Comment on Theme

The Choice

He'd have given me rolling lands, 1 Houses of marble, and billowing farms, 2 Pearls, to trickle between my hands, 3

Smoldering rubies, to circle my arms. 4

You- you'd only a lilting song, 5

Only a melody, happy and high, 6 You were sudden and swift and strong- 7 Never a thought for another had I. 8

He'd have given me laces rare, 9 Dresses that glimmered with frosty sheen, 10 Shining ribbons to wrap my hair, 11 Horses to draw me, as fine as a queen. 12

You- you'd only to whistle low, 13 Gayly I followed wherever you led. 14 I took you, and I let him go- 15 Somebody ought to examine my head! 16 Dorothy Parker

COMMENT ON THEME

1. What were the woman’s reasons for choosing as she did? (Central Focus) She was in love. The poor man’s high spirits and easy manner appealed to her more than the other’s wealth. In general and from your life’s observations what were the reasons she chose the poor man over the rich? 2. Do you think she would make the same decision if she could choose over again? The last line implies she would not. Possible it is only a bit of teasing, but in view of Dorothyt Parker’s usually cynical view of romance, it may indicate that the speaker regrets her choice now that the first glow of romance has faded. Do you agree or disagree with her choice in the last line? In general and from your life’s observations what specifically were the reasons she would or would not change her mind? Literary Devices

1. Is there a rhyme scheme; what is it? 2. Onomatopoeia 3. Alliteration 4. Assonance 5. Consonance 6. Imagery 7. Enjambment 8. Rhyme 9. Internal Rhyme 10. Personification 11. Euphony: Sounds that work together to form a pleasing effect