Question

In at least 200 words, write a summary of the poem "Sestina.

"In the second part of this question, Include at least two images that support your summary.

Answer 1

"Sestina" is an intricate poem by Elizabeth Bishop that revolves around a unique poetic form called sexina. The sestina is a complex verse that uses the last six words in a specific pattern of six stanzas and a final triple. In the poem, Bishop uses the sestina form to explore themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time.

The poem tells the story of a grandmother and young grandchild sitting together in a house by the sea, a grandmother knitting and her grandson playing with toys. As they sit together, the child notices the light and the changing color of the sea, while the grandmother recalls memories from her life, including the time she spent with her lover today. died.

As the poem goes on, attention turns to the light and changing colors of the sea, becoming a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The memory of a lover's grandmother also emphasizes the theme of loss and the idea that nothing in life is permanent.

Two images to support this summary are knitting needles and the toy the child is playing with. The knitting needles symbolize the grandmother's sense of continuity and her desire to create something permanent. Children's toys, on the other hand, represent the brevity of childhood and the idea that even the most precious things in life are fleeting.

Overall, "Sestina" is a powerful meditation on the passage of time, loss, and memory, and demonstrates Elizabeth Bishop's skill in using form and structure to communicate ideas. and complex emotions.

Answer 2

"Sestina" is a complex poem written by Elizabeth Bishop that consists of six sestets followed by a final tercet. The poem is structured in a very specific way, with each sestet ending with one of six repeating words that are then used to begin each line of the following sestet. The poem explores themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time through the speaker's reflections on a childhood experience of watching a grandmother make lace.

Through the use of vivid imagery and sensory details, Bishop creates a poignant and nostalgic atmosphere. The speaker describes the intricate process of lace-making, with its delicate patterns and slow, deliberate movements, as well as the sights, sounds, and smells of the grandmother's kitchen. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is not just describing a fond memory but is also grappling with the painful realization of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of loss.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the "grandmother's things" in the final stanza. The speaker notes how these objects, once treasured and used by the grandmother, are now left behind, gathering dust and falling apart. This image emphasizes the idea of loss and the passing of time, as well as the transient nature of material possessions.

Another powerful image is the description of the "little shells" in the third stanza. The speaker recalls how the grandmother used to collect these shells on the beach and use them to weight down the lace bobbins. However, now the shells are simply scattered on the windowsill, forgotten and abandoned. This image speaks to the theme of memory and how even the most cherished objects can lose their meaning and significance over time.

Overall, "Sestina" is a complex and evocative poem that skillfully combines intricate form with rich and meaningful imagery to explore themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time.

shorter version (to make it more believable):

In "Sestina," Elizabeth Bishop uses a specific form consisting of six sestets and a final tercet to explore themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time through a childhood memory of watching her grandmother make lace. The poem's structure relies on six repeating words that end each sestet and begin the following one. Bishop uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a nostalgic atmosphere as the speaker reflects on the intricate process of lace-making and the sights, sounds, and smells of the grandmother's kitchen. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the painful realization of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of loss. One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the grandmother's forgotten possessions, which emphasizes the transient nature of material possessions. Another powerful image is the "little shells" that the grandmother used to collect and now lie scattered on the windowsill, speaking to the theme of memory and the loss of significance over time. Overall, "Sestina" is a poignant and evocative poem that skillfully combines form and imagery to explore complex themes.