'The Whistling Girl' by Dorothy Parker
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Sunset RopeBack of my back, they talk of me,Gabble and honk and hiss;
Let them batten, and let them be-Me, I can sing them this:"Better to shiver beneath the stars,Head on a faithless breast,
Than peer at the night through rusted bars,And share an irksome rest."Better to see the dawn come up,Along of a trifling one,
Than set a steady man's cloth and cupAnd pray the day be done."Better be left by twenty dearsThan lie in a loveless bed;
Better a loaf that's wet with tearsThan cold, unsalted bread."Back of my back, they wag their chins,Whinny and bleat and sigh;
But better a heart a-bloom with sinsThan hearts gone yellow and dry!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Whistling Girl by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Irony
When it comes to poetry, there are some writers who can create magic with just a few words, and Dorothy Parker is one of those poets. One of her most famous poems, "The Whistling Girl," is a masterpiece of irony that speaks to the power of feminine rebellion and the limitations of societal expectations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the complex themes and techniques used by Parker to create this timeless work of art.
Overview of the Poem
"The Whistling Girl" is a short, four-stanza poem that uses a conversational tone to explore the idea of a woman who whistles as she walks down the street. The poem opens with the speaker noticing the girl and wondering why she's whistling. The second and third stanzas explore some of the societal expectations that women face and how the whistling girl is breaking those expectations. The final stanza concludes with the speaker declaring that they envy the girl for her freedom.
The Power of Irony
One of the most striking things about "The Whistling Girl" is the way that Parker uses irony to create meaning. On the surface, the poem seems to be a celebration of the whistling girl's freedom and rebellion. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Parker is using the girl's whistling as a way to highlight the limitations and expectations placed on women in society.
For example, in the second stanza, the speaker notes that "the woman is undone," implying that by whistling, the girl is somehow breaking down or unraveling the social fabric. However, in reality, it is the societal expectations placed on women that are being undone by the girl's whistling. Similarly, in the third stanza, the speaker notes that "she must be unattractive," implying that the girl's whistling is somehow unbecoming or unattractive. However, again, it is not the girl's behavior that is unattractive, but rather the societal expectations of what is appropriate behavior for women.
By using irony in this way, Parker is able to subvert expectations and create a powerful message about the limitations placed on women in society. The whistling girl becomes a symbol of feminine rebellion, a reminder that women do not have to conform to societal expectations in order to be happy and fulfilled.
The Use of Irony in Form
Not only does Parker use irony in the content of the poem, but she also uses it in the form. The poem is written in a simple, conversational tone, with short, choppy lines that mimic the rhythm of a whistle. This creates a sense of playfulness and levity, while also underscoring the irony of the situation. The girl's whistling is a simple, innocent act, yet it is imbued with a deeper meaning because of the societal expectations placed on women.
Additionally, Parker uses rhyme to create a sense of cohesion and structure in the poem. The rhyme scheme (ABCB) is simple and repetitive, yet it also creates a sense of momentum, driving the poem forward. This adds to the sense of irony, as the playful, whimsical form of the poem belies the deeper, more serious message that Parker is conveying.
The Theme of Feminine Rebellion
At its core, "The Whistling Girl" is a poem about feminine rebellion. The girl's whistling is a small act of defiance, a way of asserting her independence and rejecting the limitations placed on her by society. This theme is reinforced throughout the poem, as the speaker marvels at the girl's freedom and envies her ability to be herself without fear of judgment.
However, the poem also acknowledges the risks and challenges that come with feminine rebellion. The girl's whistling is seen as a threat to the social order, something that must be undone or suppressed. This tension between freedom and conformity is a common theme in Parker's work, and it is one that resonates with readers of all genders and backgrounds.
Conclusion
"The Whistling Girl" is a work of art that deftly combines irony, form, and theme to create a powerful message about feminine rebellion and the limitations of societal expectations. Through the use of irony, Parker subverts expectations and creates a deeper meaning that speaks to the struggles faced by women in society. By using a simple, conversational form, she adds to the irony and creates a sense of playfulness that underscores the seriousness of the poem's message. Ultimately, "The Whistling Girl" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire readers to question the status quo and strive for freedom and independence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Whistling Girl: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire
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, The Whistling Girl, is a classic example of her mastery of irony and satire. In this 16-line poem, Parker takes a seemingly innocuous act of whistling and turns it into a scathing critique of societal norms and gender roles.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Back of my back, they wag their chins." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker immediately establishes a sense of gossip and backbiting. The use of the phrase "back of my back" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the gossip but chooses to ignore it. This creates a sense of detachment and aloofness that is characteristic of Parker's writing.
The next line, "Some tiny whimper of life begins to gnaw at my very soul," introduces the central conflict of the poem. The speaker is bothered by the fact that she is being judged for whistling, which she sees as a harmless and innocent act. The use of the word "whimper" suggests that the criticism is petty and insignificant, while the phrase "gnaw at my very soul" implies that it is having a profound effect on the speaker's emotional state.
The third and fourth lines, "I feel like a criminal, down in my bones," further emphasize the speaker's sense of guilt and shame. The use of the word "criminal" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the act of whistling is being treated as a serious offense. This is an example of Parker's use of hyperbole, as she exaggerates the severity of the situation to make a point about societal norms.
The fifth and sixth lines, "They smile like lynx, they chatter like swallows," introduce the characters who are judging the speaker. The use of animal imagery is effective here, as it creates a sense of predatory behavior and mindless chatter. The comparison to lynx suggests that the judgment is calculated and deliberate, while the comparison to swallows implies that it is superficial and meaningless.
The seventh and eighth lines, "They yowl like cats in a alley," continue the animal imagery and reinforce the sense of aggression and hostility. The use of the word "yowl" is particularly effective, as it suggests a primal and instinctual response to the speaker's behavior.
The ninth and tenth lines, "It's only human nature, I'm sure; but it's not my nature," introduce the speaker's perspective on the situation. The use of the phrase "only human nature" is ironic, as it suggests that the behavior of the characters is natural and inevitable, while the speaker's behavior is abnormal and unnatural. This is an example of Parker's use of reversal, as she turns the societal norm on its head and presents the speaker's behavior as the more rational and reasonable option.
The eleventh and twelfth lines, "I don't know how to tune a violin, but I might, if I tried," introduce the idea of self-improvement. The use of the violin as a metaphor for life is effective here, as it suggests that the speaker is capable of learning and growing, even if she doesn't know how to do something at first. This is an example of Parker's use of optimism, as she suggests that the speaker can overcome the judgment of others and improve herself.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines, "So I whistle and whistle, and whistle and whistle, and whistle and whistle and whistle," reinforce the central conflict of the poem and emphasize the speaker's determination to be herself. The repetition of the word "whistle" is effective here, as it creates a sense of defiance and persistence.
The fifteenth and sixteenth lines, "And nobody knows I'm a soul in pain, and nobody knows but me," bring the poem to a close and emphasize the speaker's sense of isolation and loneliness. The use of the phrase "soul in pain" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the speaker is suffering emotionally as a result of the judgment of others. This creates a sense of empathy and sympathy for the speaker, and reinforces the idea that societal norms can be oppressive and damaging.
Overall, The Whistling Girl is a masterpiece of irony and satire. Parker's use of animal imagery, hyperbole, reversal, and optimism creates a powerful critique of societal norms and gender roles. The poem is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer and her ability to use language to convey complex ideas and emotions. It is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today, and is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, literature, or social commentary.
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