Wail
Love has gone a-rocketing.
That is not the worst;
I could do without the thing,
And not be the first.
Joy has gone the way it came.
That is nothing new;
I could get along the same ---
Many people do.
Dig for me the narrow bed,
Now I am bereft.
All my pretty hates are dead,
And what have I left?
Title: When viewing the title, “Wail”, it first gives the reader the implication of sadness or depression. The title implies that the speaker of the poem or the subject of the poem is suffering or introduced to something so devastating or painful that they are expressing this through their cry.
Paraphrase: Wail, love has gone away but it is not the worst. I could do without it but it has not been the first time. Joy has gone out the way it came. That is nothing new. I could get along the same as everyone else does. Dig for me the grave now that I am deprived of such a thing. All my pretty hates are dead and what have I got left? Connotation: The title is highly depressing due to the fact that it implies to the reader that the speaker is in pain or suffering. When someone wails, they are verbally expressing their emotions because they are no longer bearable to contain inside one’s heart. “A-rocketing”…I must say this is a really playful way to describe losing something as valuable as love. It is interesting that the speaker follows this highly positive connotative word by using such a powerful word as “worst” to show the contrast between her attitude and the actual situation. Losing something as meaningful as love would not be so passively released from her heart and mind as she implies. When Parker refers to love as “the thing”, she implies the meaningless nature of the situation and the fact that it is inferior to her. The phrase, “joy has gone the way it came” expresses the speaker’s disappointment although the inverted syntax implies that she is trying to deceive her reader. By saying that it is “nothing new”, she seems to be shrugging off the matter. “Narrow” implies a confined space implying the fact that the “bed” she refers to is a coffin and that the reader should expect her death. “Bereft” has two different connotations to it because it may mean, “to leave desolate or alone, especially by death” or “to take (something valuable or necessary), typically by force”. I find this clearly a very witty use of the word. It is amazing how Parker manipulates the way she chooses her word because it exemplifies the underlying theme of this poem. The first literal definition of the word is referring to how love was so curtly stolen from her. The other refers to the fact that she is not able to accept this and wants to take her own life because the end of the world has come because of this. The thing is, this makes the poem ironic because there are two different tones going on here. The speaker is bluntly stating her indifference and nonchalance towards the fact that she has lost her love. At the same time, her highly connotative diction implies that she is deeply affected by her tragic loss.
Attitude: There are two different attitudes expressed in the poem. The speaker is bluntly stating her indifference and nonchalance towards the fact that she has lost her love. At the same time, her highly connotative diction implies that she is deeply affected by her tragic loss. This creates the poem’s ironic tone.
Shift: I’d say there is a severe shift after “I could get along the same” because at this point, the reader is able to see the speaker’s real attitude about her subject rather than the façade she was originally trying to portray to her reader.
Theme: The theme of this poem is that no matter how humans try to deny (that when their love has departed or gone away) their feelings, they are obviously hurt and devastated when this takes place. It is up to them how they react because as we see, the speaker is truly over exaggerating.
Title: I am honestly not sure here is Parker is trying to be sarcastic about how devastating the effects can be able losing someone you truly love or is demonstrating how humans often try to deny their feelings and pretend such an important aspect of their lives does not have a meaning or significance when it is lost. I think this is what makes this poem interesting to me because there are two different ways the poem can be viewed and it is really up to the reader to make that personal connection.
Although, I must say that regardless of how the speaker feels, Parker is truly mocking the human tendency of attachment and love.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
TPCASTT: A Dream Lies Dead
A Dream Lies Dead
A dream lies dead here.
May you softly go
Before this place, and turn away your eyes,
Nor seek to know the look of that which dies
Importuning
Life for life.
Walk not in woe,
But, for a little, let your step be slow.
And, of your mercy, be not sweetly wise
With words of hope and
Spring and tenderer skies.
A dream lies dead; and this all mourners know:
Whenever one drifted petal leaves the tree-
Though white of bloom as it had been before
And proudly waitful of fecundity-
One little loveliness can be no more;
And so must Beauty bow her imperfect head
Because a dream has joined the wistful dead!
Haha, I must say, I love this poem. It's pretty depressing but Parker makes the topic light-hearted and not seem as bad as it may be. Although many refer to her poems as "emo"tional, I find them pretty funny (probobly because of how she turns such depressing topics into comical issues..which may be an aspect of wit I have been completely ignoring or overseeing.) I think this poem made me realize that in using "wit", humor must or almost always accompanies it within a piece. So that leads me to the question, how is it different from satire? That's one thing I need to find out because I find the lines crossing although wit is more about general topics and not specific real life situations which are poked fun at.
