Dorothy Parker's Poems About Men

An Insight into Dorothy Parker's Perspective on Men

Dorothy Parker, known for her sharp wit and satirical style, was a prolific American poet, writer, and critic of the early 20th century. While she explored various themes in her work, her poems about men offer a fascinating glimpse into her complex views on love, relationships, and the male gender. Parker's poems often highlight the disappointments, frustrations, and disillusionments she experienced in her own romantic encounters. Let's dive into some of her noteworthy poems that shed light on her unique perspective.

"Men"

Men are like buses, always coming and going,
But for every good one, there's a dozen or so.
They promise love and devotion, yet seldom deliver,
Leaving us women to question and quiver.

With biting sarcasm, Parker encapsulates the transient nature of men in this short poem. She suggests that men are unreliable and often fail to fulfill their promises of love and loyalty.

"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.

In this cleverly crafted poem, Parker cynically examines the often deceptive nature of love. She highlights the disparity between a couple's declarations of eternal devotion, implying that one of them must be insincere.

"Symptom Recital"

I do not like my state of mind;
I'm bitter, querulous, unkind.
I hate my legs, I hate my hands,
I do not yearn for lovelier lands.
I dread the dawn's recurrent light;
I hate to go to bed at night.
I snoot at simple, earnest folk.
I cannot take the gentlest joke.
I find no peace in paint or type.
My world is but a lot of tripe.
I'm disillusioned, empty-breasted.
For what I think, I'd be arrested.
I am not sick, I am not well.
My quondam dreams are shot to hell.
My soul is crushed, my spirit sore;
I do not like me any more.
I cavil, quarrel, grumble, grouse.
I ponder on the narrow house.
I shudder at the thought of men...
I'm due to fall in love again.

While not explicitly about men, this poem reflects Parker's disillusionment with love and relationships. She expresses her dissatisfaction with her own state of mind and her weary anticipation of yet another disappointing romantic encounter.

Parker's poems about men provide a window into her thoughts on love, highlighting the disillusionment and skepticism she often felt. Her biting wit and sharp observations continue to resonate with readers today, making her poetry a timeless reflection of the complexities of human relationships.

So, if you're curious to explore the depths of love through a satirical lens, Dorothy Parker's poems about men are certainly worth a read. Prepare to be captivated by her unique perspective and her ability to distill complex emotions into concise, impactful verses.