'The Choice' by Dorothy Parker
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He'd have given me rolling lands,
Houses of marble, and billowing farms,
Pearls, to trickle between my hands,
Smoldering rubies, to circle my arms.
You- you'd only a lilting song,
Only a melody, happy and high,
You were sudden and swift and strong-
Never a thought for another had I.
He'd have given me laces rare,
Dresses that glimmered with frosty sheen,
Shining ribbons to wrap my hair,
Horses to draw me, as fine as a queen.
You- you'd only to whistle low,
Gayly I followed wherever you led.
I took you, and I let him go-
Somebody ought to examine my head!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Choice by Dorothy Parker: A Critical Analysis
When it comes to Dorothy Parker's poetry, "The Choice" is one of her most anthologized and beloved works. First published in 1922, the poem remains relevant and poignant today. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, and symbolism to better understand Parker's intentions and the impact of her words.
Structure and Form
At first glance, "The Choice" appears to be a simple poem with a straightforward structure. It consists of three stanzas, each with four lines, and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. However, a closer examination reveals a deeper complexity.
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the two characters: a man and a woman. The second stanza presents the choice that the woman must make, and the third stanza delivers the twist ending.
Parker's use of language and meter adds to the poem's meaning. The first two stanzas use iambs, with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. This creates a steady rhythm that mirrors the woman's thought process as she weighs her options. However, in the final stanza, Parker changes the meter to trochaic, with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This creates a jarring effect that mirrors the suddenness of the woman's decision.
Themes
"The Choice" explores several universal themes that are still relevant today. One of the primary themes is the tension between duty and desire. The woman in the poem is torn between her responsibility to her husband and her attraction to the other man. This conflict is relatable to anyone who has had to choose between what they should do and what they want to do.
Another theme is the role of gender in society. Parker was a feminist and often wrote about the societal expectations placed on women. In "The Choice," the woman's options are limited by her gender. She is expected to be faithful to her husband and fulfill her duties as a wife, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.
Symbolism
Parker uses several symbols to convey her message in "The Choice." The most obvious symbol is the title itself. The woman must make a choice between two paths, and the outcome will have profound consequences for her future. The title also implies that the choice is not an easy one, and that the woman is struggling with her decision.
The flowers that the woman considers buying for her lover are another symbol. Flowers are often associated with love and romance, but they are also temporary and fragile. The woman must decide if the fleeting pleasure of an affair is worth the potential damage it could do to her marriage.
Finally, the rain that falls at the end of the poem symbolizes the woman's tears and the sadness of her decision. The rain is also a natural force that is beyond the woman's control, just as her emotions and desires are beyond her control.
Interpretation
"The Choice" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience. Parker's use of structure, themes, and symbolism convey a message that is both timeless and relevant. The poem encourages the reader to consider the consequences of their actions and the impact of their choices.
At its core, "The Choice" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of infidelity. The woman's decision may seem innocent and harmless, but it has the potential to destroy her marriage and the lives of everyone involved. Parker is warning her readers to think carefully before making a choice that could have such profound consequences.
However, the poem also speaks to the importance of personal autonomy and the right to follow one's desires. The woman's struggle is relatable because we have all been in situations where we must choose between what we should do and what we want to do. Parker is not condemning the woman for her desires; instead, she is acknowledging the complexity of the human experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Choice" is a masterful poem that deserves its place in the canon of American literature. Parker's use of structure, themes, and symbolism creates a powerful message that is still relevant today. The poem encourages the reader to consider the consequences of their actions and the impact of their choices. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us of the dangers of infidelity, but also acknowledges the importance of personal autonomy and following our desires.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Choice: A Poem by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and satirical writing style. Her poem, "The Choice," is a classic example of her ability to use humor and irony to convey a deeper message. In this 16-line poem, Parker explores the theme of love and the choices we make in relationships.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that she had a choice to make between two men. The first man is described as "handsome and gay and bold," while the second man is "sensible and sweet and kind." The speaker admits that she was initially drawn to the first man's charm and charisma, but ultimately chose the second man because he was a better match for her.
The poem's central message is that love is not just about physical attraction or superficial qualities. It's about finding someone who is a good fit for you and who treats you well. The speaker realizes that the second man, despite not being as flashy or exciting as the first man, is the better choice for her because he is kind and sensible.
Parker's use of language in this poem is particularly effective. The contrast between the two men is highlighted through the use of adjectives. The first man is described as "handsome and gay and bold," while the second man is "sensible and sweet and kind." The use of the word "gay" to describe the first man is interesting because it has a different connotation today than it did when Parker wrote the poem in the early 20th century. At the time, "gay" meant happy or carefree, but today it is more commonly associated with homosexuality. This shows how language can change over time and how we need to be mindful of the context in which words are used.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It consists of four quatrains, with each stanza following an ABAB rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is fitting given the theme of making a choice between two options. The poem's brevity is also effective in conveying its message. Parker doesn't waste any words, and each line serves a purpose in advancing the poem's narrative.
One of the most interesting aspects of this poem is how it subverts traditional gender roles. In many love stories, the man is the one who is described as handsome and bold, while the woman is described as sweet and kind. In "The Choice," however, the roles are reversed. The first man is described as handsome and bold, but the second man is described as sweet and kind. This challenges traditional gender stereotypes and suggests that women can be attracted to men who are not necessarily the most conventionally attractive or exciting.
Overall, "The Choice" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Parker's use of language and structure is effective in conveying the poem's message, and her subversion of traditional gender roles adds an interesting layer of depth to the poem. This is a classic poem that still resonates today, and it's a testament to Parker's skill as a writer and poet.
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