'The Gentlest Lady' by Dorothy Parker
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They say He was a serious child,
And quiet in His ways;
They say the gentlest lady smiled
To hear the neighbors' praise.
The coffers of her heart would close
Upon their smaliest word.
Yet did they say, "How tall He grows!"
They thought she had not heard.
They say upon His birthday eve
She'd rock Him to His rest
As if she could not have Him leave
The shelter of her breast.
The poor must go in bitter thrift,
The poor must give in pain,
But ever did she get a gift
To greet His day again.
They say she'd kiss the Boy awake,
And hail Him gay and clear,
But oh, her heart was like to break
To count another year.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Gentlest Lady: A Masterpiece by Dorothy Parker
I am absolutely thrilled to write about one of my all-time favorite poems, "The Gentlest Lady" by Dorothy Parker. This piece of literary brilliance is a prime example of Parker's exceptional ability to craft witty and poignant verse on the complexities of love and relationships.
The Poem's Structure and Rhyme Scheme
The poem is a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a strict rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Parker's use of the sonnet form is particularly interesting because it is traditionally a form used to express love, yet in this case, the poem is about the end of a relationship. The poem's structure and rhyme scheme enhance its overall effect, creating a sense of closure and finality.
The Theme of Loss and Betrayal
"The Gentlest Lady" is a poem that explores the theme of loss and betrayal in love. The poem tells the story of a relationship that has ended, with the narrator reflecting on the gentleness of their partner and the pain of their departure. The opening lines of the poem set the stage for the melancholic tone that pervades the entire piece:
She found me beneath a tree,
Waiting for a friend:
"You look like a love-sick fool," said she,
"And the pain will never end."
The imagery of the narrator waiting alone under a tree is a powerful symbol of loneliness and longing. The "gentlest lady" of the title is the narrator's former lover, who is described with tender adjectives such as "gentle" and "kind." However, the poem also hints at the betrayal that led to the end of the relationship:
She bade me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree;
But I, being young and foolish, with her would not agree.
The contrast between the narrator's youth and foolishness and the gentleness and wisdom of his former lover highlights the central tension of the poem. The narrator's pain is further underscored by the final lines, which suggest that he is unable to move on from the relationship:
Now I must lie in lonely bed
And watch a lonely moon.
The repetition of the word "lonely" underscores the narrator's sense of loss and isolation.
The Use of Irony and Sarcasm
One of the things I love most about Parker's poetry is her use of irony and sarcasm to deflate romantic notions and expose the harsh realities of love. "The Gentlest Lady" is no exception, with Parker using irony to poke fun at the narrator's foolishness and self-pity. One of the most striking examples of this is in the lines:
Love is not kindly nor yet grim,
But does to you as you to him.
The use of the pronoun "him" instead of "her" is a clever inversion that highlights the gendered nature of love and the power dynamics that often underpin romantic relationships.
The Importance of Women's Voices
Another aspect of "The Gentlest Lady" that I find particularly compelling is the way in which it gives voice to a woman who is not present in the poem. The narrator's former lover is never directly addressed or described, but her influence is felt throughout the poem. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of women's voices, even when they are not physically present.
Conclusion
Overall, "The Gentlest Lady" is a masterful example of Parker's ability to use irony, sarcasm, and wit to explore complex themes of love and loss. The poem's structure and rhyme scheme enhance its emotional impact, while the use of symbolism and imagery creates a vivid sense of longing and isolation. Above all, the poem is a testament to Parker's skill as a poet and her enduring legacy as one of the most important voices of the 20th century.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Gentlest Lady: An Analysis of Dorothy Parker's Classic Poem
Dorothy Parker is one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century. Her works are known for their wit, humor, and biting social commentary. One of her most famous poems is "The Gentlest Lady," a short but powerful piece that explores the complexities of human relationships and the pain of unrequited love.
At first glance, "The Gentlest Lady" appears to be a simple love poem. It begins with the speaker describing a woman who is "gentle and kind" and "sweet to the bone." The speaker is clearly enamored with this woman, describing her as "the one I love the best." However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker's love is not reciprocated. The woman is "cold as the crest of a polar wave" and "hard as the ice on the northern sea." Despite the speaker's love and devotion, the woman remains distant and unfeeling.
The poem's central theme is the pain of unrequited love. The speaker is clearly deeply in love with the woman, but she does not return his affections. This is a common theme in literature and poetry, but Parker's treatment of it is particularly poignant. The contrast between the woman's gentle exterior and her cold interior is striking, and it underscores the pain that the speaker feels. He is in love with a woman who appears to be everything he wants, but who is ultimately unattainable.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of appearances versus reality. The woman is described as "gentle and kind" and "sweet to the bone," but this is only her outward appearance. In reality, she is "cold" and "hard." This contrast between appearance and reality is a common theme in Parker's work, and it is particularly effective in "The Gentlest Lady." The poem suggests that people are not always what they seem, and that appearances can be deceiving.
The poem's structure is also worth noting. It is a short poem, consisting of only four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a simple, almost childlike quality. This simplicity is deceptive, however, as the poem's themes are complex and nuanced. The use of a simple rhyme scheme and short stanzas allows Parker to convey her message in a clear and concise way.
The language of the poem is also noteworthy. Parker's use of imagery is particularly effective. The woman is described as "cold as the crest of a polar wave" and "hard as the ice on the northern sea." These images are powerful and evocative, and they help to convey the speaker's sense of despair. The use of imagery also underscores the theme of appearances versus reality. The woman appears to be gentle and kind, but in reality she is as cold and hard as ice.
The poem's tone is melancholy and resigned. The speaker is clearly in pain, but he accepts that the woman will never return his love. There is a sense of resignation in the poem, as if the speaker has come to terms with his unrequited love. This tone is effective in conveying the speaker's sense of loss and despair.
In conclusion, "The Gentlest Lady" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the pain of unrequited love. Parker's use of imagery, structure, and language is particularly effective in conveying the poem's themes. The contrast between appearance and reality is a central theme in the poem, and it underscores the idea that people are not always what they seem. The poem's melancholy tone is also effective in conveying the speaker's sense of loss and despair. Overall, "The Gentlest Lady" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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