'De Profundis' by Dorothy Parker
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Oh, is it, then, Utopian
To hope that I may meet a man
Who'll not relate, in accents suave,
The tales of girls he used to have?
Editor 1 Interpretation
De Profundis by Dorothy Parker: A Poem of Sorrow and Resilience
De Profundis is a poem that speaks deeply to the human experience of grief and loss. Penned by the legendary American writer and satirist, Dorothy Parker, the poem is a poignant reflection on the pain of separation and the hope of redemption.
The Poem's Structure and Style
De Profundis is a sonnet, a form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines and follows a strict rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first eight lines (the octave) establishing the theme of sorrow and the last six lines (the sestet) offering a glimmer of hope.
The poem's title, De Profundis, is Latin for "from the depths" and is a reference to Psalm 130, which begins with the words "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord". This biblical reference sets the tone for the poem, which is steeped in religious imagery and language.
The Theme of Sorrow
The poem starts with a powerful image of despair:
Oh, is it, is it, can it be,
That this is what I find,
That every shape and shadow wears
The likeness of my mind;
That all things in the earth and air
As in a mirror show
Me, only me-and every cry
Is longing to be so?
The speaker is consumed by grief and sees their pain reflected in everything around them. The repetition of the phrase "is it, is it, can it be" emphasizes the speaker's disbelief and desperation.
The octave continues with a series of metaphors that convey the depth of the speaker's sorrow. The speaker compares themselves to a "shipwrecked soul" and a "bird that beats its wings in vain". The use of these images emphasizes the speaker's sense of helplessness and isolation.
The Theme of Resilience
The sestet of the poem offers a glimmer of hope. The speaker acknowledges the pain they have experienced but refuses to be defeated by it:
But out of agony and loss
So shall it be again,
In sorrow's mystery and tears
The soul shall find its gain.
The repetition of the phrase "so shall it be again" emphasizes the speaker's determination and resilience. The use of the word "gain" suggests that the speaker has found a deeper meaning in their suffering.
The poem ends with a reference to the biblical story of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus. This image emphasizes the idea that even in the darkest moments, there is always the hope of redemption and renewal.
Interpretation
De Profundis is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of grief and loss. The speaker's sense of isolation and despair is something that many of us can relate to, particularly in times of great sadness.
However, the poem also offers a message of hope and resilience. The speaker refuses to be defeated by their pain and finds meaning in their suffering. This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where many of us are facing unprecedented challenges and hardships.
In addition, the poem's use of religious imagery and references adds to its power and resonance. The reference to Psalm 130 and the story of Lazarus gives the poem a sense of depth and complexity, and emphasizes the idea that even in the darkest moments, there is always the hope of redemption and renewal.
Conclusion
De Profundis is a powerful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience of grief and loss. Through its use of vivid imagery and language, the poem conveys the depth of the speaker's sorrow and the resilience that allows them to find meaning in their suffering.
As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, De Profundis offers a message of hope and resilience that is both timeless and deeply relevant.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
De Profundis is a classic poem written by Dorothy Parker, an American poet, writer, and critic. The poem is a reflection of the author's emotions and thoughts on the subject of love and loss. It is a powerful and moving piece of literature that has captured the hearts of readers for generations.
The title of the poem, De Profundis, is a Latin phrase that translates to "out of the depths." This phrase is often used in religious contexts, particularly in the Catholic Church, to refer to a prayer for the dead. In the context of Parker's poem, the phrase takes on a more personal meaning, as she reflects on her own emotional depths and the pain of losing a loved one.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct tone and message. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker reflects on the pain of losing someone she loved deeply. She describes the feeling of being "alone in the dark" and the sense of emptiness that comes with losing someone who was once a part of your life. The imagery in this stanza is powerful and evocative, as Parker uses words like "cold," "still," and "silent" to convey the sense of loss and despair that she feels.
In the second stanza, Parker shifts her focus to the idea of love and how it can be both a source of joy and pain. She describes the feeling of being "drunk with love" and the sense of euphoria that comes with being in a relationship. However, she also acknowledges the pain that comes with love, as she describes the feeling of being "stabbed with love's keen knife." This stanza is particularly powerful, as it captures the complex and often contradictory emotions that come with loving someone deeply.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Parker reflects on the idea of death and what it means for those left behind. She describes the feeling of being "lost in the night" and the sense of confusion and despair that comes with losing someone you love. However, she also acknowledges the idea that death can be a release from pain and suffering, as she writes, "Out of a world of pain and into a world of peace."
Overall, De Profundis is a powerful and moving poem that captures the complex emotions that come with love and loss. Parker's use of imagery and language is evocative and powerful, and her message is one that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are experiencing the pain of loss or simply reflecting on the complexities of love, this poem is sure to touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.
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