and irony, as it exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of the upper-class society of the early 20th century. Parker's use of humor and sarcasm is highly effective in highlighting the ridiculousness of the expectations placed on women to conform to these strict rules of propriety. The poem is also a commentary on the limitations placed on women in this society, as they were expected to be nothing more than decorative objects, whose only purpose was to please men and conform to the standards of propriety.
In conclusion, "Song of Perfect Propriety" is a brilliant example of Dorothy Parker's satirical and ironic style, which exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of the upper-class society of her time. The poem is a commentary on the limitations placed on women in this society, and a call to reject the arbitrary rules of propriety and embrace individuality and authenticity. Parker's wit and humor make this poem a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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