“Inventory” by Dorothy Parker: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker: A Critical Analysis

“Inventory” by Dorothy Parker first appeared in 1926, serving as a key piece within her debut collection titled “Enough Rope.” The poem takes the form of a witty and insightful inventory of life’s experiences. Through a deceptively simple structure and concise language, Parker delivers a surprisingly rich tapestry of emotions. The poem showcases her signature sharp wit, employing humor alongside a touch of melancholy as she takes stock of love, loss, friendship, and the fundamental aspects of the human condition

Text: “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker: A Critical Analysis

Four be the things I am wiser to know:
Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.

Four be the things I’d been better without:
Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.

Three be the things I shall never attain:
Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.

Three be the things I shall have till I die:
Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.

Annotations: “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

Line	Full Line	Annotation
1	“Four be the things I am wiser to know:”	This line introduces four things that are considered sources of wisdom.
2	“Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.”	These four things are identified as sources of wisdom: idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.
3	“Four be the things I’d been better without:”	This line introduces four things that are considered detrimental.
4	“Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.”	These four things are deemed as potentially detrimental: love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.
5	“Three be the things I shall never attain:”	This line introduces three things that are considered unattainable.
6	“Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.”	These three things are presented as unattainable: envy, contentment, and a sufficient supply of champagne.
7	“Three be the things I shall have till I die:”	This line introduces three things that are considered enduring.
8	“Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.”	These three things are stated as enduring: laughter, hope, and the inevitability of experiencing misfortune (a “sock in the eye”).

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Four be the things…”	Repetition of initial consonant sounds for musical effect
Allusion	“Sufficient champagne”	Reference to the excesses of the Roaring Twenties
Amplification	“Four be the things…”, “Three be the things…”	Emphasis through repetition
Anaphora	“Four be the things…”, “Three be the things…”	Repetition of a phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Assonance	“Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye”	Repetition of vowel sounds for musical effect
Contrast	“Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe”	Juxtaposition of opposing ideas or emotions
Enjambment	“Four be the things I am wiser to know: / Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe”	Carrying a sentence or phrase over to the next line without punctuation
Hyperbole	“Sufficient champagne”	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect
Imagery	“A sock in the eye”	Vivid and evocative language to create mental images
Irony	“Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt”	Saying the opposite of what is meant, often to convey a contrary meaning
Juxtaposition	“Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe”	Placing two or more elements or ideas side by side for comparison or contrast
Litotes	“Three be the things I shall never attain”	Understatement for ironic or rhetorical effect
Meter	The entire poem	Pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables for musical effect
Oxymoron	“Laughter and hope”	Combination of two opposing ideas or words
Paradox	“Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe”	Statement that contradicts itself or appears illogical
Personification	“Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt”	Attributing human qualities or characteristics to abstract ideas or objects
Repetition	“Four be the things…”, “Three be the things…”	Emphasis through repeated words or phrases
Rhyme	The entire poem	Repetition of similar sounds for musical effect
Sarcasm	“Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt”	Bitter or mocking tone, often to express contempt or disdain
Stream-of-Consciousness	The entire poem	Unstructured, natural flow of thoughts and feelings
Symbolism	“A sock in the eye”	Objects or images representing abstract ideas or concepts
Understatement	“Three be the things I shall never attain”	Downplaying or minimizing for ironic or rhetorical effect
Wit	The entire poem	Quick, clever, and humorous language or expression