Ok, now time for yet another TPCASTT...I know they are long, but they are the most helpful in this case of trying to see HOW wit is created though the language and imagery presented in the poems I often read.
Title: At first I thought this poem was going to be very depressing...which is important (in terms of the reader's perspectic expecting it to be but in the end, it wasn't), in Parker's case, because Parker mocks the intensity by which people react to a situation. Also, the use of simple diction really makes the meaning stick out that a dream is dead...not sugar-coating this fact.
Paraphrase: The dream has died. I hope it goes softly from this place. Turn your eyes away from it softly and do not try to find out what it looks like when it's life was so dearly lost. Do not walk in woe but walk slowly. And, for your mercy, don't try to sugarcoat so "wisely" with hope and indication that the sun will come out tommorow and that everything will be ok. A dream has died and all those who mourn know this and whenever a tree loses a leaf, although it is replaced, it can no longer be as lovely. So Beauty must bow her head because the dream is now dead!
Connotations (my favorite): What gives this poem its affect is the powerful words used and their connotations they imply.
"Dream" and "dead": the juxtaposition of these two words are necesary for the affect this poem gives off. "dream" is a highly connotative positive word implying ambition, perserverance, or striving for success. "Dead" is a depressing and dreary word that would not generally be combined with such a positive word like "dream". Because the words have sharply contrasting connotation (as well as simplistic origins..both are simplistic in their diction) which brings the affect of the "intensity" of the situation...or what Parker wants us to think before she mocks how people percieve conflicts.
"Softly" is a very positive word referring to the unspecified pronoun "you" which can be taken as either those who the dream was so dearly to or the dream itself. The word brings about a sense of mourning or sympathy towards the situaion evoking a feeling of pity or sadness to the reader.
"Eyes" has a connotation referring to truth or reality. The line in which this word is incorporated in is basically the thesis of the poem although it is a slight pun because Parker is actually referring advising those who are devasted by the death of this "dream" to get over it and realize that it isn't as bad as it seems as opposed to the literal meaning of this sentance referring not to pay so much attension to this death.
"Woe": Brings about an image of a mourner or a woman dressed in black; highly depressing word; very dramatic.
"Step": This word can be taken a few different ways; it can be implied that this "step" is part of a greater journey and that they should not mourn but slow down for a little and continue afterwards; perserverance?
"mercy"/"sweetly wise": You know, just from the usage of these three words together makes me (the reader) feel a sort of bitterness towards the speaker although it is slightly amusing at the same time. "Mercy" is supposed to imply pity but she uses this in a negative sense because she basically says to the reader they should NOT be "sweetly wise" implying that they should not feel bad or even care about the dream dying which brings about the speaker's tone of bitterness or sharpness.
"Beauty": This also exemplifies the bitterness in the speaker's tone because she wants her to "bow down" which is highly negative and degrading because nature is the basis of everything and death is a part of nature so it's also ironic.
there are more but i felt as though these were the most important.
Attitude: Bitter and sharp..comical as well. (See connotation for how it's created)
Shifts: She first speaks of the dream dying, how others should percieve it, and then how Nature should bow down because of its "imperfections".
Theme: " Those who are devasted by the death of a "dream" should get over it and realize that it isn't as bad as it seems.
Title: A mockery of a dream dying and how one should react as opposed to the impulsive reaction that generally occurs.
A dream lies dead here.
May you softly go
Before this place, and turn away your eyes,
Nor seek to know the look of that which dies
Importuning
Life for life.
Walk not in woe,
But, for a little, let your step be slow.
And, of your mercy, be not sweetly wise
With words of hope and
Spring and tenderer skies.
A dream lies dead; and this all mourners know:
Whenever one drifted petal leaves the tree-
Though white of bloom as it had been before
And proudly waitful of fecundity-
One little loveliness can be no more;
And so must Beauty bow her imperfect head
Because a dream has joined the wistful dead!
Haha, I must say, I love this poem. It's pretty depressing but Parker makes the topic light-hearted and not seem as bad as it may be. Although many refer to her poems as "emo"tional, I find them pretty funny (probobly because of how she turns such depressing topics into comical issues..which may be an aspect of wit I have been completely ignoring or overseeing.) I think this poem made me realize that in using "wit", humor must or almost always accompanies it within a piece. So that leads me to the question, how is it different from satire? That's one thing I need to find out because I find the lines crossing although wit is more about general topics and not specific real life situations which are poked fun at.
Ok, now time for yet another TPCASTT...I know they are long, but they are the most helpful in this case of trying to see HOW wit is created though the language and imagery presented in the poems I often read.
Title: At first I thought this poem was going to be very depressing...which is important (in terms of the reader's perspectic expecting it to be but in the end, it wasn't), in Parker's case, because Parker mocks the intensity by which people react to a situation. Also, the use of simple diction really makes the meaning stick out that a dream is dead...not sugar-coating this fact.
