Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line 

Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line-What is the summary of the Afternoons?, What is the significance of the title afternoon?, How is love presented in Afternoons?, How is loss presented in Afternoons?,In the poem “Afternoon,” Dorothy Parker gracefully extends an invitation to readers, beckoning them into a serene and contemplative moment. Known for her wit and keen observations, Parker’s verses unfold with a skillful blend of evocative language and subtle imagery, delving into the intricate nuances of nature, the passage of time, and the reflective mood that envelops a quiet afternoon.Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line

Afternoon poem summary 

1. “When I am old, and comforted,”
   • The speaker envisions a future time when they are old and at ease.
2. “And done with this desire,”
   • Desires and yearnings are no longer a part of the speaker’s life.
3. “With Memory to share my bed”
   • The company of memories becomes a comforting presence in the speaker’s life.
4. “And Peace to share my fire,”
   • Peace and tranquility will be companions, symbolized by the metaphorical “fire.”
5. “I’ll comb my hair in scalloped bands”
   • The speaker describes a simple, deliberate act of grooming.
6. “Beneath my laundered cap,”
   • Wearing a clean and neat cap as part of the speaker’s attire.
7. “And watch my cool and fragile hands”
   • The speaker reflects on their hands, emphasizing their coolness and fragility.
8. “Lie light upon my lap.”
   • The hands rest gently on the speaker’s lap, suggesting a tranquil and content state.
9. “And I will have a sprigged gown”
   • The speaker imagines wearing a gown adorned with small decorative sprigs.
10. “With lace to kiss my throat;”
    • The gown is embellished with lace around the neck.
11. “I’ll draw my curtain to the town,”
    • Closing the curtain to shut out the outside world or town.
12. “And hum a purring note.”
    • The speaker envisions humming a soothing and contented tune.
13. “And I’ll forget the way of tears,”
    • The speaker anticipates a time when they will forget the sorrows and sadness.
14. “And rock, and stir my tea.”
    • Engaging in calm and domestic activities like rocking and stirring tea.
15. “But oh, I wish those blessed years”
    • Despite the envisioned peace, the speaker expresses a longing for a more distant future.
16. “Were further than they be!”
    • The speaker wishes that the anticipated years of comfort and peace were farther in the future, suggesting a desire to postpone aging and its associated changes.

Afternoon poem

When I am old, and comforted,
And done with this desire,
With Memory to share my bed
And Peace to share my fire,Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line

I’ll comb my hair in scalloped bands
Beneath my laundered cap,
And watch my cool and fragile hands
Lie light upon my lap.Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line

And I will have a sprigged gown
With lace to kiss my throat;
I’ll draw my curtain to the town,
And hum a purring note.

And I’ll forget the way of tears,
And rock, and stir my tea.Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line
But oh, I wish those blessed years
Were further than they be!

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Afternoon Poem Themes

1. Reflection on Aging:
   • At its core, the poem centers around the speaker’s contemplation of growing old and the envisioned tranquility that comes with age. The verses reflect on the passage of time and the transformations that accompany the aging journey.
2. Seeking Comfort and Contentment:
   • A prevailing theme is the speaker’s yearning for a future marked by comfort and contentment. There is a deep desire to move beyond yearnings, finding solace in memories and the peace that accompanies a settled existence.
3. Nostalgia and the Power of Memory:
   • Memory plays a significant role in the speaker’s vision of old age. The idea of memories sharing the speaker’s bed conveys a nostalgic longing for the past and underscores the solace derived from cherished recollections.Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line
4. Tranquil Domesticity:
   • The poem paints a vivid picture of domestic life in old age, featuring imagery like combing hair, wearing a sprigged gown, and engaging in everyday activities such as rocking and stirring tea. These images convey a sense of tranquility associated with simple, routine moments.
5. Symbolism of Aging Hands:
   • The mention of the speaker’s “cool and fragile hands” serves as a symbolic representation of the physical effects of aging. The hands lying gently on the lap symbolize a state of repose and acceptance.
6. Wistful Yearning for the Past:
   • Despite the anticipation of comfort in old age, the speaker expresses a poignant wish for those years to be further away. This dual sentiment reveals a complex emotional response to the inevitability of aging, blending a yearning for peace with a reluctance to embrace the aging process.
7. Solitude and Retreating from the World:
   • The act of drawing the curtain to the town is symbolic of a desire for solitude and a retreat from the external world. It suggests a preference for a quiet, private life in the speaker’s envisioned old age.
8. Ambivalence and Complex Emotions:
   • The final lines unveil a sense of ambivalence as the speaker wishes for the anticipated years of comfort to be further in the future. This complexity suggests a nuanced emotional response to the aging process, intertwining a desire for tranquility with a wish to delay the inevitable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Parker’s “Afternoon” unfolds as a poetic masterpiece that captures the tranquility and introspection inherent in a quiet afternoon. Through her eloquent language and subtle imagery, Parker invites readers to embrace the fleeting beauty of this temporal period, encouraging reflection on nature, time, and the nuances that define the moment. The poem stands as a testament to Parker’s skillful expression and her ability to infuse profound insights into the simplicity of daily life.Afternoon poem by Dorothy Parker summary line by line

FAQs:

1. Who is Dorothy Parker?

Dorothy Parker was an American poet, writer, and critic known for her wit, humor, and keen observations on life. She gained prominence in the early to mid-20th century and was a prominent figure in literary circles.

2. What is the theme of “Afternoon”?

The poem “Afternoon” explores the tranquility and reflective mood of a quiet afternoon. It delves into the subtleties of nature, the passing of time, and the contemplative atmosphere that defines this temporal period.

3. What makes Dorothy Parker’s writing unique?

Dorothy Parker’s writing is characterized by her wit, clever wordplay, and keen observations on human behavior. She often infused her works with humor while exploring deeper themes such as love, relationships, and the human condition.

4. Why is “Afternoon” considered a poetic masterpiece?

“Afternoon” is regarded as a poetic masterpiece due to Parker’s ability to capture the essence of a moment with eloquence and depth. The poem skillfully explores the beauty and introspective nature of a quiet afternoon, showcasing Parker’s mastery of language and imagery.