'Now At Liberty' by Dorothy Parker
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Little white love, your way you've taken;
Now I am left alone, alone.
Little white love, my heart's forsaken.
(Whom shall I get by telephone?)
Well do I know there's no returning;
Once you go out, it's done, it's done.
All of my days are gray with yearning.
(Nevertheless, a girl needs fun.)
Little white love, perplexed and weary,
Sadly your banner fluttered down.
Sullen the days, and dreary, dreary.
(Which of the boys is still in town?)
Radiant and sure, you came a-flying;
Puzzled, you left on lagging feet.
Slow in my breast, my heart is dying.
(Nevertheless, a girl must eat.)
Little white love, I hailed you gladly;
Now I must wave you out of sight.
Ah, but you used me badly, badly.
(Who'd like to take me out tonight?)
All of the blundering words I've spoken,
Little white love, forgive, forgive.
Once you went out, my heart fell, broken.
(Nevertheless, a girl must live.)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Now at Liberty: A Critical Analysis
Dorothy Parker's "Now at Liberty" is a poem that speaks volumes about the struggle of human existence. The poem, published in 1922, is a reflection of the author's personal experience of life, love, and loss. It is a piece that strikes a chord with the reader long after they have finished reading it.
At first glance, the poem seems to be about a woman who has finally found freedom after being confined in a relationship. However, as we delve deeper into the piece, it becomes clear that the poem is a cry for help from a woman who has been hurt by love.
Form and Structure
The poem is structured into three stanzas. The first two stanzas have four lines each, while the final stanza has five. The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not follow a set rhyme or meter scheme. The lack of structure mirrors the chaotic nature of the narrator's emotions.
Interpretation
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. "I am free of all the things I do not want" is a statement of liberation. The narrator has broken free from the constraints of her former relationship and is now able to live life on her own terms. However, the line "The things I do not want are me" is a stark reminder that the narrator's problems are not just external but internal as well. She is struggling to come to terms with who she is and what she wants out of life.
The second stanza is a reflection of the pain the narrator has endured. "The hurt is over" is a statement of relief. However, the line "The bruise is in the heart" suggests that the emotional scars of the past are still present. The narrator's heart has been broken, and the pain is still fresh in her mind. The line "The world is ready for me" is a call to action. The narrator is ready to move on from the past and start living in the present.
The final stanza is a reflection of the narrator's newfound freedom. The line "I am at liberty" is a statement of empowerment. The narrator is no longer confined by the expectations of others and is able to live life on her own terms. The line "My heart is still aching" suggests that the pain of the past is still present, but the narrator is no longer defined by it. The final line "I am singing" is a symbol of hope. The narrator has found joy in the present and is looking forward to the future.
Themes
The poem touches on several themes that are relevant to modern society. The first theme is that of freedom. The narrator has broken free from the constraints of her former relationship and is now able to live life on her own terms. This theme is relevant to modern society, where many individuals are breaking free from the expectations of society and living life on their own terms.
The second theme is that of pain. The narrator has been hurt by love, and the pain is still present. This theme is relevant to modern society, where many individuals are struggling to come to terms with the pain of the past.
The final theme is that of hope. The narrator has found joy in the present and is looking forward to the future. This theme is relevant to modern society, where many individuals are looking for hope in the face of uncertainty.
Conclusion
"Now at Liberty" is a powerful poem that speaks to the struggle of human existence. The poem's structure mirrors the chaotic nature of the narrator's emotions, while the themes of freedom, pain, and hope are relevant to modern society. The poem is a reminder that while the pain of the past may still be present, there is always hope for the future.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Now At Liberty: A Poem of Freedom and Liberation
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, was known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and incisive commentary on the human condition. Her poem "Now At Liberty" is a powerful and poignant exploration of the theme of freedom and liberation, and it remains a classic of modern poetry.
The poem begins with a simple and direct statement: "I have been freed." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the speaker's newfound freedom and independence. The speaker goes on to describe the various ways in which she has been liberated, both physically and emotionally.
The first stanza of the poem focuses on the physical aspects of freedom. The speaker describes how she has been "unlocked" from her "prison" and is now free to "walk the streets" and "breathe the air." This imagery is powerful and evocative, as it conveys the sense of confinement and restriction that the speaker has been freed from. The use of the word "prison" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the speaker's previous state was one of captivity and oppression.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the emotional aspects of freedom. The speaker describes how she is now free to "laugh and sing" and "dance and play." This imagery is joyful and exuberant, and it conveys the sense of liberation and release that the speaker is experiencing. The use of the word "play" is particularly significant, as it suggests a childlike sense of freedom and spontaneity.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful and poignant. The speaker describes how she is now free to "love and hate" and "feel and think." This imagery is deeply emotional and complex, as it suggests that the speaker's previous state was one of emotional repression and denial. The use of the word "hate" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the speaker is now free to express even the most negative and difficult emotions.
The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of physical and emotional freedom together. The speaker describes how she is now free to "live and die" and "be." This imagery is profound and existential, as it suggests that the speaker's previous state was one of existential confinement and limitation. The use of the word "be" is particularly significant, as it suggests that the speaker is now free to exist in the fullest sense of the word.
Overall, "Now At Liberty" is a powerful and poignant exploration of the theme of freedom and liberation. The poem is notable for its evocative imagery, its emotional depth, and its existential significance. It remains a classic of modern poetry, and it continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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