'Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom' by Dorothy Parker
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Daily dawns another day;
I must up, to make my way.
Though I dress and drink and eat,
Move my fingers and my feet,
Learn a little, here and there,
Weep and laugh and sweat and swear,
Hear a song, or watch a stage,
Leave some words upon a page,
Claim a foe, or hail a friend-
Bed awaits me at the end.
Though I go in pride and strength,
I'll come back to bed at length.
Though I walk in blinded woe,
Back to bed I'm bound to go.
High my heart, or bowed my head,
All my days but lead to bed.
Up, and out, and on; and then
Ever back to bed again,
Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall-
I'm a fool to rise at all!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Dorothy Parker is a renowned writer known for her wit and humor. Her works, including poetry, have explored the complexities of human emotions and relationships. One of her most famous poems, "Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom," is a clever and witty take on love and its limitations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the themes, symbols, and language used in this classic poem.
Summary
"Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom" is a short poem that begins with the speaker addressing a hypothetical lover. The speaker suggests that they should paint a message on the ceiling of their bedroom, one that acknowledges the limitations of love. The poem ends with the speaker suggesting that they should "keep each other warm," despite these limitations.
Analysis
Themes
One of the central themes of "Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom" is the limitations of love. The speaker suggests that love cannot solve all problems, and that it is important to acknowledge these limitations. This theme is explored through the use of the metaphor of a ceiling. The speaker suggests that the ceiling represents the limits of what love can do, and that it is important to acknowledge these limits in order to have a successful relationship.
Another important theme of the poem is the importance of intimacy and connection. The speaker suggests that even though love has its limitations, there is still value in being together and keeping each other warm. This theme is explored through the use of the imagery of warmth and intimacy.
Symbols
The main symbol in "Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom" is the ceiling itself. The ceiling represents the limits of what love can do. The speaker suggests that it is important to acknowledge these limits in order to have a successful relationship. The ceiling also represents the physical space in which the lovers exist. The speaker suggests that they should paint a message on the ceiling so that they can look up and remember the importance of acknowledging the limits of love.
Another symbol in the poem is the image of "keeping each other warm." This image represents the importance of intimacy and connection. The speaker suggests that even though love has its limitations, there is still value in being together and keeping each other warm.
Language
One of the most striking things about "Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom" is the language used by the speaker. The poem is full of clever and witty lines that are typical of Parker's writing style. The use of irony and sarcasm is particularly notable.
For example, the speaker suggests that they should paint a message on the ceiling "so that we'll be reminded that it's purely platonic." This line is ironic because the message they would paint on the ceiling would suggest the opposite of platonic love.
The language in the poem is also heavily metaphorical. The use of the ceiling as a metaphor for the limits of love is particularly effective. The metaphor is extended throughout the poem, with the speaker suggesting that they should "paint it to look like the sky" so that they can be reminded of the limits of their love.
Structure
The structure of "Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom" is simple and straightforward. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, while the second and fourth lines do not.
This simple structure allows the language and imagery of the poem to take center stage. The use of short, simple stanzas also gives the poem a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
Conclusion
"Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom" is a classic poem that explores the limitations of love. The poem is full of clever and witty language, and is filled with metaphorical imagery. The use of the ceiling as a metaphor for the limits of love is particularly effective, and the poem's simple structure allows the language and imagery to take center stage. Overall, "Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom: A Masterpiece by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical works. However, her poem "Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" is a departure from her usual style. It is a poignant and introspective piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem is written in the form of an inscription that the speaker wants to be painted on the ceiling of her bedroom. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem:
"Daily dawns another day; I must up, to make my way. Though I dress and drink and eat, Move my fingers and my feet, Learn a little, here and there, Weep and laugh and sweat and swear, Hear a song, or watch a stage, Leave some words upon a page, Claim a foe, or hail a friend- Bed awaits me at the end."
The speaker acknowledges the routine of daily life, the mundane tasks that we all have to perform to survive. However, she also recognizes that life is fleeting and that death is inevitable. The line "Bed awaits me at the end" is a reminder that death is the ultimate destination for all of us.
The next stanza of the poem is where the speaker reveals the true purpose of the inscription:
"I must go, for all are waiting, Those who pause and those abating, Those who linger and those who hurry- All the souls who are to worry About tomorrow and the day, When I must up and make my way Into the unknown, where my feet Guide me, and the hours eat."
The speaker wants the inscription to serve as a reminder to all those who enter her bedroom that life is short and that we must make the most of it. She wants them to remember that they too will face death one day and that they should live their lives to the fullest.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker reflects on her own mortality:
"Those who, hasting not, await One who lies still, and will not hate Or blame them for his own delay, And go at last along the way, Beside the silent-handed throng- The comrade-faces, lean and long, The star-eyed children of the night, Who dance and drink and love and fight As doth the daylight's myriad things, Forgetting that they too have wings."
The speaker imagines her own death and the people who will mourn her passing. She describes them as "the comrade-faces, lean and long," suggesting that they are the people who have been with her throughout her life. She also mentions "the star-eyed children of the night," who are the young and carefree, living their lives without a care in the world. The speaker reminds us that we are all mortal and that we should cherish the time we have.
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker makes her final plea:
"Up, then, with speed and sing, Off: for all thy friends are here. And let thy sweetest music ring In silence on the dead man's ear. And walk with me, for once again The ways of life are wet with rain."
The speaker urges us to live our lives with purpose and to make the most of every moment. She wants us to remember that death is not the end, but merely a transition to another state of being. She also reminds us that we are not alone in our journey through life, that we have friends and loved ones who are there to support us.
In conclusion, "Inscription For The Ceiling Of A Bedroom" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. The speaker urges us to live our lives with purpose and to make the most of every moment. She reminds us that death is inevitable, but that we should not fear it. Instead, we should embrace life and all that it has to offer. Dorothy Parker's poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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