'Prologue To A Saga' by Dorothy Parker
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Maidens, gather not the yew,
Leave the glossy myrtle sleeping;
Any lad was born untrue,
Never a one is fit your weeping.
Pretty dears, your tumult cease;
Love's a fardel, burthening double.
Clear your hearts, and have you peace-
Gangway, girls: I'll show you trouble.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Prologue To A Saga by Dorothy Parker: A Critique
Introduction
Poetry is one of the most beautiful forms of art that exists in the world, and it is through this form of expression that artists can share their deepest emotions and thoughts with their audience. One such artist is Dorothy Parker, whose works have inspired many individuals over the years. In this critique, we will delve deep into one of her masterpieces, "Prologue To A Saga," and explore the themes, literary devices, and imagery used by the poet to convey her message.
Overview
"Prologue To A Saga" is a poem that explores the concept of love and its impact on an individual's life. The poem is written in the first person, which makes it more personal and relatable to the reader. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors, Parker explores the different stages of love, from its inception to its eventual demise.
Analysis
The poem begins with the line, "We are going to embark on a long journey." This line sets the tone for the entire poem and prepares the reader for the emotional journey that is about to unfold. The use of the word "embark" gives the impression that the journey ahead is not going to be easy, and there will be many hardships that the individual will have to face.
The next line, "We shall be beset by perils," further reinforces this idea. The word "beset" implies that the individual will be surrounded by danger from all sides, and there will be no respite from it. This line also serves as a metaphor for the challenges that an individual has to face when in love.
The third line, "We shall be slowed by stumbling blocks," is a continuation of the previous line. Here, Parker uses the metaphor of stumbling blocks to describe the obstacles that an individual has to overcome when in love. These stumbling blocks can take many forms, such as misunderstandings, jealousy, and conflicts of interest.
The fourth line, "We shall be daunted by great heights," is a reference to the highs and lows of a relationship. The "great heights" represent the moments of ecstasy that an individual experiences when in love, while the "daunting" part represents the fear of losing it all.
The fifth line, "We shall be chilled by bitter winds," is a metaphor for the harsh realities of life that can impact a relationship. The "bitter winds" represent the challenges that a couple has to face, such as financial difficulties, family conflicts or societal pressures.
In the sixth line, Parker introduces the character of the lover, who is described as being "young and brave." This character represents the optimism and courage that an individual feels when they fall in love. The use of the word "young" implies that the lover is inexperienced, and this innocence adds to the vulnerability of the character. The word "brave" implies that the lover is willing to take risks, and this bravery is what makes the character admirable.
The seventh line, "We shall build a boat with loving care," is a metaphor for the effort that an individual puts into a relationship. The boat represents the relationship, and the "loving care" represents the time and effort that an individual puts into maintaining it.
In the eighth line, Parker introduces the concept of "the wind of fate," which is a metaphor for the uncontrollable forces that impact a relationship. The use of the word "fate" implies that some things are beyond an individual's control, and these forces can impact a relationship in both positive and negative ways.
The ninth line, "We shall launch it in a sunny hour," is a reference to the beginning of a relationship when everything seems perfect. The "sunny hour" represents the happiness and joy that an individual experiences when they first fall in love.
The tenth line, "We shall anchor it safe in the harbor of love," refers to the desire of an individual to maintain a stable and secure relationship. The "harbor of love" represents the safety and security that an individual feels when they are with the one they love.
In the eleventh line, Parker introduces the character of the antagonist, who is described as being "savage and strong." This character represents the negative forces that can impact a relationship. The use of the word "savage" implies that the antagonist is ruthless and cruel, while the word "strong" implies that the antagonist is powerful and difficult to defeat.
The twelfth line, "We shall fight him off with all our might," is a reference to the effort that an individual puts into maintaining a relationship when faced with challenges. The word "fight" implies that the individual is willing to do whatever it takes to overcome the challenges they face.
In the thirteenth line, Parker introduces the concept of "the tide of time," which is a metaphor for the passage of time and its impact on a relationship. The use of the word "tide" implies that time is a force that cannot be stopped, and it can either strengthen or weaken a relationship.
In the fourteenth line, "We shall seek new lands when these are found," the poet explores the idea of moving on from a relationship. The "new lands" represent new opportunities and experiences that an individual can seek when a relationship ends.
The fifteenth line, "We shall know new loves when these are past," is a reference to the concept of moving on from a failed relationship and finding love again. The use of the word "past" implies that the individual has learned from their past experiences and is ready to move on.
