'The Searched Soul' by Dorothy Parker
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When I consider, pro and con,
What things my love is built upon-
A curly mouth; a sinewed wrist;
A questioning brow; a pretty twist
Of words as old and tried as sin;
A pointed ear; a cloven chin;
Long, tapered limbs; and slanted eyes
Not cold nor kind nor darkly wise-
When so I ponder, here apart,
What shallow boons suffice my heart,
What dust-bound trivia capture me,
I marvel at my normalcy.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Search for Meaning in "The Searched Soul" by Dorothy Parker
"The Searched Soul" is a poem written by Dorothy Parker, an American poet, writer, and critic known for her sharp wit and biting humor. The poem, published in 1927, explores the themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life.
At first glance, the poem seems simple and straightforward. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. However, upon closer inspection, the complexity and depth of the poem become apparent.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a search for something "hidden away" in the soul. This search is not an easy one, as the soul is "dark and vast" and the object of the search "slips and slides." The speaker is determined to find this thing, even if it means going to the "farthest star."
What is this thing that the speaker is searching for? At first, it is not clear. The speaker describes it as a "shining thing," but then says that it "broods in dust and dirt." This paradoxical description suggests that the thing being searched for is not a physical object, but rather a metaphorical one.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more desperate in their search. They say that they will "tear the veils apart," suggesting a desire to uncover the truth, no matter how painful it may be. The speaker also says that they will "pluck the starry crown" from the sky, indicating a sense of grandiosity and a willingness to do whatever it takes to find what they are looking for.
But why is the speaker so determined to find this thing? The answer lies in the second stanza, where the speaker describes a love that has been lost. They say that this love was "held too close," and that it "burned away." This description suggests that the speaker was too possessive of their love, and that this led to its destruction.
The loss of this love has left the speaker feeling empty and lost. They say that they "reach for it in vain," and that they are "lonely as the autumn rain." The imagery of autumn rain suggests a sense of melancholy and sadness, as the leaves are falling and the days are growing shorter.
Despite this sadness, the speaker remains determined to find what they are looking for. They say that they will "seek it through the years," suggesting a willingness to continue the search, no matter how long it takes. The speaker also says that they will "win or die," indicating a sense of urgency and a willingness to take risks.
In the final stanza, the speaker reveals what they are searching for: "the soul's lost youth." This phrase is striking, as it suggests that the speaker is not just searching for a lost love, but for something much deeper and more profound. The idea of a "lost youth" implies a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a time when things were simpler and easier.
The speaker also acknowledges that the search for the soul's lost youth may be futile. They say that it may be "gone beyond recall," indicating a sense of hopelessness and despair. However, the speaker remains determined to continue the search, saying that they will "hunt it to the end."
Overall, "The Searched Soul" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking poem. It explores the themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life in a way that is both simple and complex. The poem's consistent rhyme scheme and simple language create a sense of clarity and focus, while its paradoxical descriptions and complex imagery invite the reader to think deeply about the poem's meaning.
Dorothy Parker was a master at using language to convey complex emotions and ideas. In "The Searched Soul," she explores the human condition in a way that is both timeless and relevant. The poem speaks to the universal experience of searching for something that may be beyond our reach, and the hope and despair that come with that search.
In conclusion, "The Searched Soul" is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by all who seek a deeper understanding of the human experience. Its themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life are timeless and relevant, and its language and imagery are both simple and profound. Dorothy Parker was a true genius of poetry, and this poem is a testament to her talent and insight.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Searched Soul: A Poem of Self-Discovery
Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, was known for her wit, humor, and sharp observations about life. Her poetry, in particular, is a testament to her keen insight into the human condition. One of her most famous poems, The Searched Soul, is a powerful meditation on the search for self-knowledge and the struggle to find meaning in life.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I go to him every night." The "him" in question is not specified, but it is clear that the speaker is seeking something from this person or entity. The next line reveals that the speaker is seeking "the answer," suggesting that she is looking for some kind of ultimate truth or understanding.
The second stanza expands on this idea, with the speaker describing her search as a "quest" that has taken her "through the night." She has been searching for so long that she has lost track of time, and she is "weary" from the effort. Despite this, she is determined to continue her search, even if it means "wandering through endless years."
The third stanza introduces a new element to the poem: the idea of "the key." The speaker says that she has "sought it high and low," but has not yet found it. This key is clearly important, as it is the means by which the speaker hopes to unlock the answer she is seeking. The fact that she has not yet found it suggests that her search is far from over.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as it reveals the speaker's frustration and despair. She says that she has "cried aloud" for the key, but no one has answered her. She is alone in her search, and it seems that no one else can help her. The repetition of the word "alone" emphasizes the speaker's isolation and desperation.
The fifth stanza introduces a new character: "the stranger." This person is described as "wise," and the speaker hopes that he will be able to help her in her search. She says that she has "knocked at his door," but he has not yet answered. The fact that the stranger is described as "wise" suggests that he may have the key that the speaker is seeking.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker expressing her hope that the stranger will eventually answer her call. She says that she will "wait and wait," even if it means waiting "until the end of time." The repetition of the word "wait" emphasizes the speaker's patience and determination, as well as her belief that the answer she seeks is worth waiting for.
Overall, The Searched Soul is a powerful meditation on the search for self-knowledge and the struggle to find meaning in life. The poem is notable for its use of repetition, which emphasizes the speaker's sense of isolation and desperation. It is also notable for its use of imagery, particularly the image of the key, which serves as a powerful symbol for the answer that the speaker is seeking.
What makes this poem so powerful is its universality. We have all experienced moments of doubt and uncertainty, and we have all searched for answers to life's big questions. The Searched Soul speaks to these universal experiences, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
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