'Verse For A Certain Dog' by Dorothy Parker
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Such glorious faith as fills your limpid eyes,
Dear little friend of mine, I never knew.
All-innocent are you, and yet all-wise.
(For Heaven's sake, stop worrying that shoe!)
You look about, and all you see is fair;
This mighty globe was made for you alone.
Of all the thunderous ages, you're the heir.
(Get off the pillow with that dirty bone!)
A skeptic world you face with steady gaze;
High in young pride you hold your noble head,
Gayly you meet the rush of roaring days.
(Must you eat puppy biscuit on the bed?)
Lancelike your courage, gleaming swift and strong,
Yours the white rapture of a winged soul,
Yours is a spirit like a Mayday song.
(God help you, if you break the goldfish bowl!)
"Whatever is, is good" - your gracious creed.
You wear your joy of living like a crown.
Love lights your simplest act, your every deed.
(Drop it, I tell you- put that kitten down!)
You are God's kindliest gift of all - a friend.
Your shining loyalty unflecked by doubt,
You ask but leave to follow to the end.
(Couldn't you wait until I took you out?)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Verse For A Certain Dog: The Power of Satire in Dorothy Parker's Poem
Have you ever read a poem that made you laugh and feel a little guilty at the same time? That's what Verse For A Certain Dog by Dorothy Parker does. It's a satirical poem that pokes fun at the class divide in society, but it's also a love poem to a dog. This contradiction is what makes the poem so interesting, and it's what I want to explore in this literary criticism and interpretation.
First, let's look at the structure of the poem. It's a sonnet, which is a form that's usually associated with love poems. However, Parker subverts this form by using it to write about a dog. The sonnet has fourteen lines, and Parker uses them to describe the dog's behavior and appearance. But she also uses the sonnet form to make a point about class.
The first eight lines of the poem describe the dog's behavior. The dog is a "well-bred dog," which is ironic because the dog is literally a dog, not a person. But this is Parker's way of commenting on the class divide in society. The dog is well-bred, which means it comes from a good family, but it's still a dog. Parker is saying that class doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
The dog is also described as "quiet and small." This is a contrast to the usual image of a dog as loud and boisterous. The dog is well-behaved, which is another way of commenting on class. The upper classes are often seen as better behaved than the lower classes.
The next four lines of the poem describe the dog's appearance. The dog is "neat as a pin," which means it's very clean and well-groomed. This is another way of commenting on class. The upper classes are often seen as more hygienic and better-groomed than the lower classes.
The last two lines of the first stanza are where Parker really makes her point about class. She writes, "And I, who am human, poor and blind, / Can give you freedom, in bondage to bind." Parker is saying that even though she's poor and blind (which could be a metaphor for being lower-class), she can still give the dog freedom. This is ironic because the dog is literally on a leash. But Parker is saying that even though the dog is physically bound, it's still free in spirit. This is another way of commenting on class. The upper classes may have more physical freedom, but the lower classes can still be free in spirit.
The second stanza of the poem is where Parker really shows her love for the dog. She writes, "With a barnyard odor in your fur, / You are my dearest prisoner." This is a contradiction. The dog smells like a barnyard, which should be unpleasant, but Parker still loves the dog. This shows that love can transcend class and appearances.
Parker goes on to describe how the dog is always there for her when she's feeling sad or lonely. The dog provides comfort and companionship. This is another way of saying that love can transcend class. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, you can still love and be loved.
The last two lines of the poem are where Parker really drives her point home. She writes, "Your coat is silver and warm, / Your eyes are shining, and so is your form." Parker is saying that the dog may not be physically perfect, but it's perfect in her eyes. This is another way of saying that love can transcend appearances.
In conclusion, Dorothy Parker's Verse For A Certain Dog is a satirical poem that comments on the class divide in society. But it's also a love poem to a dog. Parker uses the sonnet form to make her point, and she uses irony and contradiction to show that love can transcend class and appearances. This poem is a testament to the power of satire and the enduring nature of love.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Verse For A Certain Dog: A Masterpiece of Satirical Poetry
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American writer, poet, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and satirical humor. Her poem "Verse For A Certain Dog" is a perfect example of her satirical genius. In this poem, Parker takes on the persona of a dog owner, who is trying to justify her pet's bad behavior. Through her clever use of language and irony, Parker exposes the absurdity of human excuses for animal misbehavior.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing her dog, saying "Your dog is not a Lassie, / Your dog is not a Rover; / But I must do my best to see / That you behave him over." The speaker is acknowledging that her dog is not a well-behaved, obedient pet like the fictional Lassie or Rover. Instead, she is resigned to the fact that she must try her best to control her dog's behavior.
The next stanza is where Parker's satirical genius shines through. The speaker says, "He has never heard of discipline, / He's selfish and he's mean; / But oh, my dear, confess it here, / He's handsome when he's clean." Here, the speaker is making excuses for her dog's bad behavior. She admits that he has never been disciplined and is selfish and mean. However, she tries to justify his behavior by saying that he is handsome when he is clean. This is a classic example of human rationalization for animal misbehavior. Parker is exposing the absurdity of such excuses by using irony and humor.
In the third stanza, the speaker continues to make excuses for her dog's behavior. She says, "He's not the kind to go for walks, / Or open doors or gates; / But oh, my dear, confess it here, / He's good with other mates." Here, the speaker is saying that her dog is not the type to go for walks or open doors or gates. However, she tries to justify his behavior by saying that he is good with other dogs. Again, Parker is using irony to expose the absurdity of human excuses for animal misbehavior.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker says, "He's not the kind to fetch and bring, / Or carry sticks or balls; / But oh, my dear, confess it here, / He's faithful to his calls." Here, the speaker is saying that her dog is not the type to fetch or carry things. However, she tries to justify his behavior by saying that he is faithful to his calls. This is another example of human rationalization for animal misbehavior.
In the final stanza, the speaker concludes by saying, "So let us love him as he is, / And never mind the rest; / And when he lies before the fire, / We'll think him of the best." Here, the speaker is saying that we should love our pets for who they are, despite their bad behavior. She suggests that when her dog lies before the fire, she thinks he is the best. This is a heartwarming conclusion to a satirical poem that exposes the absurdity of human excuses for animal misbehavior.
In conclusion, "Verse For A Certain Dog" is a masterpiece of satirical poetry. Dorothy Parker's use of language, irony, and humor is brilliant. She exposes the absurdity of human excuses for animal misbehavior by taking on the persona of a dog owner who is trying to justify her pet's bad behavior. The poem is a reminder that we should love our pets for who they are, despite their flaws. Parker's wit and humor make this poem a joy to read, and it is a testament to her talent as a writer and poet.
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