Paraphrase: The dream has died. I hope it goes softly from this place. Turn your eyes away from it softly and do not try to find out what it looks like when it's life was so dearly lost. Do not walk in woe but walk slowly. And, for your mercy, don't try to sugarcoat so "wisely" with hope and indication that the sun will come out tommorow and that everything will be ok. A dream has died and all those who mourn know this and whenever a tree loses a leaf, although it is replaced, it can no longer be as lovely. So Beauty must bow her head because the dream is now dead!
Connotations (my favorite): What gives this poem its affect is the powerful words used and their connotations they imply.
"Dream" and "dead": the juxtaposition of these two words are necesary for the affect this poem gives off. "dream" is a highly connotative positive word implying ambition, perserverance, or striving for success. "Dead" is a depressing and dreary word that would not generally be combined with such a positive word like "dream". Because the words have sharply contrasting connotation (as well as simplistic origins..both are simplistic in their diction) which brings the affect of the "intensity" of the situation...or what Parker wants us to think before she mocks how people percieve conflicts.
"Softly" is a very positive word referring to the unspecified pronoun "you" which can be taken as either those who the dream was so dearly to or the dream itself. The word brings about a sense of mourning or sympathy towards the situaion evoking a feeling of pity or sadness to the reader.
"Eyes" has a connotation referring to truth or reality. The line in which this word is incorporated in is basically the thesis of the poem although it is a slight pun because Parker is actually referring advising those who are devasted by the death of this "dream" to get over it and realize that it isn't as bad as it seems as opposed to the literal meaning of this sentance referring not to pay so much attension to this death.
"Woe": Brings about an image of a mourner or a woman dressed in black; highly depressing word; very dramatic.
"Step": This word can be taken a few different ways; it can be implied that this "step" is part of a greater journey and that they should not mourn but slow down for a little and continue afterwards; perserverance?
"mercy"/"sweetly wise": You know, just from the usage of these three words together makes me (the reader) feel a sort of bitterness towards the speaker although it is slightly amusing at the same time. "Mercy" is supposed to imply pity but she uses this in a negative sense because she basically says to the reader they should NOT be "sweetly wise" implying that they should not feel bad or even care about the dream dying which brings about the speaker's tone of bitterness or sharpness.
"Beauty": This also exemplifies the bitterness in the speaker's tone because she wants her to "bow down" which is highly negative and degrading because nature is the basis of everything and death is a part of nature so it's also ironic.
there are more but i felt as though these were the most important.
Attitude: Bitter and sharp..comical as well. (See connotation for how it's created)
Shifts: She first speaks of the dream dying, how others should percieve it, and then how Nature should bow down because of its "imperfections".
Theme: " Those who are devasted by the death of a "dream" should get over it and realize that it isn't as bad as it seems.
Title: A mockery of a dream dying and how one should react as opposed to the impulsive reaction that generally occurs.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Similarities
I'd like to comment on what I've seen so far throughout the poetry that I've read. What is "wit" was the first initial question I wanted to venture into for this project. Well, so far I have realized that "wit" is using the reader's standards to sort of gearing them to believe in the author's particular purpose or message about a particular work. The thing is, the authors manipulate common usages of speech or things that are commonly accepted in society and morphs them around a particularly mocking or cold tone to make a point. I know this is a generalization but these are the similiarities I've found so far. I have a few more TPCASTTs that I'll be posting in the next few days which help to further reinforce this general idea about wit. As for how we respond to it as readers...I'm not quite sure yet WHY we respond to it. What makes it stick out to us even if we are not analyzed the diction, syntax, and tone as I am trying to do. Is it the way she mocks society? I have yet to grasp the answer to this question. This is far more difficult than I thought.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Notes.
Hello. Sorry I haven't blogged in ages. I have a lot of notes to sure though. Be prepared for a very long entry =p
Ballade Of A Talked-Off Ear
Daily I listen to wonder and woe,
Nightly I hearken to knave or to ace,
Telling me stories of lava and snow,
Delicate fables of ribbon and lace,
Tales of the quarry,
the kill,
the chase,
Longer than heaven and duller than hell
-Never you blame me, who cry my case:
"Poets alone should kiss and tell!"
Dumbly I hear what I never should know,
Gently I counsel of pride and of grace;
Into minutiae gayly they go,
Telling the name and the time and the place.
Cede them your silence and grant them space
-Who tenders an inch shall be raped of an ell!
Sympathy's ever the boaster's brace;
Poets alone should kiss and tell.
Why am I tithed what I never did owe?
Choked with vicarious saffron and mace?
