'Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday' by Dorothy Parker
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So let me have the rouge again,
And comb my hair the curly way.
The poor young men, the dear young men
They'll all be here by noon today.
And I shall wear the blue, I think-
They beg to touch its rippled lace;
Or do they love me best in pink,
So sweetly flattering the face?
And are you sure my eyes are bright,
And is it true my cheek is clear?
Young what's-his-name stayed half the night;
He vows to cut his throat, poor dear!
So bring my scarlet slippers, then,
And fetch the powder-puff to me.
The dear young men, the poor young men-
They think I'm only seventy!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday: A Literary Criticism
Have you ever read a poem that left you breathless, that made you feel like you were in the presence of greatness? That's how I felt when I first read Dorothy Parker's Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday. This poem is a masterpiece in every sense of the word, and in this literary criticism, I will explore why.
Background
Before we dive into the poem, let's take a moment to talk about the subject of the poem: Ninon De Lenclos. She was a famous courtesan in 17th century France who was renowned for her wit, charm, and beauty. She was also known for her intellectual pursuits and her ability to hold her own in conversations with some of the greatest minds of her time, including Voltaire and La Rochefoucauld. Ninon lived a long and fascinating life, and she was still alive and kicking when she celebrated her 85th birthday. It is this milestone that inspired Parker to write her poem.
Analysis
The poem opens with the line "Pastel in ancient halls, / Quietly where your memory dwells." Right away, we get a sense of the timelessness of Ninon's legacy. The fact that her memory is still alive and well centuries after her death is a testament to the impact she had on those who knew her. The use of the word "pastel" also sets the tone for the poem. Pastels are soft and delicate, just like the image of Ninon that Parker is creating.
The second stanza is where the poem really starts to shine. "What need to talk of youth, / When life is done?" Parker asks. This line is so powerful because it reminds us that youth is fleeting and that it's not what defines us in the end. Ninon may have been celebrated for her beauty in her younger days, but it's her wisdom and wit that endure. Parker goes on to describe Ninon's "silver hair" and "patrician nose," but it's clear that these physical attributes are not what make her remarkable.
In the third stanza, Parker writes, "We bow before your name, / High-hearted Ninon!" This is where we really start to see the reverence that Parker has for her subject. Ninon is not just a historical figure or a famous courtesan; she is a force to be reckoned with. The use of the phrase "high-hearted" is particularly interesting because it suggests that Ninon has a strong spirit and a fierce determination. She is not someone to be pitied or dismissed.
The fourth stanza is where Parker really flexes her poetic muscles. "Along the roads of France, / They saw you pass," she writes. This line is so evocative because it transports us to a different time and place. We can almost see Ninon riding in her carriage, turning heads as she goes. The rest of the stanza is equally powerful, as Parker describes Ninon's impact on those around her. She was "a queen of hearts" and "a goddess in the eyes of men." These are not words that are used lightly, and they serve to underscore Ninon's extraordinary nature.
The fifth stanza is one of the most poignant in the poem. "And now, the last of all, / You take your ease," Parker writes. This line is a reminder that no matter how remarkable we are in life, we all eventually reach the end. But even in death, Ninon is not forgotten. "Still, in our hearts you move, / Still in our hearts you stay," Parker declares. This is a beautiful sentiment that captures the enduring legacy of Ninon De Lenclos.
The final stanza is a fitting conclusion to the poem. Parker writes, "We are but little things, / Servants of dust." This line is a reminder of our own mortality and how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. But even though we are small and fleeting, Parker suggests that we can still leave a mark on the world. "Yet let us keep alive, / Amid the rush and roar, / The fame that she achieved," she declares.
Interpretation
So what does Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday really mean? At its core, this poem is a celebration of a remarkable woman and a tribute to the enduring power of memory. Parker is not content to simply describe Ninon's physical attributes or her accomplishments; she wants to capture the essence of who she was and what she meant to those who knew her. This is a poem about legacy and the idea that even after we are gone, our impact on the world can still be felt.
Another interpretation of this poem is that it is a meditation on mortality. Parker is keenly aware of the fact that Ninon is celebrating her last birthday, and she uses this as an opportunity to reflect on the fleeting nature of life. But even though Ninon is nearing the end of her journey, her memory lives on. This is a source of comfort for those who knew her and a reminder that even in death, we can still make a difference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a tribute to a remarkable woman and a meditation on the enduring power of memory. Through her words, Parker captures the essence of Ninon De Lenclos and reminds us that even though we are small and fleeting, we can still leave our mark on the world. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring legacy of those who inspire us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday: A Poem by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and incisive commentary on the human condition. Her poem, Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday, is a poignant and reflective tribute to the French courtesan and intellectual, Ninon De Lenclos, who lived in the 17th century. In this 16-line poem, Parker captures the essence of Ninon's life and legacy, and reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of mortality.
