'Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song' by Dorothy Parker


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Death and Taxes1931There's many and many, and not so far,Is willing to dry my tears away;
There's many to tell me what you are,And never a lie to all they say.It's little the good to hide my head,It's never the use to bar my door;
There's many as counts the tears I shed,There's mourning hearts for my heart isThere's honester eyes than your blue eyes,There's better a mile than such as you.
But when did I say that I was wise,And when did I hope that you were true?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song: A Critical Analysis

The art of poetry is one that requires a masterful command of language and form. However, there are instances when breaking the rules of grammar and syntax can elevate a poem to a level of artistry that is truly exceptional. One such example is Dorothy Parker's "Poetry, Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song." In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

Background

Dorothy Parker was an American poet, short story writer, critic, and satirist who lived from 1893 to 1967. She was known for her wit and cleverness, which were evident in all her works. Her poetry, in particular, was characterized by its sharp and witty commentary on society and relationships. Parker's "Poetry, Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" was first published in 1926 in the New Yorker, and it remains one of her most popular poems to this day.

Structure and Form

One of the most striking things about Parker's "Poetry, Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is its unconventional structure and form. The poem is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme or meter. Additionally, the poem is purposely ungrammatical, with Parker intentionally breaking the rules of grammar and syntax to create a unique and unusual effect.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple love song, with the speaker expressing their love for their significant other in unconventional and humorous ways. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper meaning and message.

Interpretation

The poem opens with the lines:

Whenas my love, my love and I
Whisper together, softly, sweet,
Beneath the tall old whispering tree,
Whenas my love and I do meet;

These lines immediately set the tone for the poem, with the speaker using archaic and poetic language to create a sense of intimacy and romance. The use of the word "whenas" instead of "when" emphasizes the poetic nature of the poem and creates a sense of timelessness.

The next few stanzas of the poem are filled with intentionally ungrammatical phrases, such as "My love she walks with velvet feet," and "A hundred thousand million things / Bright gold, and burning bright." These phrases serve to create a sense of whimsy and humor, as well as to highlight the speaker's unconventional and playful nature.

However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to it than just a simple love song. The line "My love has eyes like April skies" is followed by "And lips as bright as May." This juxtaposition of spring imagery creates a sense of contrast and foreshadows the poem's darker turn.

The poem's climax comes in the final stanza, where the speaker imagines a future where they and their lover are no longer together:

And when we meet again, my love,
Our hands will softly touch and cling,
And we will murmur tenderly
Of long remembered everything.

These lines are poignant and melancholic, with the speaker acknowledging the impermanence of love and the inevitability of separation. However, the poem ends on a hopeful note, with the speaker imagining a future reunion with their lover and the possibility of a new beginning.

Significance

Parker's "Poetry, Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a masterful example of the art of poetry, with Parker breaking the rules of grammar and syntax to create a unique and evocative effect. Additionally, the poem is a commentary on the nature of love and relationships, with the speaker acknowledging both the joy and pain that come with loving another person.

The poem is also significant for its use of language and imagery. Parker's skillful use of archaic and poetic language creates a sense of timelessness and intimacy, while her use of spring imagery and contrast highlights the fleeting and ephemeral nature of love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Poetry, Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is a masterpiece of poetry that defies convention and expectation. Through her use of unconventional structure and intentionally ungrammatical phrasing, Parker creates a unique and memorable work that explores the nature of love and relationships. The poem is a testament to Parker's skill as a poet and her ability to create works that are both witty and insightful.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song: A Masterpiece of Literary Rebellion

Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, was known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and rebellious spirit. Her poetry, in particular, was a reflection of her unconventional style and her refusal to conform to the norms of her time. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song," is a perfect example of her literary rebellion and her mastery of language.

The poem, which was first published in 1926, is a love song that deliberately breaks the rules of grammar and syntax. It is a playful and witty exploration of the power of language and the ways in which it can be manipulated to express complex emotions. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The Structure of the Poem

"Poetry Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is a short poem, consisting of only six lines. However, despite its brevity, the poem is rich in meaning and literary devices. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. Instead, the poem relies on the repetition of certain words and phrases to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.

The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of four lines and the second stanza consisting of two lines. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the tone of the poem, while the second stanza delivers the punchline and the central message of the poem.

The Themes of the Poem

At its core, "Poetry Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is a love poem. However, it is not a conventional love poem that celebrates the beauty and perfection of love. Instead, it is a love poem that revels in imperfection and celebrates the messy, complicated, and imperfect nature of love.

The poem is also a commentary on the power of language and the ways in which it can be manipulated to express complex emotions. By deliberately breaking the rules of grammar and syntax, Parker is challenging the conventional notions of what poetry should be and what it should sound like. She is showing that language is not a fixed and rigid thing, but rather a fluid and malleable tool that can be shaped and molded to suit the needs of the speaker.

The Literary Devices Used in the Poem

"Poetry Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is a masterclass in the use of literary devices. Parker employs a variety of techniques to create a sense of rhythm, musicality, and playfulness in the poem.

One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is repetition. Parker repeats certain words and phrases throughout the poem, such as "ain't," "got," and "love." This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, and also emphasizes the central themes of imperfection and messiness.

Another literary device used in the poem is the deliberate breaking of grammatical rules. Parker uses double negatives, incorrect verb tenses, and other grammatical errors to create a sense of playfulness and rebellion in the poem. This technique also serves to emphasize the central message of the poem, which is that love is messy and imperfect, and cannot be constrained by the rules of grammar and syntax.

The poem also employs imagery and metaphor to convey its message. Parker uses the metaphor of a "crooked heart" to describe the imperfect nature of love, and the image of a "broken wing" to convey the sense of vulnerability and fragility that comes with loving someone.

The Central Message of the Poem

At its core, "Poetry Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is a celebration of imperfection and messiness. Parker is showing that love is not a perfect and pristine thing, but rather a messy and complicated emotion that cannot be constrained by the rules of grammar and syntax. By deliberately breaking these rules, Parker is showing that language is a fluid and malleable tool that can be shaped and molded to suit the needs of the speaker.

The poem is also a commentary on the power of language and the ways in which it can be used to express complex emotions. Parker is showing that language is not a fixed and rigid thing, but rather a fluid and malleable tool that can be shaped and molded to suit the needs of the speaker. By breaking the rules of grammar and syntax, Parker is challenging the conventional notions of what poetry should be and what it should sound like.

Conclusion

"Poetry Purposely Ungrammatical Love Song" is a masterpiece of literary rebellion. It is a love poem that celebrates imperfection and messiness, and challenges the conventional notions of what poetry should be. By deliberately breaking the rules of grammar and syntax, Parker is showing that language is a fluid and malleable tool that can be shaped and molded to suit the needs of the speaker. This poem is a testament to Parker's mastery of language and her rebellious spirit, and it continues to inspire and delight readers to this day.

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