Weary my lids, and my fingers are slow
-Gentlemen, damn you, you've halted my pace.
Only the lads of the cursed race,
Only the knights of the desolate spell,
May point me the lines the blood
-drops trace
-Poets alone should kiss and tell.
L'ENVOI
Prince or commoner,
tenor or bass,
Painter or plumber or never-do-well,
Do me a favor and shut your face
Poets alone should kiss and tell.
Title: I honestly chose this poem because at first glance, it seems difficult to interpert just from the title. The title graps the reader's attension because it isn't very clear what exactly this poem is about. Is the author going to tribute an ear? The "ear" is being personified as well here because it has been "talked-off". Who did this to the ear and why was it done? It seems the author is trying to tell the reader that someone has taken away the ear's privilage to talk or listen for that matter. It's odd how Parker uses personification in this sense. Already, I ask, is she trying to mock those who took the ear's privilage away or is she mocking the ear itself and what it listens to? I think the title already demonstrates some form of wit through its sharp yet simple diction. Also, "ear" has a connotation of something being listened to, gossip, or secret that is not meant to be heard. "Talked-off" seems slightly curt and negative.
Paraphrase: The speaker listens to wonder and woe every day, and every night she listens to a dishonest person or to a very close friend, who tells her stories of lava and snow, and delicate and fragile or personal tales of ribbon and lace, tales of the fights, the kill, the chase, that were longer than heaven and duller than hell-you shouldnt blame me, those who cry at my story..."Poets alone should kiss and tell!" Sumbly she hears what she really shouldn't know, gently she calms those of pride and grace. In a happy minute, they go, telling the person's name and time and place. Leave them your silence and grant them some space who leaves an inch shall be raped of a year. Sympathy is what they want to give you; poets alone should kiss and tell. Why is she so tithed at what she never owed. Shocked with the things people now know. Her weary lids and fingers are slow-everyone, damn you all, you've messed up the pace of her life. Only the people who are part of this race, only the knights of this horrid spell, may point to her on the page and the direct lines that refer to her which are covered in blood, poets alone should kiss and tell.
*I'm not sure if this second part if supposed to be part of the first half of the poem but it seems (according to many referances) that they belong together.
L'ENVOI...rich or poor, high voice or low voice, painter or plumber or anyone of any occupation, do me a favor and shut up, poets should kiss and tell.
Connotation: Wow, I just realized after paraphrasing how intense the word choice she uses is in bringing about the tone and the general mood of this piece. Parker is sharp, thats for sure. There are many highly connotative words in this piece...
"Talked-Off": people overdid the gossiping, ect (please see referance to "title")
"Ear" gossip, to lisen to something, (also see referance to "title")
"Daily": This is such a simple world yet quite a powerful way to begin her poem because the speaker is trying to emphasize that she can not escape the words and things other people tell her thus when she starts off with this word, it gives the reader a vibe that the speaker is stuck in this choas of gossip and people's words.
"wonder" and "woe": the juxtaposition of these two words is quite interesting..,normally you wouldn't see these words side-by-side because "wonder"brings abotu a strong sense of amazement and a positively moving experiance but at the same time, "woe" has a strong negative connotation because it implies strong sadness or distress.
"hearken": I honestly had to look this word up (which is one reason why I think Parker chose to use it in this poem). The entire poem is demonstrating the rights of poets and what they should share throughout their poetry. Parker uses the word "hearken" which means to listen to show that poets have the right to play with words as they have the right to pick and choose what they wish to express to their readers.
"ace": In the literal, denotative sense, this word means a "close friend"...but if you analyze the connotative usage of this word, it can imply gambling or playing with the cards...a skilled person or someone who can defeat their opponents in a witty way. Is Parker referring to the gossipers?
"Lava": hot, heat, fire, someone powerful, raging, fierce
"snow": cold, innocent, blank, empty
*note: she juxtaposes the usage of these two words as well. Why? To show the fierce contrast between the gossip she encounters and possibly the affects it has on others.
"delicate": brings about an image of a child or a polcelin doll..interesting how she uses this word to compare this gossip because it shows how vicious it can become.
"lace": feminine, fragile, "perfection" in a sense because many in the Victorian ages, lace was associated with the rich and their clothing.
"quarry, kill, chase": representing certain situations in our daily lives. Very vague words yet reflective of human nature and our day to day situations but in an uncivil portrayal. She's referring back to our primative nature as animals rather than civilized human beings.
"blame": such a straightforward and an "in your face" word...if you notice, she goes from very vague and abstract language (many of which are metaphorically or highly connotative) to a very curt and straightforward word to emphasize her point.
"Dumbly": Implies her reluctance but it seems she has no choice. Implies the small-mindedness or the fact that she is stuck in such a word where she can not escape the gossip.
