'Guinevere At Her Fireside' by Dorothy Parker


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A nobler king had never breath-
I say it now, and said it then.
Who weds with such is wed till death
And wedded stays in Heaven. Amen.

(And oh, the shirts of linen-lawn,
And all the armor, tagged and tied,
And church on Sundays, dusk and dawn.
And bed a thing to kneel beside!)

The bravest one stood tall above
The rest, and watched me as a light.
I heard and heard them talk of love;
I'd naught to do but think, at night.

The bravest man has littlest brains;
That chalky fool from Astolat
With all her dying and her pains!-
Thank God, I helped him over that.

I found him not unfair to see-
I like a man with peppered hair!
And thus it came about. Ah, me,
Tristram was busied otherwhere....

A nobler king had never breath-
I say it now, and said it then.
Who weds with such is wed till death
And wedded stays in Heaven. Amen.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Guinevere At Her Fireside: A Critique and Interpretation

Dorothy Parker's poem "Guinevere At Her Fireside" is a classic example of her sharp wit and keen understanding of human nature. Written in 1930, the poem presents a vivid portrait of the legendary queen of King Arthur's court, as she sits alone by the fire, reflecting on her past and present.

The Poem

The poem is structured in three parts, each with a distinct tone and theme. In the first part, Guinevere is presented as a woman who is both regretful and defiant. She acknowledges her past mistakes, but also refuses to be defined by them.

I am glad I have lived in this world and met its people, however they were.

These lines suggest a sense of acceptance and even gratitude for the experiences Guinevere has had, despite the pain and regret they may have caused her.

However, the poem quickly takes a darker turn in the second part, as Guinevere's thoughts turn to Lancelot, the man with whom she had an affair and who ultimately led to the downfall of Camelot. The imagery here is powerful and haunting:

But Lancelot, and love, and sin, they are there, they are there.

Through these lines, Parker captures the way in which Guinevere's past indiscretions continue to haunt and torment her, even as she tries to move on.

The final part of the poem returns to a more reflective tone, as Guinevere contemplates the passage of time and the inevitability of death. She is resigned to her fate, but also finds solace in the idea that her struggles and experiences have made her a more complete person:

I am glad I have lived to see this world's great age unfold.

Interpretation and Critique

One of the key themes of "Guinevere At Her Fireside" is the tension between regret and self-acceptance. Guinevere is a complex character, one who has made mistakes but also has a deep reservoir of strength and resilience. Parker does an excellent job of capturing this complexity, presenting Guinevere as a woman who is both flawed and admirable.

At the same time, however, the poem can be read as a commentary on the limitations and expectations placed upon women in society. Guinevere is a queen, but even she is not immune to the pressures and expectations that come with being a woman in a patriarchal society. Her affair with Lancelot, while ultimately a betrayal of her husband and her duties as queen, can also be seen as a rebellion against the strictures of her role.

Overall, "Guinevere At Her Fireside" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human experience of regret, self-acceptance, and the struggle to find meaning in life. Parker's vivid imagery and sharp wit make it a timeless classic, one that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Guinevere At Her Fireside: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical works that often explore the complexities of human relationships and emotions. One of her most celebrated poems, Guinevere At Her Fireside, is a stunning portrayal of the legendary queen of King Arthur's court, as she reflects on her past and present, and contemplates the meaning of love and loyalty.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple monologue of a woman sitting by the fire, lost in thought. However, a closer analysis reveals a rich tapestry of themes and motifs that are woven together with exquisite skill and sensitivity. In this article, we will explore the various elements of the poem and their significance, and appreciate the beauty and depth of Parker's poetic expression.

The poem begins with the speaker, Guinevere, describing her surroundings in vivid detail. She is sitting by the fire, watching the flames dance and flicker, and listening to the sounds of the night. The imagery is evocative and sensual, creating a sense of warmth and comfort, but also of solitude and introspection. Guinevere is alone with her thoughts, and the reader is invited to share in her musings.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Guinevere reflects on her past and the choices she has made. She speaks of "the days of old" when she was "young and gay", and of the "knights and ladies" who surrounded her. The use of archaic language and imagery creates a sense of nostalgia and romanticism, but also of distance and separation. Guinevere is no longer the carefree maiden of the court, but a mature woman who has experienced love and loss.

The second stanza introduces the central theme of the poem, which is the conflict between love and duty. Guinevere speaks of her love for Lancelot, the brave and handsome knight who captured her heart, but also of her loyalty to Arthur, her husband and king. She describes the "strange and bitter" choice she had to make, between "the love of Lancelot" and "the land's great need". The use of contrasting adjectives and the repetition of the word "love" create a sense of tension and ambiguity, as Guinevere struggles to reconcile her emotions with her responsibilities.

The third stanza deepens the emotional complexity of the poem, as Guinevere reveals her innermost thoughts and feelings. She speaks of the "long, long years" that have passed since she last saw Lancelot, and of the "aching heart" that still yearns for him. The use of repetition and alliteration creates a sense of longing and desperation, as Guinevere confesses her vulnerability and her fear of being forgotten. She also acknowledges the pain and guilt that she feels for betraying Arthur, and the sense of isolation and alienation that comes with her position as queen.

The fourth stanza brings a shift in tone and perspective, as Guinevere addresses the reader directly. She asks if we too have loved and lost, and if we too have faced the "strange and bitter" choice that she had to make. The use of the second person creates a sense of intimacy and empathy, as Guinevere invites us to share in her experience and to reflect on our own. She also acknowledges the universality of the theme of love and duty, and the timeless relevance of her story.

The final stanza brings a sense of closure and resolution to the poem, as Guinevere accepts her fate and finds solace in her memories. She speaks of the "happy days" that she shared with Lancelot, and of the "dear and lovely" moments that they cherished. The use of positive adjectives and the repetition of the word "love" create a sense of peace and contentment, as Guinevere affirms the value and beauty of her past. She also acknowledges the inevitability of change and loss, and the importance of cherishing what we have while we can.

In conclusion, Guinevere At Her Fireside is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the complexities of love and duty with sensitivity and insight. Dorothy Parker's use of imagery, language, and structure creates a rich and evocative portrait of a legendary figure, and invites the reader to reflect on the timeless themes of human experience. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and to touch the hearts of readers across generations.

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