'Wisdom' by Dorothy Parker
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This I say, and this I know:
Love has seen the last of me.
Love's a trodden lane to woe,
Love's a path to misery.
This I know, and knew before,
This I tell you, of my years:
Hide your heart, and lock your door.
Hell's afloat in lovers' tears.
Give your heart, and toss and moan;
What a pretty fool you look!
I am sage, who sit alone;
Here's my wool, and here's my book.
Look! A lad's a-waiting there,
Tall he is and bold, and gay.
What the devil do I care
What I know, and what I say?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Wisdom by Dorothy Parker
Are you in search of a poem that will take you on a journey through the complexities of the human condition? Look no further than "Wisdom" by Dorothy Parker. This classic piece of literature captures the essence of what it means to be alive, and does so with a grace and beauty that is both timeless and unforgettable.
The Structure of Wisdom
One of the first things that stands out about "Wisdom" is its structure. The poem is divided into five stanzas of four lines each, which gives it a sense of balance and symmetry. This structure works beautifully with the poem's content, as each stanza explores a different aspect of the human experience.
In the first stanza, Parker tackles the idea of growing older and wiser. She writes, "When I was young and wise and gay, / I knew what blahnik meant to say, / I could have laughed and loved all day, / And still have had the strength to play." Here, Parker is expressing the idea that youth is often associated with a carefree attitude and a sense of invincibility. However, as we get older, we gain wisdom and experience, but lose some of that youthful energy.
The second stanza explores the concept of love and relationships. Parker writes, "But life is long, and it is lonely, / And hearts are often hard and stony, / With dreams that never will come true, / And hopes that vanish like the dew." Here, she is acknowledging the pain and heartache that often come with love, and the fact that even our most cherished dreams can be crushed by the harsh realities of life.
In the third stanza, Parker turns her attention to the idea of success and achievement. She writes, "And now I'm old, and wise and gray, / And in the scheme of things, I say, / Success is just a game we play, / A chance to show the world we've made." Here, Parker is acknowledging that while success can be important, it is ultimately just a way of proving our worth to the rest of the world. It is not essential to our happiness or sense of fulfillment.
The fourth stanza explores the concept of death and legacy. Parker writes, "For soon we'll lie beneath the sod, / And all our words and deeds and God, / Will fade away and be forgot, / And we'll be left to face the odd." Here, she is acknowledging the fact that death is inevitable, and that no matter how much we accomplish in life, ultimately we will all be forgotten.
The final stanza ties all of these themes together, as Parker writes, "So let us live, and love, and play, / And share the joys that come our way, / For when we're old and gone one day, / We'll never pass this way again." Here, she is urging the reader to make the most of their time on earth, and to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, before it is too late.
The Use of Language in Wisdom
Another standout feature of "Wisdom" is the language that Parker uses. Her choice of words is both poetic and poignant, and she has a knack for capturing complex emotions in just a few lines.
For example, in the first stanza, she writes, "When I was young and wise and gay." Here, the word "gay" carries a sense of lightness and joy, but also has a deeper meaning, as it is a word that has been reclaimed by the LGBTQ community as a symbol of pride and identity.
In the second stanza, Parker writes, "And hearts are often hard and stony." Here, she is using metaphor to convey the idea that love can be painful and difficult, and that it can leave us feeling emotionally hardened and closed off.
Throughout the poem, Parker uses simple, everyday language to explore complex themes, and she does so in a way that is both accessible and deeply moving.
The Themes of Wisdom
At its core, "Wisdom" is a meditation on the human experience, and it explores a number of themes that are universal and timeless. These themes include:
- The passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death
- The complexities of love and relationships
- The pursuit of success and achievement
- The importance of living in the moment and appreciating the simple pleasures in life
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Wisdom" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. Its structure, language, and themes all work together to create a powerful and moving piece of literature that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a profound and thought-provoking read, "Wisdom" is not to be missed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Wisdom by Dorothy Parker: A Timeless Poem of Life Lessons
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her wit, humor, and sharp observations on life. Her poem "Wisdom" is a classic example of her style, as it offers a profound reflection on the nature of wisdom and its elusive nature. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.
The poem "Wisdom" consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The structure is simple, yet effective, as it allows Parker to convey her message in a concise and impactful way. The poem begins with a rhetorical question: "When I was young and wise and gay," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is reflecting on her past, and how she thought she had all the answers to life's questions. However, as the poem progresses, she realizes that wisdom is not something that can be easily attained or maintained.
The first stanza introduces the speaker's youthful arrogance, as she claims to have been "wise and gay." The word "gay" here means happy and carefree, but it also has a double meaning, as Parker was known for her support of the LGBTQ+ community. The use of this word adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it suggests that the speaker's wisdom was not just intellectual, but also emotional and empathetic.
The second stanza introduces the idea that wisdom is fleeting, as the speaker says, "Now I'm old and wise and gray." The use of the word "gray" here is significant, as it suggests that the speaker has lived a long life and has gained experience and knowledge. However, the fact that she is still questioning the nature of wisdom suggests that it is not something that can be easily defined or understood.
The third stanza introduces the idea that wisdom is not something that can be taught or learned, as the speaker says, "Still I ponder, wonder how." The use of the word "ponder" suggests that the speaker is actively thinking about the nature of wisdom, but the fact that she is still wondering suggests that she has not yet found a satisfactory answer.
The final stanza offers a resolution of sorts, as the speaker says, "Where can wisdom be found?" The use of the word "found" suggests that wisdom is not something that can be easily obtained, but rather something that must be sought out. The fact that the speaker is still searching for wisdom suggests that it is a lifelong pursuit, and that there is no easy answer.
The themes of the poem are universal and timeless, as they speak to the human experience of seeking knowledge and understanding. The poem suggests that wisdom is not something that can be easily attained or maintained, but rather something that must be actively pursued. The fact that the speaker is still questioning the nature of wisdom suggests that it is a lifelong pursuit, and that there is no easy answer.
The language of the poem is simple yet effective, as it allows Parker to convey her message in a concise and impactful way. The use of rhetorical questions, such as "When I was young and wise and gay," and "Where can wisdom be found?" adds a sense of urgency and introspection to the poem. The use of the word "gray" in the second stanza is particularly effective, as it suggests that the speaker has lived a long life and has gained experience and knowledge.
In conclusion, "Wisdom" by Dorothy Parker is a timeless poem that speaks to the human experience of seeking knowledge and understanding. The poem suggests that wisdom is not something that can be easily attained or maintained, but rather something that must be actively pursued. The fact that the speaker is still questioning the nature of wisdom suggests that it is a lifelong pursuit, and that there is no easy answer. The language of the poem is simple yet effective, as it allows Parker to convey her message in a concise and impactful way. Overall, "Wisdom" is a classic example of Parker's wit, humor, and sharp observations on life, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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