'Plea' by Dorothy Parker


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Secrets, you said, would hold us two apart;
You'd have me know of you your least transgression,
And so the intimate places of your heart,
Kneeling, you bared to me, as in confession.
Softly you told of loves that went before-
Of clinging arms, of kisses gladly given;
Luxuriously clean of heart once more,
You rose up, then, and stood before me, shriven.

When this, my day of happiness, is through,
And love, that bloomed so fair, turns brown and brittle,
There is a thing that I shall ask of you-
I, who have given so much, and asked so little.
Some day, when there's another in my stead,
Again you'll feel the need of absolution,
And you will go to her, and bow your head,
And offer her your past, as contribution.

When with your list of loves you overcome her,
For Heaven's sake, keep this one secret from her!

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Plea for Understanding: An In-Depth Analysis of Dorothy Parker's Poem, Plea

Dorothy Parker was an American writer, poet, and satirist known for her wit and biting humor. Despite her reputation for being sharp-tongued, Parker was also a sensitive and empathetic writer, as demonstrated in her poem, "Plea." This poem is a plea for understanding and empathy, a call for people to see beyond their own pain and recognize the suffering of others. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of the poem in detail.

Themes

One of the central themes of "Plea" is the importance of empathy and compassion. Parker begins the poem by stating, "Look in my face; my name is Might-have-been; / I am also called No-more, Too-late, Farewell." These lines suggest that the speaker is someone who has experienced loss and missed opportunities. She is a "might-have-been," someone who could have been something great if circumstances had been different. The speaker's pain is palpable in these first lines, and Parker uses them to set the tone for the rest of the poem.

Throughout the poem, the speaker pleads for understanding from those around her. She asks them to "be kind" and to "take the time to see / The sorrow in my eyes." These lines suggest that the speaker is not asking for pity, but for empathy. She wants others to recognize her pain and to treat her with compassion.

Another theme of the poem is the inevitability of loss and the passage of time. The speaker says, "I am the one who went to the wall; / I am the one the verdict was on." These lines suggest that the speaker has faced some kind of judgment or punishment. She is "the one who fell," and she knows that she cannot change the past. The repetition of the phrase "I am" emphasizes the speaker's sense of identity and the weight of her experiences.

At the same time, however, the poem suggests that there is still hope for the future. The speaker says, "I am the one whose love overcame / The love that was like me." These lines suggest that the speaker has experienced love and that it has helped her to overcome her pain. The use of the word "overcame" suggests that the speaker has triumphed over her suffering in some way.

Language

One of the most striking aspects of Parker's poem is its use of language. The poem is rich with metaphors and imagery that convey the speaker's pain and longing. For example, the speaker says, "I am the one who loved too well / And whose laughter is not kissed away." These lines suggest that the speaker has loved deeply, but that her joy has been overshadowed by her pain. The use of the phrase "not kissed away" suggests that the speaker's laughter is still present, but that it is not as bright as it once was.

Another example of Parker's use of metaphor can be seen in the line, "I am the one who had the sense / To take my love away." This line suggests that the speaker has made a difficult but necessary decision. She has "taken her love away" in order to protect herself from further pain. The use of the word "sense" suggests that the speaker has acted rationally, but it also suggests that she has had to sacrifice something important in order to do so.

Parker's use of language also emphasizes the theme of time and loss. The speaker says, "I am the one who went to the wall; / I am the one the verdict was on." The use of the phrase "went to the wall" suggests that the speaker has faced some kind of defeat or humiliation. The use of the phrase "the verdict was on" suggests that the speaker has been judged and found wanting.

Structure

The structure of Parker's poem is relatively simple. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The use of the quatrain form gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry. The poem is also written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic quality. Each line contains ten syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each foot. This gives the poem a steady, measured pace.

Despite its simple structure, however, the poem is rich with emotion and meaning. Parker's use of repetition, especially in the refrain "Look in my face," emphasizes the speaker's plea for understanding. The repetition of the phrase "I am" also emphasizes the speaker's sense of identity and the weight of her experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's poem, "Plea," is a powerful and moving plea for understanding and empathy. Through her use of language, imagery, and structure, Parker conveys the pain and longing of her speaker. The poem reminds us of the importance of compassion and the inevitability of loss and the passage of time. Despite its relatively simple structure, "Plea" is a complex and emotionally resonant work. Parker's poem is a reminder that even the most cutting wit can be infused with empathy and humanity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Plea by Dorothy Parker: A Heartfelt Cry for Love and Understanding

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 "Plea" is a poignant and powerful expression of the pain and longing that can arise from unrequited love and the struggle to be understood.

At its core, "Plea" is a plea for love and understanding. The speaker of the poem is addressing a lover or potential lover, begging them to see her for who she truly is and to love her despite her flaws and imperfections. The poem is structured as a series of rhetorical questions, each one building on the last to create a sense of urgency and desperation.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker asking, "Oh, hear my plea, my love, my dear, / And listen to my cry." The repetition of "my" emphasizes the speaker's personal connection to the person she is addressing, and the use of "dear" and "love" suggests a deep emotional bond between them. However, the use of "plea" and "cry" also hints at the speaker's vulnerability and desperation, as if she is on the verge of tears.

The second stanza continues this theme, with the speaker asking, "Do you not see the pain I bear, / The sorrow in my eye?" Here, the speaker is asking the person she loves to recognize her pain and suffering, to see the hurt that she carries with her every day. The use of "eye" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker's pain is visible and tangible, something that can be seen and felt by others.

The third stanza takes a more introspective turn, with the speaker asking, "Do you not know the fears I have, / The doubts that make me sigh?" Here, the speaker is revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings, sharing her fears and doubts with the person she loves. The use of "sigh" suggests a sense of resignation or defeat, as if the speaker has given up hope of ever overcoming these doubts and fears.

The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful, with the speaker asking, "Do you not feel the love I give, / The passion that I try?" Here, the speaker is expressing her love and desire for the person she is addressing, asking them to recognize and reciprocate her feelings. The use of "give" and "try" suggests that the speaker is making an effort to show her love and passion, but that it is not being fully appreciated or acknowledged.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker asking, "Oh, hear my plea, my love, my dear, / And do not pass me by." Here, the speaker is once again begging for the person she loves to hear her plea and to not reject her. The use of "pass me by" suggests that the speaker fears being ignored or overlooked, as if her love and passion are not enough to capture the attention of the person she desires.

Overall, "Plea" is a deeply emotional and heartfelt poem that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for love and understanding. Through her use of rhetorical questions and repetition, Dorothy Parker creates a sense of urgency and desperation that is both powerful and poignant. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can still find hope and solace in the connections we share with others.

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