"pride"/"grace": Quite a strong connotative contrast. Pride implies the evil side to human nature, the one that is looked down upon and grace has a highly positive connotation because it is something many wish to achieve. Grace is positive and can also imply religious grace which is something people wish to achieve.
"counsel": why did Parker choose to use this word here? If you take this word out of context, the first thought that comes to mind is a group of people meeting to discuss something which goes back to her main idea about how people continuously gossip and talk about unnecesery things.
"boaster's brace": This phrase really reinforces her sneering attitude towards those who gossip in the way in which is contains alliteration and the word "boaster" here is used in a sarcastic way because in a sense, the phrase is ironic to the entire poem's meaning.
"raped": very negative. stripping something does not belong to them. powerful usage.
"chocked": negative to show how shes trapped in this world.
"weary": gloomy. they are wearing her down.
"Gentlemen"/"Knights": Interesting how through the entire poem she is mocking those she is referring to yet she usages this word which is given to highly respectable men as well as the knights. They are treating her the opposite of how society expects them to act which creates even more of the irony because shouldn't the people be gossiping about them to?
"prince/commoner": Uses the contrast between the connotations of "rich" and "poor" to make a statement that this affects everyone.
Attitude: As mentioned in the connotation section, she sneerful towards the subject and very cold towards society.
Shift:The second stanza--> gets more personal and she brings herself into how this gossiping is affecting her yet in the first she is stating how it affects those in society as a whole. in the third, she gets even colder and begins to become ironic. in the forth--> again she is stating how it affects everyone. Highly affective because she goes fromvery general and how it impacts everyone to how it specifically impaced her to how again it affects society as a whole.
Theme: People will talk about you know matter what, it's part of life.
Title: Parker thinks it's neceserry to stop this cycle of slander.
Ballade Of A Talked-Off Ear
Daily I listen to wonder and woe,
Nightly I hearken to knave or to ace,
Telling me stories of lava and snow,
Delicate fables of ribbon and lace,
Tales of the quarry,
the kill,
the chase,
Longer than heaven and duller than hell
-Never you blame me, who cry my case:
"Poets alone should kiss and tell!"
Dumbly I hear what I never should know,
Gently I counsel of pride and of grace;
Into minutiae gayly they go,
Telling the name and the time and the place.
Cede them your silence and grant them space
-Who tenders an inch shall be raped of an ell!
Sympathy's ever the boaster's brace;
Poets alone should kiss and tell.
Why am I tithed what I never did owe?
Choked with vicarious saffron and mace?
Weary my lids, and my fingers are slow
-Gentlemen, damn you, you've halted my pace.
Only the lads of the cursed race,
Only the knights of the desolate spell,
May point me the lines the blood
-drops trace
-Poets alone should kiss and tell.
L'ENVOI
Prince or commoner,
tenor or bass,
Painter or plumber or never-do-well,
Do me a favor and shut your face
Poets alone should kiss and tell.
Title: I honestly chose this poem because at first glance, it seems difficult to interpert just from the title. The title graps the reader's attension because it isn't very clear what exactly this poem is about. Is the author going to tribute an ear? The "ear" is being personified as well here because it has been "talked-off". Who did this to the ear and why was it done? It seems the author is trying to tell the reader that someone has taken away the ear's privilage to talk or listen for that matter. It's odd how Parker uses personification in this sense. Already, I ask, is she trying to mock those who took the ear's privilage away or is she mocking the ear itself and what it listens to? I think the title already demonstrates some form of wit through its sharp yet simple diction. Also, "ear" has a connotation of something being listened to, gossip, or secret that is not meant to be heard. "Talked-off" seems slightly curt and negative.
Paraphrase: The speaker listens to wonder and woe every day, and every night she listens to a dishonest person or to a very close friend, who tells her stories of lava and snow, and delicate and fragile or personal tales of ribbon and lace, tales of the fights, the kill, the chase, that were longer than heaven and duller than hell-you shouldnt blame me, those who cry at my story..."Poets alone should kiss and tell!" Sumbly she hears what she really shouldn't know, gently she calms those of pride and grace. In a happy minute, they go, telling the person's name and time and place. Leave them your silence and grant them some space who leaves an inch shall be raped of a year. Sympathy is what they want to give you; poets alone should kiss and tell. Why is she so tithed at what she never owed. Shocked with the things people now know. Her weary lids and fingers are slow-everyone, damn you all, you've messed up the pace of her life. Only the people who are part of this race, only the knights of this horrid spell, may point to her on the page and the direct lines that refer to her which are covered in blood, poets alone should kiss and tell.
*I'm not sure if this second part if supposed to be part of the first half of the poem but it seems (according to many referances) that they belong together.