The poem begins with the line, "Old Ninon, frail and grey and sweet," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Parker's use of the word "old" conveys a sense of respect and admiration for Ninon's longevity and wisdom, while the adjectives "frail" and "grey" suggest her physical decline and the passage of time. The word "sweet" adds a touch of tenderness and affection to the description, hinting at the warmth and kindness that Ninon must have exuded in her later years.
The second line, "Whose eighty years have run so fleet," reinforces the theme of time and its swift passage. The use of the word "fleet" suggests that Ninon's life has passed by quickly, despite her long years, and that she has lived a full and eventful life. The fact that Parker chooses to mention Ninon's age in the second line also underscores the importance of her longevity and the respect that she commands.
The third and fourth lines, "And brought such jewels to your feet/ As few have laid at monarch's seat," pay tribute to Ninon's accomplishments and achievements. Parker acknowledges Ninon's status as a courtesan and intellectual, and suggests that she has been able to amass great wealth and influence through her talents and skills. The reference to "jewels" and "monarch's seat" suggests that Ninon's accomplishments are on par with those of royalty, and that she has been able to achieve great success despite the limitations placed on women in her time.
The fifth and sixth lines, "The tales they tell of you are sweet/ And make men's hearts a lighter beat," highlight Ninon's reputation and the impact that she has had on those around her. Parker suggests that Ninon's stories and anecdotes are beloved by many, and that they have the power to uplift and inspire. The phrase "make men's hearts a lighter beat" suggests that Ninon's influence extends beyond her immediate circle, and that she has been able to touch the lives of many people.
The seventh and eighth lines, "They speak of you as one who knew/ The paths where fairies dance and woo," continue the theme of Ninon's reputation and suggest that she has a mystical and otherworldly quality. The reference to fairies and wooing suggests that Ninon has a deep understanding of love and romance, and that she has been able to navigate the complexities of human relationships with grace and skill. The use of the word "paths" suggests that Ninon has a sense of direction and purpose, and that she has been able to chart her own course in life.
The ninth and tenth lines, "Who found the secret of the rose/ And where the singing river flows," further emphasize Ninon's mystical and intuitive qualities. The reference to the "secret of the rose" suggests that Ninon has a deep understanding of beauty and aesthetics, and that she has been able to appreciate the finer things in life. The phrase "singing river" suggests that Ninon has a connection to nature and the natural world, and that she has been able to find peace and solace in its rhythms and patterns.
The eleventh and twelfth lines, "Who knows what strange, dim thoughts are ours/ When music wakens bud and flowers," suggest that Ninon has a deep understanding of the human psyche and the mysteries of the mind. The reference to "strange, dim thoughts" suggests that Ninon has a keen insight into the workings of the human brain, and that she has been able to unlock its secrets through her own experiences and observations. The phrase "music wakens bud and flowers" suggests that Ninon has a deep appreciation for the power of art and creativity, and that she has been able to harness its energy to enrich her own life and the lives of others.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines, "And who has seen the unvoiced pain/ Of many a soul that seeks in vain," suggest that Ninon has a deep empathy for the suffering of others, and that she has been able to offer comfort and solace to those in need. The phrase "unvoiced pain" suggests that Ninon has a sensitivity to the hidden emotions and struggles of others, and that she has been able to offer support and understanding to those who are struggling. The phrase "seeks in vain" suggests that Ninon has a deep understanding of the human condition, and that she recognizes the futility of some human endeavors.
The fifteenth and sixteenth lines, "Who knows what thoughts are yours today/ Ninon, Ninon, so far away," bring the poem to a close with a sense of wistfulness and longing. The repetition of Ninon's name suggests a deep affection and admiration for the subject of the poem, while the phrase "so far away" suggests a sense of distance and separation. The final line, "And who shall know you, Ninon, pray?" suggests that Ninon's legacy may be lost to time, and that her accomplishments and achievements may be forgotten by future generations.
In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's poem, Ninon De Lenclos, On Her Last Birthday, is a beautiful and poignant tribute to a remarkable woman who lived a full and eventful life. Through her use of language and imagery, Parker captures the essence of Ninon's legacy and reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of mortality. The poem is a testament to the power of art and creativity to capture the essence of human experience, and to the enduring legacy of those who have lived and loved before us.
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