The Waltz
In society we have
this funny thing called being polite; even though, we might truthfully hate
someone it is not socially unacceptable to tell them that. “The Waltz” by
Dorothy Parker comically touches on this issue through exposing the differences
between a young woman’s thoughts and words while waltzing with her partner.
Despite the humor that the piece contains, the piece also reflects society’s
expectations of a woman.
While
in the eye of society there is the expectation for women to be polite and
composed. When the man first asks the narrator to dance she begins thanking him
and saying that she would “adore to” (71). However, in reality she feels “so
sorry for the poor girl he was dancing with” earlier and describes his dancing
as “something you do on Saint Walpurgis Night” (71). The vast contrast between
what the narrator thinks and says is humorous because it reflects reality; women
must always remain polite. Her dancing partner then kicks her in the shin;
however, instead of grimacing the narrator reminds herself to “smile” (74).
This reminder reflects society’s expectation for a woman to keep her composure
especially while she is in public.
The
piece also reflects the pressure that is put upon women to please men. Even
though the narrator did not desire to dance, she agrees because “What can you
say, when a man asks to dance” (72). The narrator simply desires to please her
dancing partner because he is a man, which reflects Parker’s belief that a
society puts a man’s needs before a woman’s. The man the narrator is waltzing
with also has complete control over the situation; after all, “[he] won the
toss; [he] can lead” (74). The man leading the waltz reflects society’s
expectations men to lead, and women to follow without any complaints. Therefore,
men are in the positions of control.
Although “The Waltz” was written in 1933, the
pressure that society places on women still exists. Women still feel the need
to hold back their true emotions and feelings in order to keep up with
society’s expectations. Even though, the narrator’s sarcasm in the piece is
humorous, she like many other women today is too afraid to speak her mind.
I do not disagree with your relationship between "The Waltz" and a woman's place in society, but let's not be so hard on the guy. Maybe he is genuinely trying to be chivalrous and courteous to the narrator who wants "... just to be left alone in [her] quiet corner of the table, to do [her] evening brooding over all [her] sorrows" (72). Maybe he doesn't want her to be the only girl not dancing? Or maybe he wants to try to cheer her up. Chivalry is still very much alive in the south, and the way a man treats a woman is very important. Is it possible that Dorothy Parker is also making a statement about a man's position and obligations within society to dote on and be chivalrous to a woman? I wish she had written this same piece but from the man's point of view.
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