L'ENVOI...rich or poor, high voice or low voice, painter or plumber or anyone of any occupation, do me a favor and shut up, poets should kiss and tell.
Connotation: Wow, I just realized after paraphrasing how intense the word choice she uses is in bringing about the tone and the general mood of this piece. Parker is sharp, thats for sure. There are many highly connotative words in this piece...
"Talked-Off": people overdid the gossiping, ect (please see referance to "title")
"Ear" gossip, to lisen to something, (also see referance to "title")
"Daily": This is such a simple world yet quite a powerful way to begin her poem because the speaker is trying to emphasize that she can not escape the words and things other people tell her thus when she starts off with this word, it gives the reader a vibe that the speaker is stuck in this choas of gossip and people's words.
"wonder" and "woe": the juxtaposition of these two words is quite interesting..,normally you wouldn't see these words side-by-side because "wonder"brings abotu a strong sense of amazement and a positively moving experiance but at the same time, "woe" has a strong negative connotation because it implies strong sadness or distress.
"hearken": I honestly had to look this word up (which is one reason why I think Parker chose to use it in this poem). The entire poem is demonstrating the rights of poets and what they should share throughout their poetry. Parker uses the word "hearken" which means to listen to show that poets have the right to play with words as they have the right to pick and choose what they wish to express to their readers.
"ace": In the literal, denotative sense, this word means a "close friend"...but if you analyze the connotative usage of this word, it can imply gambling or playing with the cards...a skilled person or someone who can defeat their opponents in a witty way. Is Parker referring to the gossipers?
"Lava": hot, heat, fire, someone powerful, raging, fierce
"snow": cold, innocent, blank, empty
*note: she juxtaposes the usage of these two words as well. Why? To show the fierce contrast between the gossip she encounters and possibly the affects it has on others.
"delicate": brings about an image of a child or a polcelin doll..interesting how she uses this word to compare this gossip because it shows how vicious it can become.
"lace": feminine, fragile, "perfection" in a sense because many in the Victorian ages, lace was associated with the rich and their clothing.
"quarry, kill, chase": representing certain situations in our daily lives. Very vague words yet reflective of human nature and our day to day situations but in an uncivil portrayal. She's referring back to our primative nature as animals rather than civilized human beings.
"blame": such a straightforward and an "in your face" word...if you notice, she goes from very vague and abstract language (many of which are metaphorically or highly connotative) to a very curt and straightforward word to emphasize her point.
"Dumbly": Implies her reluctance but it seems she has no choice. Implies the small-mindedness or the fact that she is stuck in such a word where she can not escape the gossip.
"pride"/"grace": Quite a strong connotative contrast. Pride implies the evil side to human nature, the one that is looked down upon and grace has a highly positive connotation because it is something many wish to achieve. Grace is positive and can also imply religious grace which is something people wish to achieve.
"counsel": why did Parker choose to use this word here? If you take this word out of context, the first thought that comes to mind is a group of people meeting to discuss something which goes back to her main idea about how people continuously gossip and talk about unnecesery things.
"boaster's brace": This phrase really reinforces her sneering attitude towards those who gossip in the way in which is contains alliteration and the word "boaster" here is used in a sarcastic way because in a sense, the phrase is ironic to the entire poem's meaning.
"raped": very negative. stripping something does not belong to them. powerful usage.
"chocked": negative to show how shes trapped in this world.
"weary": gloomy. they are wearing her down.
"Gentlemen"/"Knights": Interesting how through the entire poem she is mocking those she is referring to yet she usages this word which is given to highly respectable men as well as the knights. They are treating her the opposite of how society expects them to act which creates even more of the irony because shouldn't the people be gossiping about them to?
"prince/commoner": Uses the contrast between the connotations of "rich" and "poor" to make a statement that this affects everyone.
Attitude: As mentioned in the connotation section, she sneerful towards the subject and very cold towards society.
Shift:The second stanza--> gets more personal and she brings herself into how this gossiping is affecting her yet in the first she is stating how it affects those in society as a whole. in the third, she gets even colder and begins to become ironic. in the forth--> again she is stating how it affects everyone. Highly affective because she goes fromvery general and how it impacts everyone to how it specifically impaced her to how again it affects society as a whole.
Theme: People will talk about you know matter what, it's part of life.
Title: Parker thinks it's neceserry to stop this cycle of slander.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Another Update.
I read a lot during the down time of my debate competition today so I'm posting a LOT tommorow. I think I can say I've seen a common technique used in witty poetry and stories. You'll find out tommorow :)
Friday, November 30, 2007
News Item: TPCASTT
"News Item"
Men seldom make passes
At girls who wear glasses
Men seldom make passes
At girls who wear glasses
Title: News Item. This title implies that the speaker has discovered a piece of common information or fact that is universal or well known.