Themes: “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

• Wisdom in Life’s Experiences: Dorothy Parker’s poem “Inventory” highlights the idea that wisdom can be gleaned from life’s various experiences. Through the lines “Four be the things I am wiser to know: Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe,” Parker suggests that even negative experiences such as idleness and sorrow contribute to one’s understanding of the world. For instance, the mention of a friend and a foe indicates that both positive and negative relationships offer valuable insights. Parker further emphasizes this theme by contrasting what one is “wiser to know” with what one would be “better without,” suggesting that even those aspects of life which may seem undesirable contribute to personal growth and understanding.
• The Futility of Pursuing Perfection: Another theme present in “Inventory” is the futility of striving for perfection. Parker lists qualities such as love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt as things one would be “better without,” indicating that these imperfections are inevitable aspects of human existence. For instance, by including “freckles” alongside more abstract concepts like “love” and “doubt,” Parker suggests that flaws and uncertainties are inherent to the human condition. This theme underscores the idea that perfection is unattainable and that embracing one’s imperfections is essential for personal fulfillment.
• The Ephemeral Nature of Happiness: Parker’s poem also explores the transient nature of happiness and fulfillment. Through lines like “Three be the things I shall never attain: Envy, content, and sufficient champagne,” Parker suggests that some desires, such as envy and contentment, are perpetually out of reach. Even the idea of having “sufficient champagne” serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of happiness, implying that material abundance alone cannot guarantee fulfillment. By juxtaposing unattainable desires with more enduring elements like laughter and hope, Parker underscores the idea that true happiness lies in appreciating life’s simple joys rather than in the pursuit of unattainable ideals.
• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Lastly, “Inventory” conveys a theme of resilience in the face of adversity. Parker asserts that despite life’s inevitable challenges, certain qualities endure. For instance, the inclusion of “laughter and hope” alongside the metaphorical “sock in the eye” suggests that even in the midst of hardship, one can find sources of joy and optimism. By presenting adversity as an inevitable part of life, Parker emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and finding meaning amidst adversity.

Literary Theories and “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

Theory	Example from the Poem	Critique
Feminist Theory	“Four be the things I’d been better without: / Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt”	Parker’s speaker critiques societal expectations placed on women, rejecting traditional feminine virtues like love and curiosity. However, some may argue that the speaker reinforces gender stereotypes by associating these traits with women.
Modernist Theory	“Three be the things I shall never attain: / Envy, content, and sufficient champagne”	Parker’s use of fragmented structure, irony, and satire reflects Modernist ideals of rejecting traditional forms and embracing chaos. However, the poem’s accessibility and musicality may contradict Modernist principles of experimentation and difficulty.
Psychoanalytic Theory	“Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe”	The speaker’s introspection and self-awareness reflect Freudian ideas of the conscious and unconscious mind. However, the poem’s lighthearted tone and wit may undermine the depth of psychological analysis.
Postmodern Theory	“Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye”	Parker’s use of irony, playfulness, and absurdity reflects Postmodern ideals of challenging meaning and embracing uncertainty. However, the poem’s use of traditional forms and rhymes may contradict Postmodern principles of fragmentation and experimentation.

Critical Questions about “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

• Question 1: How does the speaker’s use of irony and sarcasm reveal their ambivalence towards life’s experiences?
• The speaker’s irony and sarcasm are evident in lines like “Four be the things I’d been better without: / Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.” Here, the speaker claims to be better off without fundamental human experiences like love and curiosity, implying that these things are, in fact, essential to their life. This irony highlights the speaker’s ambivalence towards life’s experiences, suggesting that they are both drawn to and frustrated by the complexities of human existence.
• Question 2: How does the poem’s structure and form reinforce its themes of introspection and self-awareness?
• The poem’s structure, with its repetitive “Four be the things…” and “Three be the things…” phrases, creates a sense of introspective rhythm, mirroring the speaker’s stream-of-consciousness thoughts. This structure reinforces the themes of introspection and self-awareness, as the speaker catalogues their experiences and emotions with a sense of detachment and objectivity. The use of rhyming couplets also adds a sense of musicality, underscoring the speaker’s playful and witty tone.
• Question 3: How does the speaker’s use of imagery and symbolism reveal their attitude towards the human condition?
• The speaker’s use of imagery and symbolism, as seen in lines like “Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye,” reveals a playful and irreverent attitude towards the human condition. The “sock in the eye” symbolizes the unexpected twists and turns of life, while “laughter and hope” represent the speaker’s resilience and optimism. This imagery suggests that the speaker views life as a complex and unpredictable journey, but one that is ultimately worth navigating with humor and hope.
• Question 4: How does the poem’s tone and language use challenge or reinforce traditional notions of femininity and gender roles?
• The poem’s tone and language use, with its witty and sarcastic tone, challenges traditional notions of femininity and gender roles. The speaker’s rejection of traditional feminine virtues like love and curiosity, and their embrace of more masculine traits like irony and sarcasm, subverts gender expectations. However, some may argue that the speaker’s use of rhyming couplets and playful language reinforces traditional feminine associations with nurturing and care. Ultimately, the poem’s tone and language use complicate and challenge traditional gender roles, offering a more nuanced and complex portrayal of femininity.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statement
1. Themes of Wisdom and Experience	– How does Dorothy Parker explore the concept of wisdom in “Inventory”? – What experiences does Parker suggest contribute to wisdom?	In “Inventory,” Dorothy Parker delves into the notion of wisdom, portraying how life’s varied experiences, both positive and negative, shape one’s understanding of the world.
2. Critique of Idealized Notions	– How does Parker critique the pursuit of perfection in the poem? – What does Parker suggest about the inevitability of imperfections?	“Inventory” critiques the idealized notions of perfection, arguing that flaws and uncertainties are inherent aspects of the human condition that contribute to personal growth and understanding.
3. Exploration of Happiness and Fulfillment	– How does Parker depict the transient nature of happiness in the poem? – What does Parker suggest about the sources of true fulfillment?	Parker’s “Inventory” explores the ephemeral nature of happiness, illustrating that true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of unattainable ideals, but in appreciating life’s simple joys and enduring qualities.
4. Resilience in Adversity	– How does Parker convey resilience in the face of adversity? – What qualities does Parker present as enduring amidst life’s challenges?	Through “Inventory,” Parker portrays resilience as essential in navigating life’s inevitable hardships, emphasizing the enduring qualities of laughter, hope, and perseverance in overcoming adversity.

