A Certain Lady

Below are my responses to the questions following Dorothy Parker's "A Certain Lady"

To whom does the speaker seem to be talking?
It seems he is talking about a woman that he is in love with. He says "paint my mouth for you a fragrant red" (line 3). I think this means that he is talking about getting lipstick on his mouth from hers. He also says "That I am gay as morning, light as snow, And all the straining things within my heart You'll never know" (lines 10-12). This is why I think he is in love with her.

What sort of person is he?
He seems a little love sick and dramatic at the same time. Either way, may in love. Or lust.

How do you feel about him?
I feel kind of bad, because it seems the he feels very deeply for this woman, but I get the impression she is not in love with him. "When you rehearse your list of loves to me" (line 5); "And when, in search of novelty, you stray," (line 21).

Which habits and attitudes do you like the least?
I think I like this the least "And you bring tales of fresh adventures-Of ladies delicately indiscreet; Of lingering hands, and gently whispered things. (Lines 15-17) It seems as if he is either sleeping with a prostitute.

How soon can you tell that the speaker is not altogether happy about his conversation and conduct?
I think line 11; "And all the straining things within my heart - You'll never know

In what tone of voice would you read the first twenty-two lines aloud?
A soft almost loving tone.

What attitude would you try to express toward the person spoken to?
Loving and friendly at first.....

What tone would you use for the last two lines?
Maybe quietly and sad, but also a little sinister.

How would you describe the speaker's personality?
He seemed very kind, but also seems a little naughty, but maybe I think that because I just keep thinking the woman is a prostitute.

What aspects of her behavior are most crucial to the poem's effect?
Line 10 "That I'm gay as morning, light as snow" and lines 24&25 "And what goes on, my love, while you're away, You'll never know.