Paraphase: Men really don't look at girl who wear glasses.
Connotation:
"item"-I thought this word played off the less commonly used definition for being a couple or being involved in a relationship. Maybe to introduce, subtely to the reader, what the theme or purpose of the poem is reflecting.
"men"-interesting contrast between how the speaker uses this word in comparison to when he uses "girls"; symbolizes maturity and different interest. Somewhat mocks manly attributes.
"seldom"-it's interesting how this word is used due to its change in formality. The rest of the diction used is more colloquial which makes this word stick out; almost uses the diction and level of formality that would be seen in a newspaper articule
"girls"-makes them seem immature; not ready to take on a relationship or haven't even reached the age where it's ok to have one. (See referance to "men")
"glasses"- metonyme usage here because I assume that "glasses" stands for a person of intellectual rigor which clearly is not what "men" are looking for in a female (yes, I said this in a sarcastic manner-please note =p because quite frankly, the speaker is trying to portray the exact same attitude as I have just stated)
"item"-I thought this word played off the less commonly used definition for being a couple or being involved in a relationship. Maybe to introduce, subtely to the reader, what the theme or purpose of the poem is reflecting.
"men"-interesting contrast between how the speaker uses this word in comparison to when he uses "girls"; symbolizes maturity and different interest. Somewhat mocks manly attributes.
"seldom"-it's interesting how this word is used due to its change in formality. The rest of the diction used is more colloquial which makes this word stick out; almost uses the diction and level of formality that would be seen in a newspaper articule
"girls"-makes them seem immature; not ready to take on a relationship or haven't even reached the age where it's ok to have one. (See referance to "men")
"glasses"- metonyme usage here because I assume that "glasses" stands for a person of intellectual rigor which clearly is not what "men" are looking for in a female (yes, I said this in a sarcastic manner-please note =p because quite frankly, the speaker is trying to portray the exact same attitude as I have just stated)
Attitude: Mocking. I can not find a better way to describe this. This is built up through the diction and the way the "men" and "girls" are portrayed and the fact that the only reason men dont go for certain girls is because they are intelligent.
Shift: After the first sentance, which goes from an introduction to what men look for in women (you'd think it would express somethign positive or at least optimisitic and the reader would assume this because news articles don't usually state or slander the behavior of men) but takes an unexpected turn to reflect upon a hasty generalization that men do not go or look for intellectual women.
Theme: Men are superficial and are not interested in women who have high intellectual rigor. (Maybe this theme plays a part in what was going on in society at the time. I'd have to research more because there is no background information)
Title: I think the title is what creates the attitude and wit of the poem because the speaker is making his/her opinion sound like a fact although it truly is his/her own personal opinion.
Theme: Men are superficial and are not interested in women who have high intellectual rigor. (Maybe this theme plays a part in what was going on in society at the time. I'd have to research more because there is no background information)
Title: I think the title is what creates the attitude and wit of the poem because the speaker is making his/her opinion sound like a fact although it truly is his/her own personal opinion.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
TPCASTT time :)
Hello fellow readers! More TPCASTTs by none other than the famous Dorothy Parker.
The first poem, "Unfortunate Coincidence" is one of my favorites by her.
Unfortunate Coincidence
By the time you swear you're his,
Shivering and sighing,
And he vows his passion is
Infinite, undying--
Lady make a note of this:
One of you is lying
Title: This title is pretty interesting. When I first read it, I thought there would be a situation that took place that revealed to another that an upsetting coincidence,hurting both people involved. I also thought there would be some irony involved in the poem because the title made me think of the story where a woman sells her hair for a watch for her love and her love sells the chain for a bow, I think it was, and so they both gave each other presents relying on the fact that they had the other component that goes along with it.
Paraphrase: I think it is pretty straightforward here: By the time you swear you are his, upset, and he reveals that his passion is so strong that it will last forever and never burn out, Lady, keep a mental note: one of you is lying.
Connotation: Although this is a short poem, there are many connotations used to give the poem its affect and set its tone.
For one thing, "unfortunate" is negatively connotative although when it is used, it usually brings to mind something of high importance or value. It's used in somewhat of an ironic sense because Parker basically slanders when two people reveal that they love each other. This topic is generally not of very much imporance but Parker presents it to be so gigantic in intensity.
"coincidence": I'd like to point out the irony Parker displays by using this word. The situation that Parker describes (two people revealing and stating their undying love for each other..although it seems as though the man is leaving her with the way in which she describes when she reveals her feelings for him) is something that can take place based on the control of either party. The woman and the man have a choice to reveal their feelings to each other or not. So why then does Parker use this word? My guess, irony.
