'Distance' by Dorothy Parker
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Were you to cross the world, my dear,
To work or love or fight,
I could be calm and wistful here,
And close my eyes at night.
It were a sweet and gallant pain
To be a sea apart;
But, oh, to have you down the lane
Is bitter to my heart.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Distance: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Dorothy Parker's poem "Distance" is a powerful expression of loss, longing, and the emotional disconnection between two people who were once close. Through vivid imagery, stark contrasts, and poignant language, the poet captures the painful reality of a relationship that has faded away, leaving only a sense of emptiness and isolation.
Understanding the Poem
At first glance, "Distance" appears to be a simple poem about the physical distance between two people who are no longer together. The opening lines, "I love you, sweet, / But oh! The pain of it / Is that you are not here with me," seem to suggest that the poet is speaking to a lover who is far away.
However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that the distance between the speaker and the object of her affection is not just geographical. It is a distance of the heart, a gulf that cannot be bridged by mere physical proximity.
The second stanza of the poem emphasizes this point, as the speaker describes the stark contrast between her own feelings and those of her former lover:
Your body is a horizon
I have not reached,
Your eyes are a legend
I have not read,
Your lips are a country
I have not visited.
Here, the poet uses metaphor to convey the sense of emotional separation between the two individuals. The lover's body represents a distant horizon, something that is out of reach and unattainable. His eyes are a legend, a story that the speaker has not yet heard. His lips are a foreign country, a place that she has not yet visited.
This contrast between distance and proximity, between the speaker's longing and the lover's detachment, is the driving force of the poem. Throughout the rest of the piece, Parker continues to explore this theme, using powerful language and vivid imagery to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions.
Analysis of the Poem
One of the most striking features of "Distance" is its use of contrast. Throughout the poem, Parker juxtaposes images of closeness and intimacy with images of distance and separation. This creates a sense of tension and conflict, as the speaker struggles to reconcile her own feelings with the reality of the situation.
For example, in the third stanza, the speaker describes the memory of a moment when she and her lover were close:
I remember a gypsy told me,
"Your lover is dead,"
And I bowed my head in silence
While my heart stood still and bled.
Here, the poet uses the image of a gypsy (a traditional symbol of romanticism and passion) to evoke the sense of closeness that the speaker once felt with her lover. However, this sense of intimacy is immediately undercut by the revelation that the lover is dead, a metaphor that suggests that their relationship is already over.
Similarly, in the final stanza, Parker contrasts the beauty and vibrancy of the world around her with the emptiness and isolation that she feels inside:
The world is round, so strange and wide
And life is fleeting by,
And you and I know what it is
To be too soon grown old to die.
Here, the poet uses the image of the world as a vast and wondrous place to emphasize the sense of loss and disconnection that the speaker feels. Despite the beauty and richness of the world around her, she is still alone and disconnected from the person she loves.
Overall, "Distance" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and longing. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and stark contrasts, the poem captures the complex emotions and contradictions of a fading relationship, leaving the reader with a sense of profound sadness and empathy for the speaker's plight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Distance" by Dorothy Parker is a timeless and poignant poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and longing. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and stark contrasts, the poem captures the complex emotions and contradictions of a fading relationship, leaving the reader with a sense of profound sadness and empathy for the speaker's plight.
Whether you are experiencing the pain of a lost love yourself or simply appreciating the beauty and power of Parker's words, "Distance" is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. So take a moment to savor its language and imagery, and let yourself be swept away by the raw emotion and profound beauty of this timeless work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Distance by Dorothy Parker: A Poem of Love and Longing
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and insightful observations on life and love. Her poem "Distance" is a poignant and powerful expression of the pain and longing that comes with being separated from a loved one. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and delve into its deeper meanings and implications.
The poem "Distance" consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The structure is simple and straightforward, but the emotions conveyed are complex and profound. The poem begins with the speaker expressing her desire to be close to her beloved, to feel his presence and touch:
"Distance, a long and lonely road, Where I walk with trembling feet, To be with you, my heart's abode, And feel your hand in mine, so sweet."
The first line sets the tone for the entire poem, as the word "distance" immediately conveys a sense of separation and isolation. The speaker describes this distance as a "long and lonely road," emphasizing the difficulty and hardship of being apart from her beloved. The use of the word "trembling" in the second line suggests that the speaker is anxious and fearful about the journey ahead, unsure of what obstacles she may encounter along the way.
The third line reveals the true motivation behind the speaker's journey: to be with her beloved, who is described as her "heart's abode." This phrase conveys a sense of home and comfort, as if the speaker's heart belongs with her beloved and nowhere else. The final line of the stanza, "And feel your hand in mine, so sweet," is a powerful image of intimacy and connection. The speaker longs to feel the physical touch of her beloved, to be close enough to hold hands and feel the warmth of his presence.
The second stanza continues the theme of distance and longing, but introduces a new element: the passage of time. The speaker describes the journey as a "weary way," suggesting that it is not only physically exhausting but emotionally draining as well. She also notes that the journey is "longer than the miles we've known," implying that the distance between her and her beloved is not just physical but also temporal. The use of the word "weary" and the phrase "longer than the miles we've known" both convey a sense of weariness and fatigue, as if the speaker has been traveling for a long time and is growing tired of the journey.
The third stanza introduces a new element: the speaker's doubts and fears. She wonders if her beloved still remembers her, if he still cares for her as deeply as she cares for him. She asks, "Do you remember still the way we met, / The way we kissed, the way we said goodbye?" These questions reveal the speaker's insecurity and vulnerability, as she worries that her beloved may have forgotten her or moved on without her. The use of the word "still" emphasizes the passage of time and the possibility that feelings may have changed or faded over time.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker expressing her hope and determination to reach her beloved, no matter how difficult the journey may be. She declares, "I'll walk this road until the end of time, / Until I find you waiting there for me." This final line is a powerful expression of love and devotion, as the speaker is willing to endure any hardship or obstacle in order to be reunited with her beloved. The use of the word "waiting" suggests that the speaker believes her beloved is still there, still waiting for her, and that their love is strong enough to overcome any distance or obstacle.
Overall, "Distance" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, longing, and separation. The imagery and language used by Parker are simple yet evocative, conveying a sense of emotion and depth that is both universal and timeless. The poem speaks to the human experience of love and loss, and reminds us of the power of love to overcome even the greatest distances and obstacles.
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