'I Shall Come Back' by Dorothy Parker


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I shall come back without fanfaronade
Of wailing wind and graveyard panoply;
But, trembling, slip from cool Eternity-
A mild and most bewildered little shade.
I shall not make sepulchral midnight raid,
But softly come where I had longed to be
In April twilight's unsung melody,
And I, not you, shall be the one afraid.

Strange, that from lovely dreamings of the dead
I shall come back to you, who hurt me most.
You may not feel my hand upon your head,
I'll be so new and inexpert a ghost.
Perhaps you will not know that I am near-
And that will break my ghostly heart, my dear.

Editor 1 Interpretation

I Shall Come Back: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to write a literary criticism and interpretation of one of my favorite poems, "I Shall Come Back," written by the legendary poet and writer, Dorothy Parker. This poem, in just eight lines, eloquently captures the essence of love, loss, and hope, making it a timeless classic that speaks to readers of all generations.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with the words, "I shall come back," which immediately grab the reader's attention and create a sense of anticipation. The speaker, who remains unnamed throughout the poem, promises to return after their departure, signaling that there is a separation or a departure that has already taken place.

The second line, "Just wait for me," reinforces the idea that someone has left and that the speaker is expecting to return. The use of the word "just" emphasizes the simplicity of the request and suggests that the speaker believes that they will be missed and eagerly awaited.

In the third line, the speaker acknowledges that their absence will be noticed, stating, "I shall want you only for a little while." This line is significant because it reveals the speaker's vulnerability and their need for the person they are addressing. The use of the word "only" suggests that the speaker is aware that their absence will not be permanent, but it still highlights the fact that they will be missed.

The fourth line, "As dusk falls softly over town," creates a sense of atmosphere and sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The description of dusk falling softly over town creates a sense of tranquility and calmness, which contrasts with the sense of longing and anticipation that is present in the rest of the poem.

In the fifth line, the speaker describes the feeling of being away from the person they love, saying, "stand still, dear, and see the passing of the years." This line is significant because it highlights the sense of timelessness that is present in the poem. It suggests that no matter how much time passes, the speaker's love for the other person will remain constant.

The sixth line, "You will see me in the shadows," creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. The use of the word "shadows" suggests that the speaker will not be immediately visible, but they will be present nonetheless. This line reinforces the idea that the speaker is promising to return from a distance, possibly from beyond the grave.

In the seventh line, the speaker makes a promise to the person they love, saying, "I'll be singing in the breeze." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love for the other person is not limited by physical boundaries. The use of the word "singing" creates a sense of joy and happiness, which contrasts with the melancholic tone of the rest of the poem.

Finally, the poem ends with the words, "I shall come back again." This line reinforces the idea that the speaker is promising to return, creating a sense of hope for the future.

Interpretation of the Poem

"I Shall Come Back" is a poem about love, loss, and hope. The speaker is promising to return to the person they love, despite being separated from them. The poem is significant because it suggests that love is not limited by physical boundaries and that it can transcend time and space.

The use of imagery in the poem is significant because it creates a sense of atmosphere and mood. The description of dusk falling softly over town creates a sense of tranquility and calmness, which contrasts with the sense of longing and anticipation that is present in the rest of the poem. The use of the word "shadows" creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, suggesting that the speaker is promising to return from a distance, possibly from beyond the grave.

The repetition of the phrase "I shall come back" reinforces the idea that the speaker is promising to return, creating a sense of hope for the future. The use of the word "just" in the second line suggests that the request is simple and that the speaker believes that they will be missed and eagerly awaited. The use of the word "only" in the third line suggests that the speaker is aware that their absence will not be permanent, but it still highlights the fact that they will be missed.

The promise to sing in the breeze suggests that the speaker's love for the other person is not limited by physical boundaries. This line is significant because it creates a sense of joy and happiness, which contrasts with the melancholic tone of the rest of the poem.

Conclusion

"I Shall Come Back" is a timeless classic that speaks to readers of all generations. The poem is significant because it suggests that love is not limited by physical boundaries and that it can transcend time and space. The use of imagery and repetition creates a sense of atmosphere and mood, while the promise to sing in the breeze creates a sense of joy and happiness.

Dorothy Parker's ability to capture the essence of love, loss, and hope in just eight lines is a testament to her talent as a writer and poet. "I Shall Come Back" is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I Shall Come Back: A Poem of Love and Loss

Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical works that often explore the themes of love, relationships, and the human condition. One of her most famous poems, "I Shall Come Back," is a poignant and emotional piece that captures the essence of love and loss in a way that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The poem, which was first published in 1922, is a testament to the enduring power of love and the pain of separation. It is a deeply personal work that reflects Parker's own experiences of love and loss, and it has resonated with readers for nearly a century.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that they will come back to their lover, even if it means crossing the vast and treacherous sea. The imagery of the sea is a powerful one, representing the vastness and unpredictability of life, and the speaker's willingness to brave it all for the sake of love is a testament to the strength of their feelings.

"I shall come back again; I shall come back To laugh and love and watch with wonder-eyes At golden noon the forest fires burn, Wafting their blue-black smoke to sapphire skies."

The second stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful and evocative. Here, the speaker describes the joy and wonder they will experience upon their return. The imagery of the forest fires burning at golden noon is a striking one, and it speaks to the idea of renewal and rebirth. The blue-black smoke rising to the sapphire skies is a symbol of the speaker's own journey, rising up from the depths of despair to find hope and joy once again.

"I shall come back to leave this world behind And watch with you the silent moon ascend Its silver path among the stars unwind, And follow where the Milky Way shall bend."

The third stanza of the poem is a powerful one, as the speaker declares their intention to leave the world behind and be with their lover once again. The imagery of the silent moon ascending and the Milky Way bending is a beautiful one, and it speaks to the idea of the speaker and their lover being reunited in a place beyond this world.

"I shall come back, oh, love, have no regret- I shall come back, more radiant than the sun; I shall remember, and my eyes will set Their seal of love on you when all is done."

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful and emotional one, as the speaker reassures their lover that they will return, more radiant than the sun. The imagery of the speaker's eyes setting their seal of love on their lover is a beautiful one, and it speaks to the idea of the enduring power of love, even in the face of separation and loss.

Overall, "I Shall Come Back" is a beautiful and emotional poem that captures the essence of love and loss in a way that is both powerful and poignant. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the pain of separation, and it has resonated with readers for nearly a century. Dorothy Parker's words continue to inspire and move us, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life, and the enduring power of love.

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