"Swear": I honestly think this word is way too negative to use when referring to someone revealing their emotions towards an infatuation. It almost seems as if the women is begging the man to love her back or begging him to stay. This is further reinforced when Parker places it before "shivering" and "sighing" to complete the full effect.
"Shivering"/ "Sighing": This word is negatively connotative. It usually implies or brings about an image of rape, or something cold. Why then, does Parker decide to use this in describing the woman as she reveals her feelings for the man? It seems as though she is begging him to stay or that she is revealing her feelings reluctantly.
"Infinite": Honestly, this word reminds me of how astronomers describe the universe. Parker uses it to mock how many percieve that they will last forever with his or her lover.
"Undying": The connotation of this word almost seems ingenuine. Its blunt nature makes the reader question why Parker would chooce to use this word over any other. Again, she is mocking the perception of those in love.
Attitude: Mocking and it almost seems like she's laughing pitifully about those who act and feel this way. It's created by the connotative language.
Shift: "Lady make a note of this: One of you is lying". Wow, Parker really uses In Your Face like statements. She creates a shift in which she goes from referring to the situation between two lovers revealing their feelings towards each other (although it doesn't sound too nice as we've stated before) but then goes to bluntly state her perception about true love and its longetivity.
Theme: The fact that in society, people believe that true love exists but in reality, passion fades and it will not last forever.
Title: As I've stated before, I find the title to reflect the ironic nature of the poem and the fact that people have a choice whether or not to involve themselves in situations with lovers about their "true" feelings towards each other.
It's getting late so I'll blog again later today with the other two short poems that slightly went along with this poem.
The first poem, "Unfortunate Coincidence" is one of my favorites by her.
Unfortunate Coincidence
By the time you swear you're his,
Shivering and sighing,
And he vows his passion is
Infinite, undying--
Lady make a note of this:
One of you is lying
Title: This title is pretty interesting. When I first read it, I thought there would be a situation that took place that revealed to another that an upsetting coincidence,hurting both people involved. I also thought there would be some irony involved in the poem because the title made me think of the story where a woman sells her hair for a watch for her love and her love sells the chain for a bow, I think it was, and so they both gave each other presents relying on the fact that they had the other component that goes along with it.
Paraphrase: I think it is pretty straightforward here: By the time you swear you are his, upset, and he reveals that his passion is so strong that it will last forever and never burn out, Lady, keep a mental note: one of you is lying.
Connotation: Although this is a short poem, there are many connotations used to give the poem its affect and set its tone.
For one thing, "unfortunate" is negatively connotative although when it is used, it usually brings to mind something of high importance or value. It's used in somewhat of an ironic sense because Parker basically slanders when two people reveal that they love each other. This topic is generally not of very much imporance but Parker presents it to be so gigantic in intensity.
"coincidence": I'd like to point out the irony Parker displays by using this word. The situation that Parker describes (two people revealing and stating their undying love for each other..although it seems as though the man is leaving her with the way in which she describes when she reveals her feelings for him) is something that can take place based on the control of either party. The woman and the man have a choice to reveal their feelings to each other or not. So why then does Parker use this word? My guess, irony.
"Swear": I honestly think this word is way too negative to use when referring to someone revealing their emotions towards an infatuation. It almost seems as if the women is begging the man to love her back or begging him to stay. This is further reinforced when Parker places it before "shivering" and "sighing" to complete the full effect.
"Shivering"/ "Sighing": This word is negatively connotative. It usually implies or brings about an image of rape, or something cold. Why then, does Parker decide to use this in describing the woman as she reveals her feelings for the man? It seems as though she is begging him to stay or that she is revealing her feelings reluctantly.
"Infinite": Honestly, this word reminds me of how astronomers describe the universe. Parker uses it to mock how many percieve that they will last forever with his or her lover.
"Undying": The connotation of this word almost seems ingenuine. Its blunt nature makes the reader question why Parker would chooce to use this word over any other. Again, she is mocking the perception of those in love.
Attitude: Mocking and it almost seems like she's laughing pitifully about those who act and feel this way. It's created by the connotative language.
Shift: "Lady make a note of this: One of you is lying". Wow, Parker really uses In Your Face like statements. She creates a shift in which she goes from referring to the situation between two lovers revealing their feelings towards each other (although it doesn't sound too nice as we've stated before) but then goes to bluntly state her perception about true love and its longetivity.
Theme: The fact that in society, people believe that true love exists but in reality, passion fades and it will not last forever.
Title: As I've stated before, I find the title to reflect the ironic nature of the poem and the fact that people have a choice whether or not to involve themselves in situations with lovers about their "true" feelings towards each other.
It's getting late so I'll blog again later today with the other two short poems that slightly went along with this poem.
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