'Finis' by Dorothy Parker

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Enough Rope1926Now it's over, and now it's done;
Why does everything look the same?
Just as bright, the unheeding sun, --
Can't it see that the parting came?
People hurry and work and swear,
Laugh and grumble and die and wed,
Ponder what they will eat and wear, --
Don't they know that our love is dead?Just as busy, the crowded street;
Cars and wagons go rolling on,
Children chuckle, and lovers meet, --
Don't they know that our love is gone?
No one pauses to pay a tear;
None walks slow, for the love that's through, --
I might mention, my recent dear,
I've reverted to normal, too.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Critical Analysis of Dorothy Parker's Finis

Dorothy Parker is a renowned American writer, poet, and critic of the twentieth century. Her works have been celebrated for their wit, irony, and dark humor. In "Finis," Parker writes a poem that explores the theme of death and the inevitability of its arrival. At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple and straightforward piece of writing. However, a deeper reading reveals a complex layering of imagery, metaphor, and allusion that conveys the poet's message in a profound and poignant way.

Structure and Form

The poem is composed of six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The consistent structure and form reflect the inevitability and inescapability of death that is the central theme of the poem. The use of rhyme and meter also creates a musical quality to the poem, which adds to its impact and reinforces its message.

Imagery and Metaphor

Parker's use of imagery and metaphor is one of the most striking features of the poem. The opening lines, "I am standing upon the seashore. / A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze / and starts for the blue ocean" (lines 1-3), create a vivid image of a ship setting sail. The ship is a metaphor for the journey of life, and the seashore represents the beginning of that journey. The white sails and the morning breeze suggest hope and optimism at the outset of life.

In the second stanza, the ship disappears from view, and the mood shifts to one of uncertainty and fear. The poet writes, "Gone where? / Gone from my sight - that is all. / She is just as large in mast and hull and spar / as she was when she left my side" (lines 5-8). The disappearing ship represents the unknown destination of death, and the speaker's fear of what lies ahead. The ship's size and strength suggest the inevitability and power of death.

The third stanza continues to explore the theme of death and its finality. The poet writes, "And just at the moment when someone at my side says, / 'There, she is gone!' / There are other eyes watching her coming, / and other voices ready to take up the glad shout" (lines 9-12). The use of the word "someone" suggests the anonymity and insignificance of human life in the face of death. The "other eyes" and "other voices" suggest the continuity of life and the inevitability of death for all.

In the fourth stanza, the poet shifts to a more personal tone, writing, "Weep not for me." The speaker addresses those who may mourn their passing, urging them not to grieve. The poet writes, "I have just slipped away into the next room. / Nothing has happened" (lines 13-14). The use of the metaphor of slipping into the next room suggests a peaceful and gentle passing, but also implies a sense of detachment and distance from those left behind.

The fifth stanza returns to the image of the ship, now arriving at its destination. The poet writes, "All is well." The ship has reached its final port, and the speaker suggests that the journey was a success. The use of the phrase "all is well" reinforces the idea of the inevitability of death and the finality of its arrival.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful piece of writing that conveys the poet's central message. Parker writes, "Nothing is past; nothing is lost. / One brief moment and all will be as it was before. / How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!" (lines 21-24). The use of repetition in the opening lines reinforces the idea that death is not an end, but a continuation of life. The final two lines evoke a sense of hope and joy, suggesting that death is not something to be feared, but a reunion with those who have gone before.

Allusion and Context

The poem also contains several allusions that add depth and meaning to its message. For example, the opening lines contain a reference to the poem "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson. The use of the ship as a metaphor for life and death is also reminiscent of the biblical story of Jonah and the whale. These allusions connect the poem to a broader literary and cultural context, and highlight the universality of its themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's "Finis" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the theme of death and the inevitability of its arrival. Through its use of imagery, metaphor, and allusion, the poem conveys a message of hope and continuity in the face of mortality. The poem's structure and form, combined with its musical quality, create a profound impact that lingers long after the reading is finished. Parker's skill as a writer and poet are on full display in this remarkable piece of writing, which stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Finis: 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 "Poetry Finis" is a masterpiece of irony and satire, which exposes the pretensions and clichés of the literary world while celebrating the power of authentic expression.

The poem begins with a sarcastic tone, as Parker mocks the conventional wisdom that poetry is a noble and lofty pursuit, reserved for the elite and the refined. She writes:

I, too, shall lie in the dust when I'm dead, But now let us dance, for a rhyme I have said.

This opening couplet sets the stage for the poem's central theme: the contrast between the transience of life and the enduring beauty of art. Parker suggests that while we all share the same fate of mortality, we can still find joy and meaning in the creative act of making poetry.

The next stanza continues the ironic tone, as Parker skewers the clichés and platitudes that often pass for poetry in the popular imagination. She writes:

The poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese.

This line is a classic example of Parker's wit and humor, as she pokes fun at the grandiose and self-important language that many poets use to describe mundane objects or experiences. By highlighting the absurdity of this kind of writing, Parker invites us to question our assumptions about what makes poetry valuable or meaningful.

The third stanza takes a more serious turn, as Parker reflects on the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience and emotion. She writes:

This is not a poem, just something I'm trying on, Because I'm afraid to tell you that I'm afraid you're gone.

Here, Parker reveals her vulnerability and her fear of losing someone she loves. By admitting her own emotional fragility, she invites us to connect with our own feelings of loss and longing, and to recognize the universal human experience that poetry can express.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Parker returns to the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. She writes:

So I'll just say good-bye, as I'm saying it yet, For the end of a poem's the hardest part to get.

This closing couplet is a masterful example of Parker's ironic and self-aware style, as she acknowledges the difficulty of ending a poem while also suggesting that the real challenge is to live fully in the present moment, even as we face the inevitability of our own mortality.

Overall, "Poetry Finis" is a brilliant and thought-provoking poem that challenges our assumptions about what poetry is and what it can do. By using irony, satire, and self-reflection, Parker invites us to question our own beliefs and to embrace the power of authentic expression, even in the face of our own mortality. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to inspire and delight.

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