'Words Of Comfort To Be Scratched On A Mirror' by Dorothy Parker


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Helen 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 Deep Dive into Dorothy Parker's World of Sarcasm and Irony

Are you one of those people who love to scribble cryptic messages and quotes on mirrors? Do you ever wonder what it would be like to wake up every morning and look at a mirror that offers you words of solace and comfort? If you're nodding your head, then it's time for you to peel your eyes off that computer screen and delve deep into the world of Dorothy Parker's poetry.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at Parker's poem "Words of Comfort to be Scratched on a Mirror" and analyze its themes, literary devices, and overall impact on the reader. From the use of irony and sarcasm to the exploration of existential dread, this poem is a masterpiece that demands attention and reflection.

Background Information

Before we dive into the poem, it's essential to understand the context that surrounds Parker's life and works. Dorothy Parker was an American writer, poet, and critic who lived from 1893 until 1967. She was known for her wit, satire, and sharp-tongued commentary on the social and political issues of her time.

Parker belonged to a group of writers and intellectuals known as the "Algonquin Round Table." This group would gather at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City and engage in witty banter, wordplay, and literary discussions. Parker's poetry reflected the ethos of this group, and her writing style was characterized by its use of irony, sarcasm, and dark humor.

Analysis of the Poem

"Words of Comfort to be Scratched on a Mirror" is a short but powerful poem that captures Parker's signature style of writing. The poem consists of six lines, each offering a different message that could be scratched onto a mirror. Let's take a closer look at each line and its significance.

As I sit and scratch with care,
"I am a bald and ugly bear."
"A bird can love but once a year."
"The more I love, the more I fear."
"I am a disappointment to myself."
"The world is getting worse, not better."

Line 1

The first line of the poem sets the tone for what's to come. "As I sit and scratch with care" suggests a deliberate and purposeful act of scratching words onto a mirror. The speaker is taking her time to craft a message that has meaning and significance. This line also establishes a sense of intimacy between the reader and the speaker. It's as if the speaker is confiding in the reader, sharing a personal act that she engages in regularly.

Line 2

"I am a bald and ugly bear" is a stark and brutal statement. The use of animal imagery is significant here because it emphasizes the speaker's vulnerability and lack of control over her appearance. The choice of a bear is also interesting because it's an animal that's often associated with strength and power. By juxtaposing the words "bald" and "ugly" with "bear," the speaker highlights her own sense of inadequacy and weakness.

Line 3

"A bird can love but once a year" is a reference to the mating habits of certain bird species. The speaker is suggesting that humans are incapable of such single-minded devotion and that our love is fickle and fleeting. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's sense of disillusionment and disappointment with human relationships.

Line 4

"The more I love, the more I fear" is a profound statement that captures the existential dread that many people experience. The speaker is suggesting that love is not a source of comfort but rather a source of anxiety and fear. This line is significant because it speaks to the universal experience of human emotion and the constant struggle to find balance and peace.

Line 5

"I am a disappointment to myself" is a line that captures the speaker's sense of self-loathing and dissatisfaction. The use of the first-person pronoun "I" emphasizes the personal nature of this statement. The speaker is not just disappointed in the world or other people; she's disappointed in herself. This line is significant because it speaks to the universal experience of self-doubt and the constant struggle to live up to our own expectations.

Line 6

"The world is getting worse, not better" is a cynical and pessimistic statement that captures Parker's overall worldview. The use of the word "world" suggests a global perspective, and the choice of the word "worse" emphasizes the speaker's sense of despair and hopelessness. This line is significant because it speaks to the universal experience of disillusionment and the constant struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.

Literary Devices

Parker's use of literary devices in this poem is masterful. Let's take a closer look at some of the key devices she employs.

Irony

The use of irony is pervasive throughout the poem. From the use of animal imagery to the statements of self-doubt and disillusionment, Parker is constantly subverting our expectations and creating a sense of dissonance. For example, the line "I am a bald and ugly bear" is ironic because it juxtaposes the powerful image of a bear with the sense of vulnerability and weakness that comes with baldness and ugliness.

Sarcasm

Parker's use of sarcasm is also prominent in this poem. The entire premise of scratching words onto a mirror is a sarcastic commentary on the idea of finding comfort in platitudes and cliches. The line "The world is getting worse, not better" is a sarcastic commentary on the idea of progress and the belief that things will eventually get better.

Imagery

Parker's use of animal imagery is significant in this poem. By comparing herself to a bear and referencing the mating habits of birds, she's creating a sense of connection between humans and the natural world. This use of imagery also emphasizes the speaker's sense of vulnerability and lack of control over her own life.

Repetition

The repetition of the first-person pronoun "I" throughout the poem is significant. It emphasizes the personal nature of the statements and highlights the speaker's sense of isolation and disconnection from the world around her.

Conclusion

"Words of Comfort to be Scratched on a Mirror" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of Dorothy Parker's writing style. From the use of irony and sarcasm to the exploration of existential dread, this poem is a masterpiece that demands attention and reflection. Parker's use of literary devices is masterful, and her ability to capture the universal experience of human emotion is unparalleled.

If you're looking for a poem that will challenge your worldview and make you question the nature of human existence, then look no further than "Words of Comfort to be Scratched on a Mirror." It's a poem that will stay with you long after you've scratched its words onto your mirror.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Words of Comfort to be Scratched on a Mirror: A Poem Analysis

Dorothy Parker, a renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her witty and satirical writing style. Her poem, "Words of Comfort to be Scratched on a Mirror," is a perfect example of her unique style. The poem is a short but powerful piece that speaks to the human condition of self-doubt and the need for reassurance.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader directly, saying, "As I sit here, serene and contented, / Alone in my room in the dark." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a message of comfort and reassurance. The speaker is calm and at peace, and she wants to share that feeling with the reader.

The next line, "Words of comfort to be scratched on a mirror," is the title of the poem and the central message. The speaker is suggesting that the reader write these words on their mirror, so they can see them every day and be reminded of the comfort they bring. The idea of scratching the words on the mirror is significant because it implies that the words are permanent and cannot be easily erased.

The first line of the poem is followed by a series of short, simple phrases that offer comfort and reassurance. "Cheer up. / The worst is yet to come." This line is a classic example of Parker's wit and humor. The phrase "cheer up" is a common expression used to comfort someone who is feeling down, but the second part of the line, "the worst is yet to come," is unexpected and humorous. It suggests that things may be bad now, but they could always be worse.

The next line, "My love, you are in danger," is a more serious message. It suggests that the reader is in danger of losing themselves to their own self-doubt and negative thoughts. The speaker is urging the reader to take action and not let their doubts consume them.

The next few lines of the poem offer more words of comfort and reassurance. "Trust me. / I know whereof I speak. / It is not life that's complicated, / It's the struggle to try to understand it." These lines suggest that the speaker has experience with the struggles of life and understands the difficulties of trying to make sense of it all. The message is that life itself is not complicated, but our attempts to understand it can be.

The final lines of the poem offer a message of hope and encouragement. "Our days are happier / When we give people a bit of our heart / Rather than a piece of our mind." This line suggests that we should focus on giving love and kindness to others rather than being critical or negative. It is a message of hope that suggests that we can make the world a better place by being kind to others.

Overall, "Words of Comfort to be Scratched on a Mirror" is a powerful and uplifting poem that offers comfort and reassurance to those who may be struggling with self-doubt and negative thoughts. The poem's simple language and short phrases make it easy to understand and remember, and the message is one that can be applied to anyone's life. The poem is a reminder that we can find peace and happiness in the midst of life's struggles if we focus on love, kindness, and understanding.

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