Death Quote by Dorothy Parker
““The Trifler Death's the lover that I'd be taking; Wild and fickle and fierce is he. Small's his care if my heart be breaking- Gay young Death would have none of me. Hear them clack of my haste to greet him! No one other my mouth had kissed. I had dressed me in silk to meet him- False young Death would not hold the tryst. Slow's the blood that was quick and stormy, Smooth and cold is the bridal bed; I must wait till he whistles for me- Proud young Death would not turn his head. I must wait till my breast is wilted. I must wait till my back is bowed, I must rock in the corner, jilted- Death went galloping down the road. Gone's my heart with a trifling rover. Fine he was in the game he played- Kissed, and promised, and threw me over, And rode away with a prettier maid.””
About This Quote
Source Poem (published 1935)
The speaker personifies Death as a fickle lover, expressing frustration at unrequited affection and the inevitability of loss.
In simple terms: Death is portrayed as an indifferent lover who leaves the speaker yearning.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the futility of chasing unattainable love.
Themes
unrequited love
death
frustration
Mood
wry
melancholic
Type
poetic
satirical
When to use this quote
- breakups
- grief
- unfulfilled ambitions
- creative block
Key Concepts
Existentialism
romanticism
nihilism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this portrayal reveal about the speaker’s emotional state?
- Can humor soften the pain of loss?
A Different Perspective
It romanticizes death without addressing coping strategies.
