'Fable' by Dorothy Parker
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Sunset GunOh, there once was a lady, and so I've been told,
Whose lover grew weary, whose lover grew cold.
"My child," he remarked, "though our episode ends,
In the manner of men, I suggest we be friends."
And the truest of friends ever after they were-
Oh, they lied in their teeth when they told me of her!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation of Dorothy Parker’s “Poetry, Fable”
Dorothy Parker’s famous poem “Poetry, Fable” is a prime example of her ability to craft sharp, witty, and thought-provoking verses. The poem, which is only eight lines long, explores the concept of poetry and the role it plays in shaping our reality. Parker’s clever wordplay, use of metaphor, and juxtaposition of images make this short poem a work of literary genius.
Historical Context
Before delving into the intricacies of the poem, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Dorothy Parker was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers, critics, and actors that met regularly in the Algonquin Hotel in New York City during the 1920s. The group was known for its sharp wit, cutting humor, and clever banter, and Parker was one of its most prominent members.
During this time, modernist literature was on the rise, and writers were experimenting with new forms and styles of writing. Parker’s poetry, which often used traditional forms such as sonnets and ballads, was a departure from this trend. However, her clever wordplay and use of humor made her work stand out and helped establish her as one of the most popular writers of the time.
Analysis
Now, let’s take a closer look at the poem itself. In “Poetry, Fable,” Parker uses the format of a fable to explore the idea that poetry has the power to shape our reality.
I, too, shall lie in the dust when I am dead.
But now let us dance, for the night is brief.
The last, the very last,
So deck yourself in sorrow
And go with bowed head,
I bring ye good tidings of great joy.
The first line of the poem, “I, too, shall lie in the dust when I am dead,” sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It is a reminder that we are all mortal and that death is inevitable. However, rather than dwelling on this fact, Parker quickly moves on to the next line, “But now let us dance, for the night is brief.” This is a call to enjoy life while we can, to make the most of the time we have.
The use of the word “dance” is significant here. It is a joyful, celebratory activity, one that is associated with happiness and freedom. By urging us to dance, Parker is suggesting that we should embrace life and enjoy it to the fullest.
The next three lines of the poem are a direct reference to the fable of the fox and the grapes. In this fable, a fox tries to reach a bunch of grapes that are hanging from a tree. When he realizes he cannot reach them, he declares that they are probably sour anyway and that he doesn’t want them.
Parker’s version of this fable is slightly different. She writes, “The last, the very last, / So deck yourself in sorrow / And go with bowed head.” Here, she is suggesting that we often convince ourselves that something is not worth having when we cannot attain it. We convince ourselves that it is somehow undesirable, even though we cannot have it.
The final two lines of the poem are a complete departure from the rest of the piece. Parker writes, “I bring ye good tidings of great joy.” This is a reference to the Gospel of Luke, in which an angel announces to the shepherds that a savior has been born. The use of this phrase is unexpected and adds a layer of complexity to the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dorothy Parker’s “Poetry, Fable” is a master class in brevity and wit. Through her use of metaphor, wordplay, and juxtaposition of images, Parker explores the power of poetry to shape our perception of reality. The poem is a reminder to embrace life and enjoy it to the fullest, even in the face of our mortality.
The unexpected reference to the Gospel of Luke adds a layer of complexity to the poem and raises questions about the role that religion and spirituality play in shaping our understanding of the world. Ultimately, “Poetry, Fable” is a testament to Parker’s skill as a writer and her ability to pack a punch in just eight short lines.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dorothy Parker's Poetry Fable is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a short but powerful poem that tells a story of a bird who is trapped in a cage and longs to be free. The poem is a metaphor for the human condition and the struggle for freedom and self-expression.
The poem begins with the bird in the cage, looking out at the world beyond. The bird is described as being "bright" and "gay," but also "sad" and "lonely." This contrast between the bird's appearance and its emotional state sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The bird longs to be free, to fly away and explore the world outside the cage. It sings a beautiful song, hoping that someone will hear it and set it free. But no one comes, and the bird remains trapped.
The poem then takes a dark turn, as the bird begins to lose hope. It stops singing and becomes resigned to its fate. The bird's once-bright feathers become dull and lifeless, and it no longer has the energy to try to escape.
But then, in a surprising twist, the bird is suddenly set free. The poem ends with the bird flying away, free at last.
So what does this poem mean? On the surface, it is a simple story about a bird trapped in a cage. But on a deeper level, it is a metaphor for the human condition. We all have a desire for freedom and self-expression, but we are often held back by societal norms and expectations.
The bird in the poem represents the human spirit, which longs to be free but is trapped by the constraints of society. The cage represents the limitations that we place on ourselves and that others place on us. The bird's song represents our desire to express ourselves and be heard, but often we are ignored or silenced.
The poem's message is clear: we must break free from the cages that hold us back and pursue our dreams and passions. We must not let the world around us dictate who we are or what we can achieve.
The poem also speaks to the power of hope and perseverance. Even when the bird had lost all hope, it was suddenly set free. This is a reminder that we should never give up, even when things seem hopeless. We never know what the future holds, and sometimes the most unexpected things can happen.
In terms of literary analysis, the poem is a masterful example of metaphor and symbolism. The bird and the cage are both powerful symbols that represent complex ideas and emotions. The use of contrast, such as the bird's bright feathers and sad demeanor, adds depth and complexity to the poem.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, which reinforces its message of breaking free from constraints.
In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's Poetry Fable is a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the human experience. Its message of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of freedom and self-expression is as relevant today as it was when it was written. The poem's use of metaphor and symbolism, as well as its structure, make it a masterful example of poetic craft. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.
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