Dorothy Parker and Edna St. Vincent Millay were two very famous feminist writers from the 1920's. They wrote during the time when there were great changes happening in women's lives in the United States. As women began to change their lifestyles from the Victorian ways, these writers' powerful literature further encouraged the drive toward modernization and women's independence. While Parker and Millay generally shared similar views in their writing, their styles and tone in their poetry were very distinct.
             In their poetry, both Parker and Millay set examples of behavior for the independent woman. They give off the message that the new woman should not assume a "proper" obedient role that was expected of her in the Victorian times. Instead, she should enjoy life and take some risks. In her poem "First Fig" Millay describes herself as a modern lady by stating "My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--/ It gives a lovely light!" This short poem actually contains very meaningful symbolism. Millay sees herself holding a candle which burns at both ends. In other words, she is a risk taker. She isn't afraid to show this side of herself to her friends and foes or to go against the norms, because her confidence lets her enjoy the moment while it lasts, even though it will eventually be over.
             Taking the theme that a woman must stand on her own, Parker shows another example of a woman that lived her days well. In "Epitaph for a Darling Lady" Parker compares the short amount of time a woman lived to sands that slipped through her fingers. In the end she states that although the woman is dead now, she lived a very fulfilling life. People that visit her grave shouldn't pity her for having such a short life. Instead, she advises them to simply "Leave for her a red young rose, Go your way, and save your pity; She is h...