Dorothy Parker’s “Rsum” is a concise, darkly humorous poem exploring the varied methods one may contemplate ending one’s life. By way of a collection of mordant vignettes, the speaker lists completely different strategies of suicide, in the end dismissing every with a sardonic, world-weary tone. The poem’s brevity and easy construction amplify the influence of its grim subject material, making a stark distinction between the informal supply and the weighty theme. For instance, the road “Razors ache you;” illustrates this juxtaposition effectively.
This work affords a glimpse into the pervasive disillusionment and cynicism that characterised the Misplaced Era. Revealed in 1926, the poem displays the societal anxieties and existential questions that adopted World Struggle I. Its enduring attraction lies in its capability to seize a way of despair with each wit and poignancy. “Rsum” serves as a big piece inside Parker’s bigger physique of labor, highlighting her signature mix of sardonic humor and insightful social commentary. The poem continues to resonate with readers for its exploration of common themes of despair, mortality, and the seek for which means.
