Parley by Rita Dove Summary

Rita Dove’s poem “Parley” is a thought-provoking and evocative piece that delves into the complex relationship between language and power. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Dove explores the ways in which language can be used as a tool for both oppression and resistance. The poem’s title, “Parley,” suggests a negotiation or discussion, hinting at the idea of language as a means of communication and exchange. This essay will provide a summary and analysis of Dove’s “Parley,” examining the themes of language, power, and resistance that are central to the poem.

“Parley” is a relatively short poem, consisting of only 16 lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich with meaning and symbolism. The first stanza sets the scene with the image of a “ship on the horizon,” evoking a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. This imagery is followed by the line “And the wind dropped,” which creates a feeling of stillness and quiet. The contrast between the movement of the ship and the calmness of the wind sets the stage for the tension and conflict that will unfold in the poem.

The second stanza introduces the theme of language, as the speaker describes “the word” that was “brought home.” This word is described as “powerful,” suggesting that it holds significant meaning and influence. The word is then contrasted with “the sea,” which is described as “a language / we don’t speak.” This juxtaposition highlights the power dynamics at play, as the language of the sea is portrayed as mysterious and unknowable, while the word brought home is described as potent and commanding.

The third stanza brings the theme of power to the forefront, as the speaker describes “the captain” who “hauled it out of the hold.” The word is described as “heavy,” suggesting that it carries a weight of authority and control. The captain’s actions are portrayed as forceful and commanding, as he “hauled” the word out of the hold. This image conveys a sense of dominance and control, highlighting the ways in which language can be wielded as a tool of power.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem reveals the word that has been brought home: “Parley.” This word, which means a discussion or negotiation, carries significant implications in the context of the poem. The speaker describes the word as “a stowaway,” suggesting that it has been brought aboard the ship without permission or consent. This image conveys a sense of subversion and resistance, as the word “Parley” disrupts the established power dynamics on the ship.

Overall, “Parley” explores the ways in which language can be used as a means of asserting power and control. The poem’s vivid imagery and evocative language convey a sense of tension and conflict, as the word “Parley” disrupts the established order on the ship. Through this exploration of language and power, Dove invites readers to consider the ways in which language can be used as a tool for both oppression and resistance.

One of the key themes in “Parley” is the idea of resistance. The word “Parley” is portrayed as a stowaway, suggesting that it has been brought aboard the ship without permission or consent. This image conveys a sense of subversion and defiance, as the word disrupts the established power dynamics on the ship. By portraying the word as a stowaway, Dove highlights the ways in which language can be used as a means of resistance against oppressive systems of power.

The theme of resistance is further emphasized through the contrast between “the word” and “the sea” in the second stanza. The sea is described as “a language / we don’t speak,” conveying a sense of mystery and otherness. This portrayal of the sea’s language as unknowable and unfamiliar serves to highlight the ways in which language can be used as a means of resistance against dominant power structures. By juxtaposing the language of the sea with the powerful word brought home by the captain, Dove invites readers to consider the ways in which alternative forms of language can be used as a means of resistance and subversion.

In addition to the theme of resistance, “Parley” also explores the idea of communication and exchange. The title of the poem, “Parley,” suggests a negotiation or discussion, hinting at the idea of language as a means of communication and exchange. The image of the ship on the horizon in the first stanza further conveys a sense of anticipation and potential interaction. This theme of communication and exchange is further emphasized through the portrayal of the word “Parley” as a stowaway, suggesting that it has been brought aboard the ship as a means of communication and negotiation.

Through its exploration of language, power, resistance, and communication, “Parley” offers a nuanced and thought-provoking reflection on the complex relationship between language and power. The poem’s vivid imagery and evocative language invite readers to consider the ways in which language can be used as a tool for both oppression and resistance. By portraying the word “Parley” as a stowaway that disrupts the established power dynamics on the ship, Dove highlights the ways in which language can be used as a means of resistance against oppressive systems of power. Overall, “Parley” offers a powerful and compelling exploration of the ways in which language can be wielded as a tool of power and resistance.