Introduction
Welcome to our exploration of “Sestina” by Elizabeth Bishop, a poem that stands as a testament to Bishop’s incredible control over language and her ability to weave complex emotional landscapes. Elizabeth Bishop, a poet known for her meticulous attention to detail and her restrained yet expressive style, has captivated readers with her precision in poetry.
“Sestina,” published in 1965, is a brilliant example of its form, a complex structure that uses intricate patterns of repetition. This poem delves into themes of memory, nostalgia, and the unspoken undercurrents of family life, all set against the backdrop of a rainy autumn evening. It’s a touching portrayal of a grandmother and her grandchild navigating their shared space and emotions, using simple domestic actions to highlight deeper emotional truths. Let’s dive into the world Bishop creates in “Sestina”! 😊
Meaning of Sestina
Opening Section
“Sestina” opens with a vivid scene-setting that introduces us to the grandmother and her grandchild in a kitchen, where the mood is somber. The atmosphere is charged with the symbolism of the autumn outside and the almanac hanging above them, suggesting a blend of past, present, and future.
“September rain falls on the house.
In the failing light, the old grandmother
sits in the kitchen with the child
beside the Little Marvel Stove,
reading the jokes from the almanac,
laughing and talking to hide her tears.”
Mid Section
In the middle of the poem, the emotional weight deepens as the actions turn inward. The grandmother and child make a teapot and a bird out of paper, activities that seem to parallel their attempts to shape and reshape their personal and collective memories.
“Time to plant tears, says the almanac.
The grandmother sings to the marvelous stove
and the child draws another inscrutable house.”
Concluding Section
The poem concludes with a powerful emotional crescendo. The symbols of the poem—the almanac, the stove, the teacups—seem to converge in a moment of quiet realization about the cyclical nature of grief and resilience.
“But secretly, while the grandmother
busies herself about the stove,
the little moons fall down like tears
from between the pages of the almanac
into the flower bed the child
has carefully placed in the front of the house.”
In-depth Analysis
Stanza 1 —
- Themes and Symbols:
Stanza 2 —
- Literary Techniques:
- Diction: Words like “failing light” and “old” evoke a sense of decay and the passage of time.
- Syntax: Short, choppy sentences enhance the feeling of fragmentation in their life.
Stanza 3 —
- Figurative Language:
- Metaphor: The “Marvel Stove” metaphorically reflects the emotional warmth the grandmother tries to provide.
- Personification: The almanac “laughing” portrays it as a living participant in their life.
Stanza 4 —
- Imagery:
- Detailed images of domestic activities enrich the visual and emotional texture.
- Symbol: The “bird” made from paper symbolizes freedom and fragility.
Stanza 5 —
- Symbolism:
- Tears: Symbolize both grief and a natural response to emotional depth.
- Almanac: Represents the inexorable passage of time and fate.
Stanza 6 —
- Themes and Symbols:
- Moons falling like tears: Connects cosmic movements with personal sorrow.
- Insightful Conclusion: The convergence of personal and universal elements captures the poem’s essence of interconnectedness of experiences.
Poetic Devices used in Sestina
| Device | Example |
|---|---|
| Anaphora | Repeated use of “says the almanac” at the beginning of lines to emphasize fate and destiny. |
| Alliteration | “September rain”, “sings to the stove” — enhances the musical quality. |
| Enjambment | “laughing and talking to hide her tears” — creates a flowing connection between emotions and actions. |
| Imagery | Descriptions of the kitchen scene, the weather, and domestic items vividly paint the emotional landscape. |
| Symbolism | The “almanac” as a symbol of destiny and the passage of time. |
| Metaphor | The “Marvel Stove” as a metaphor for emotional warmth. |
| Personification | The almanac “laughing”, making it appear as an active figure in their life. |
| Irony | The use of humor in the almanac jokes contrasts with the underlying sadness. |
| Repetition | Key words like “house”, “grandmother”, and “child” are repeated to emphasize central themes. |
| Consonance | Repetition of consonant sounds, especially in the final sestet, to create a melodic quality. |
FAQs
What is the main theme of “Sestina” by Elizabeth Bishop?
The main theme revolves around memory, loss, and the cyclic nature of both personal and universal experiences.
How does Elizabeth Bishop use form in “Sestina”?
Bishop adheres to the strict form of a sestina, using six end words repeatedly in a set pattern, which mirrors the cyclical and inevitable nature of the themes discussed.
What role does the almanac play in “Sestina”?
The almanac acts as a symbol of fate and the passage of time, influencing the lives of the characters with its predictions and reminders of the inevitable.
Can “Sestina” be considered a narrative poem?
Yes, “Sestina” can be considered a narrative poem as it tells the story of an evening shared by a grandmother and her grandchild, focusing on their interactions and emotional exchanges.
Sestina Study Guide
Exercise: Identify all the poetic devices used in the following verse from “Sestina”:
“Time to plant tears, says the almanac.
The grandmother sings to the marvelous stove
and the child draws another inscrutable house.”
Answer Key:
- Anaphora: “says the almanac”
- Alliteration: “sings to the stove”
- Metaphor: “marvelous stove” as a source of warmth and hope
- Imagery: “inscrutable house” draws a vivid picture of the child’s creativity and perhaps confusion or complexity.