'Words Of Comfort To Be Scratched On A Mirror' by Dorothy Parker
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Enough Rope1925Helen of Troy had a wandering glance;
Sappho's restriction was only the sky;
Ninon was ever the chatter of France;
But oh, what a good girl am I!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror: A Critical Analysis
As I sit down to write about Dorothy Parker’s “Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror,” I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. This poem is one of my all-time favorites, and I’m eager to dive deep into its rich and complex themes. So, what makes this poem so special? Let’s find out.
Background
“Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror” was originally published in 1926 in Parker’s collection of poetry, “Enough Rope.” Parker was a renowned writer and critic in the early 20th century, known for her wit and satirical take on the world around her. This poem is a prime example of her signature style.
Analysis
The poem begins with a simple, yet powerful, statement: “As I sit here alone…” Immediately, we are drawn into the speaker’s world, a place of solitude and introspection. The use of the word “alone” is particularly poignant, as it suggests a sense of isolation and perhaps even despair.
But then, the tone shifts. The speaker offers up a series of “words of comfort” that can be scratched onto a mirror. These words are meant to provide solace and reassurance to whoever reads them. They include:
- “Everything will be all right”
- “You are not alone”
- “This too shall pass”
- “You are loved”
At first glance, these words may seem trite or clichéd. But upon closer inspection, they reveal a deep understanding of the human psyche. The speaker knows that in times of trouble, we often seek out simple phrases that can offer us comfort and hope.
What’s particularly interesting about these words, however, is the fact that they are meant to be “scratched on a mirror.” This suggests a certain level of desperation on the part of the speaker. They are not just offering these words as advice; they are imploring the reader to take action, to physically inscribe these words onto a surface as a way of making them real.
This sense of urgency is further reinforced in the final stanza of the poem. The speaker says:
“Scratch them on your mirror, And read them day by day, And don’t forget to say them When you pray.”
Here, the speaker is taking an active role in the reader’s life. They are not just offering words of comfort; they are instructing the reader on how to use them. The use of the word “pray” is also significant, as it suggests a spiritual dimension to the poem. The speaker is not just offering practical advice; they are offering a path to spiritual enlightenment.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? What is Parker trying to tell us with this poem?
One interpretation is that she is offering a critique of the modern world. Parker lived in a time of great social upheaval, with two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the rise of fascism all taking place during her lifetime. Perhaps she saw these “words of comfort” as a way of coping with the chaos and uncertainty of the world.
Another interpretation is that she is offering a critique of traditional religion. The use of the word “pray” suggests a certain level of skepticism towards organized religion. Parker was known for her irreverent take on the world, and it’s possible that she saw these words as a way of providing comfort without relying on traditional religious institutions.
Finally, it’s possible that Parker is simply offering a message of hope and comfort to her readers. The fact that these words are meant to be “scratched on a mirror” suggests a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the speaker is imploring the reader to take action in order to find comfort and solace.
Conclusion
In the end, what makes “Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror” such a powerful poem is its universality. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, these words offer a message of hope and comfort. Whether you choose to scratch them onto a mirror, recite them in prayer, or simply keep them in your heart, these words have the power to heal and inspire. That, in the end, is what makes this poem so special.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Finding Comfort in Dorothy Parker's Poetry: An Analysis of "Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror"
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and biting humor. However, her poem "Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror" reveals a softer, more vulnerable side to her writing. In this poem, Parker offers words of comfort to those who may be struggling with self-doubt and insecurity. Through her use of language and imagery, Parker creates a powerful message of self-love and acceptance that resonates with readers to this day.
The Poem
Before diving into the analysis, let's take a look at the poem itself:
As I sit here,
Scratching in my pad,Trying to find
The words to be had,To tell you that life
Is a tough thing to face,That the path is all uphill,
And the pace is a race;That the violet fades,
And the rose withers too,And the sun sets at evening,
And the moon's lost its dew;That the tide ebbs away,
And the sand shifts below,And tomorrow's a mystery,
And today's a hard row;That the heart is a lonely hunter,
And the mind is a maze,And love, sweet love,
Is a thing of amaze;That the world's full of troubles,
And the sky's full of rain,But there's always a way out,
And it's called "scratch again."
At first glance, the poem may seem bleak and pessimistic. Parker lists various hardships and challenges that life presents, from the fading of flowers to the uncertainty of the future. However, the final line, "But there's always a way out, / And it's called 'scratch again,'" offers a glimmer of hope. The phrase "scratch again" can be interpreted in two ways: as a literal reference to scratching words on a mirror, or as a metaphor for perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Analysis
Parker's use of language and imagery in "Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror" is both powerful and poignant. Let's take a closer look at some of the key elements of the poem:
Repetition
Throughout the poem, Parker uses repetition to emphasize the challenges and difficulties of life. The phrases "life is a tough thing to face" and "the path is all uphill" are repeated, driving home the idea that life is not easy. Additionally, the repetition of "scratch again" at the end of each stanza reinforces the idea that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Metaphors
Parker employs several metaphors in the poem to convey the idea that life is full of ups and downs. The fading of flowers and the setting of the sun represent the inevitability of change and the passing of time. The shifting sand and the ebbing tide suggest that life is unpredictable and constantly in flux. The heart as a "lonely hunter" and the mind as a "maze" convey the idea that navigating one's own emotions and thoughts can be a difficult and isolating experience.
Tone
Despite the challenges she describes, Parker's tone throughout the poem is one of empathy and understanding. She acknowledges the difficulties of life, but also offers words of comfort and encouragement. The final line, "But there's always a way out, / And it's called 'scratch again,'" is particularly uplifting, suggesting that even when things seem hopeless, there is always a way to move forward.
Structure
The poem is structured in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, even as it describes the chaos and unpredictability of life. Additionally, the repetition of "scratch again" at the end of each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, driving the poem forward.
Interpretation
"Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of struggle and self-doubt. Parker's use of language and imagery creates a powerful message of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The poem encourages readers to keep going, even when life seems overwhelming.
The phrase "scratch again" can be interpreted in a number of ways. On a literal level, it refers to the act of scratching words on a mirror. However, it can also be seen as a metaphor for the process of self-discovery and self-improvement. Just as one must scratch away the surface of a mirror to reveal the words beneath, one must also scratch away at the surface of their own self-doubt and insecurity to reveal their true potential.
Ultimately, "Words of Comfort to Be Scratched on a Mirror" is a poem that offers hope and encouragement to those who may be struggling. Parker's message of resilience and perseverance is one that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, making this poem a timeless classic.
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