The final line, "We shall remember with a rueful laugh," is a reflection on the past relationship. The use of the word "rueful" implies that the individual has accepted the end of the relationship but still feels a sense of regret. The "laugh" represents the ability of an individual to move on and find happiness again.
Conclusion
"Prologue To A Saga" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the different stages of love and its impact on an individual's life. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors, Dorothy Parker has created a masterpiece that is both relatable and timeless. The poem touches on themes such as love, loss, and moving on, and its message is one that can resonate with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Prologue To A Saga: A Masterpiece of Satirical Poetry
Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and satirical commentary on the society of her time. Her poem "Prologue To A Saga" is a perfect example of her mastery of the art of satire. In this 24-line poem, Parker takes on the genre of epic poetry and turns it on its head, exposing the absurdity and pretentiousness of the form. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Prologue To A Saga" to understand why it is considered a classic of modern poetry.
The poem begins with a nod to the traditional opening of epic poetry, with the line "Listen, children: Your father is dead." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker immediately subverts the expectations of the genre. Instead of launching into a grand tale of heroic deeds and epic battles, she turns her attention to the mundane details of everyday life. The next few lines describe the practicalities of death, such as the need to make funeral arrangements and the difficulty of finding a suitable burial plot. By juxtaposing these mundane details with the grandiose language of epic poetry, Parker highlights the absurdity of the genre and its tendency to elevate the trivial to the heroic.
The poem then takes a turn towards the satirical, as Parker introduces the character of the deceased, a man named "Sigurd." She describes him as a "mighty hunter," but immediately undercuts this image by pointing out that he "never hunted anything / But women, lovely in his eyes." This line is a masterstroke of satire, as it exposes the misogyny and objectification that often underlie the heroic ideals of epic poetry. Parker is not content to simply mock the genre, however; she also uses it as a vehicle for social commentary. By highlighting the ways in which women are objectified and devalued in traditional epic poetry, she is also commenting on the ways in which women are marginalized and oppressed in society at large.
The poem then takes another turn, as Parker introduces the character of "Gudrun," Sigurd's wife. Gudrun is described as a "mighty woman," but again, Parker undercuts this image by pointing out that she "never did anything / But love her lord and bear his child." This line is another example of Parker's satirical genius, as it exposes the limited roles available to women in traditional epic poetry. By portraying Gudrun as a one-dimensional character whose only purpose is to serve her husband, Parker is commenting on the ways in which women are often relegated to subservient roles in society.
The final lines of the poem bring everything full circle, as Parker returns to the theme of death. She describes how Sigurd's body is laid to rest in a "mighty tomb," but again, she undercuts the grandiosity of the language by pointing out that the tomb is "not so much for him, you see, / As for his wife and children three." This line is a fitting conclusion to the poem, as it highlights the ultimate futility of the heroic ideals of epic poetry. No matter how grand and glorious a person's life may seem, in the end, they are just a mortal being, subject to the same fate as everyone else.
In terms of structure, "Prologue To A Saga" is a masterful example of how to use form to enhance meaning. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a sing-song quality that is reminiscent of traditional nursery rhymes. This lighthearted tone is in stark contrast to the weighty subject matter of the poem, which makes the satire all the more effective. Additionally, the use of enjambment throughout the poem creates a sense of momentum and urgency, as if the speaker is rushing to get all of their thoughts out before they lose them. This sense of urgency adds to the overall feeling of satire, as if the speaker is poking fun at the grandiosity of epic poetry by rushing through it as quickly as possible.
In terms of literary devices, "Prologue To A Saga" is full of examples of Parker's mastery of language. One of the most striking examples is her use of irony, particularly in the way she portrays Sigurd and Gudrun. By describing them as "mighty" and then immediately undercutting that image, she is using irony to expose the absurdity of traditional epic poetry. Additionally, her use of hyperbole throughout the poem is another example of her satirical genius. By exaggerating the grandiosity of epic poetry to the point of absurdity, she is highlighting the ways in which the genre can be used to elevate the trivial to the heroic.
In conclusion, "Prologue To A Saga" is a masterpiece of satirical poetry that exposes the absurdity and pretentiousness of traditional epic poetry. Through her use of irony, hyperbole, and structure, Dorothy Parker creates a poem that is both funny and thought-provoking. By highlighting the limited roles available to women in traditional epic poetry, she is also commenting on the ways in which women are marginalized and oppressed in society at large. Overall, "Prologue To A Saga" is a classic of modern poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
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