Literary Works Similar to “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

1. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Similarity: Stream-of-consciousness style and themes of disillusionment and introspection. Revised: While “Inventory” is a short, witty poem, “The Waste Land” is a longer, more experimental work that explores similar ideas of disillusionment and introspection.
2. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Similarity: Inner turmoil and self-doubt. Revised: Like “Inventory”, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” explores the inner thoughts and feelings of the speaker, but in a more philosophical and abstract way.
3. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: Similarity: Emphasis on living life to the fullest. Revised: While “Inventory” is a more lighthearted poem, “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” is a powerful and emotional poem that urges the reader to live life with passion and purpose.
4. “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus: Similarity: Themes of hope and resilience. Revised: Like “Inventory”, “The New Colossus” is a poem about hope and resilience, but it is more focused on the American dream and the idea of a better life.
5. “Jazz Fantasia” by Carl Sandburg: Similarity: Playful use of language and form. Revised: Like “Inventory”, “Jazz Fantasia” is a playful and experimental poem that uses language and form in a creative and musical way.

Suggested Readings: “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

• May, Will. “Modernist Women Writers and Whimsy: Marianne Moore and Dorothy Parker.” Humanities 9.1 (2020): 24. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0787/9/1/24
• Johnson, Cory McLain. Enough Rope: A Song Cycle Based on the Poetry of Dorothy Parker. California State University, Long Beach, 2001.
• Meade, Marion. Dorothy Parker: what fresh hell is this?. Penguin, 1989.
• Parker, Dorothy. Not much fun: The lost poems of Dorothy Parker. Simon and Schuster, 2009.

Representative Quotations about “Inventory” by Dorothy Parker

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Four be the things I am wiser to know:”	The speaker introduces four things considered sources of wisdom.	Psychoanalytic: This line could be interpreted as reflecting the speaker’s acknowledgment of unconscious desires or instincts that contribute to personal growth and understanding.
“Four be the things I’d been better without:”	The speaker lists four things considered detrimental.	Feminist: This line can be seen as critiquing societal expectations and stereotypes placed on women, suggesting that certain qualities or experiences traditionally associated with femininity may not necessarily be beneficial.
“Three be the things I shall never attain:”	The speaker discusses three unattainable desires.	Marxist: This line may be interpreted as commenting on class struggle and inequality, suggesting that certain desires or aspirations are out of reach for individuals due to socioeconomic factors.
“Three be the things I shall have till I die:”	The speaker reflects on three enduring qualities.	Existentialist: This line can be viewed as highlighting the existential realities of human existence, emphasizing the enduring aspects of life amidst the inevitability of mortality.
“Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.”	The speaker lists enduring qualities alongside adversity.	Postcolonial: This line may be interpreted as reflecting on the resilience and survival strategies of marginalized communities in the face of oppression or colonialism.