“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”
Exploring the Depths of Love and Identity
The phrase “Love Is a Thing That Can Never Go Wrong; And I Am Marie of Romania” captures the essence of love’s infallibility alongside a bold declaration of identity. This line has intrigued many, inviting us to ponder its origins and meaning. It reflects a poignant interplay of romance and personal assertion, suggesting that love transcends error while identity stands firm.
The Legacy of Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, an iconic American writer, is known for her sharp wit and insightful poetry. Her works have left a significant mark on literature and culture. Among her many contributions, the poem “Comment” stands out. This piece cleverly pairs the unique rhyme of “extemporanea” with “Romania,” showcasing Parker’s distinctive style. The poem originally appeared in her 1926 collection “Enough Rope,” published by Horace Liveright.
Parker’s “Enough Rope” was a landmark in her career, presenting a blend of humor and keen observation. This collection included other memorable poems like “Inventory” and “Résumé,” each offering its own exploration of human experience. “Inventory” counts down from four to three, listing life’s wisdoms and follies, while “Résumé” humorously critiques methods of self-destruction, ultimately advocating for life.
Cultural Impact and Circulation
“Comment” quickly gained popularity and was featured in Franklin Pierce Adams’ “The Conning Tower Book” in 1926. This anthology highlighted Parker’s work, further cementing her place in literary history. The poem reappeared in Vanity Fair in 1930, alongside a portrait of the Romanian monarch, illustrating its cultural relevance.
The enduring appeal of Parker’s poem lies in its transformation into a colloquial phrase. Source By the late 20th century, its final line had morphed into an expression of skepticism. This evolution is documented in the 1996 “Cassell Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins,” which cites its use in contemporary literature .
The Enduring Influence of Parker’s Wit
Dorothy Parker’s ability to distill complex emotions into concise, impactful verses has ensured her lasting influence. Her work not only entertains but also provokes thought, making her a pivotal figure in 20th-century literature. The phrase “Love Is a Thing That Can Never Go Wrong; And I Am Marie of Romania” exemplifies her mastery of language and her capacity to blend humor with depth.
In conclusion, the legacy of Dorothy Parker’s “Comment” extends beyond its original context. It has become a part of cultural dialogue, illustrating the timeless nature of her insights. Parker’s enduring impact on literature and language continues to resonate, reminding us of love’s unerring nature and the strength of identity.
Recommended Reading & Resources
For further exploration of Dorothy Parker and related topics, here are some excellent resources:
- Best Dorothy Parker Quotes
- Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell Is This?
- The Portable Dorothy Parker (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
- Dorothy Parker in Hollywood
- Dorothy Parker: In Her Own Words
- A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York (ArtPlace series)
- Men I’m Not Married To: 9
- The Last Days of Dorothy Parker: The Extraordinary Lives of Dorothy Parker and Lillian Hellman and How Death Can Be Hell on Friendship (A Penguin Classics Special)
- Dorothy Parker’s New York, Third Revised Edition (Excelsior Editions)
- Constant Reader: The New Yorker Columns 1927–28 (McNally Editions)
- The Quotable Dorothy Parker
- Not Much Fun: The Lost Poems of Dorothy Parker
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