Post's missives are taken to an illogical, rather than logical extremes, beyond that was intended by the author. Parker is on more familiar turf, when she parodies the author's stress upon not offending individuals in conversation. But although witty, it is important to remember that Parker's social circle was different than those of Post's likely readership. Different social situations and context call for different behavior, thus making Parker guilty of a false analogy -- if one suppresses one's opinion in one dinner party does not mean one cannot write an editorial about the subject to the press the next day, or behave in a more loose and informal fashion at the Algonquin Round Table. After all, even today, one does not behave with the same good manners at a poker meeting between one's nearest and dearest reunited college roommates, and at a family reunion between distant relations whom one has not seen for many years. In a society such as our own virtually devoid of etiquette and any sense of how to behave with civility, Mrs. Post's as opposed to Mrs. Parker's perspective can be refreshing. To acknowledge another...

Etiquette is inherent to all actions of society, really, even simply waiting for one's turn in line.
For a person concerned about an upcoming party at a fiancee's parent's home, Mrs. Post's reference manual might have proved enlightening, rather than constraining. Parker is funny, but she misses the point of Mrs. Post's discussion of manners. Mrs. Post speaks to a specific audience, not desiring to create original prose and wit during the context of a party, but simply to get through an evening with a minimum of discomfort. One not need be dull, but before one behaves with one's character in full force, with all of the strength of one's opinions and vigor, a bit of restraint may be necessary -- unless one is Dorothy Parker.

Works Cited

Parker, Dorothy. "Mrs. Post Enlarges on Etiquette." From Essays in Context. Editors Sandra Tropp & Ann D'Angelo. New York: Oxford Publishing Press, 2001.