'To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash' by Elizabeth Bishop

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1937I live only here, between your eyes and you,But I live in your world. What do I do?--Collect no interest--otherwise what I can;Above all I am not that staring man.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash" by Elizabeth Bishop: A Masterpiece of Self-Reflection and Perception

Elizabeth Bishop's "To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash" is a poetic masterpiece that explores the complex nature of self-reflection and perception. The poem is a beautiful reflection on the human condition and the desire to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

The Poem's Structure and Language

The poem is divided into three stanzas of varying lengths, with each stanza containing different themes and imagery. The poem opens with the speaker addressing the reader, inviting them to imagine a scene where a mirror is being whitewashed. The imagery of the mirror being painted over is an interesting one, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The language used in the poem is simple, but it is also incredibly powerful. The poem is full of vivid images and metaphors that help to convey the themes and ideas that Bishop is exploring. For example, the image of a "frail spider web" in the first stanza is a powerful metaphor for the fragility of our own self-image.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, "To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash" is a poem about self-reflection and the search for understanding. The mirror in the poem is a symbol for the self, and the act of whitewashing it represents the desire to hide or cover up our true selves.

The first stanza of the poem focuses on the idea of self-perception. The speaker asks the reader to imagine themselves as the one who is whitewashing the mirror. This image is a powerful one because it suggests that we are actively involved in the process of shaping our own self-image. The stanza also includes the powerful image of the "frail spider web," which suggests that our self-image is fragile and easily damaged.

The second stanza of the poem shifts focus to the idea of self-doubt. The speaker asks the reader to imagine themselves as the one who is looking at the whitewashed mirror. This image is a powerful one because it suggests that we are often our own harshest critics. The stanza also includes the image of the "dim sky," which suggests that our self-doubt can cloud our judgment and prevent us from seeing ourselves clearly.

The final stanza of the poem is the most hopeful. The speaker suggests that we can overcome our self-doubt and gain a clearer understanding of ourselves. The image of the "white piece of paper" is a powerful one because it suggests that we have the power to write our own narrative and to shape our own identity. The final line of the poem, "Ah, love, let us be true to one another!" is a plea for honesty and authenticity, and it suggests that our relationships with others can help us to better understand ourselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex nature of self-reflection and perception. The poem is full of rich imagery and metaphors, and it is a testament to Bishop's skill as a poet. The poem's themes of self-perception, self-doubt, and authenticity are universal and timeless, and they continue to resonate with readers today. This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash: A Masterpiece of Elizabeth Bishop

Elizabeth Bishop, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for her unique style of writing that combines vivid imagery, precise language, and a deep sense of empathy. Her poem, "Poetry To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash," is a perfect example of her mastery of the craft. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a simple instruction: "Write it in whitewash." The speaker is asking someone to write a poem on a mirror using whitewash, a type of paint made from lime and water. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is both playful and serious, simple and complex.

The first stanza of the poem describes the mirror itself, which is "clouded with steam." This image suggests that the mirror is in a bathroom, and that someone has just taken a shower or bath. The steam also creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity, as if the mirror is hiding something.

The second stanza introduces the idea of writing on the mirror, and the speaker suggests that the poem should be about "love and politics." This combination of themes is unexpected and intriguing, as love and politics are often seen as separate and even opposed to each other. The speaker seems to be suggesting that they are connected in some way, and that writing about both of them on the mirror would be a powerful statement.

The third stanza is where the poem really takes off, as the speaker begins to describe what the poem should say. They suggest that it should be "brief, like a telegram," and that it should be "written in a hurry." This sense of urgency and brevity creates a feeling of tension and excitement, as if the poem is a message that needs to be delivered quickly.

The fourth stanza is where the poem becomes more complex, as the speaker suggests that the poem should be "about the size of an old-style dollar bill." This image is both specific and vague, as it refers to a particular object but also leaves room for interpretation. The speaker seems to be suggesting that the poem should be small and concise, but also valuable and meaningful.

The fifth stanza is perhaps the most famous part of the poem, as the speaker suggests that the poem should be "invisible except for the writing." This idea is both playful and profound, as it suggests that the poem should be hidden in plain sight, like a secret message. It also suggests that the poem should be more about the act of writing than the words themselves, as if the act of writing on the mirror is what gives the poem its power.

The sixth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker suggests that the poem should be "washed off the mirror / where it can't be read / by the people who come to make sure / they are clean." This image is both sad and hopeful, as it suggests that the poem will be lost but also that it will have an impact on those who read it. The poem will be a reminder that there is more to life than just cleanliness and hygiene, and that love and politics are always present, even in the most mundane of activities.

In terms of structure, the poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, as if the poem is a series of small, interconnected ideas. The use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next, also creates a sense of flow and movement, as if the poem is constantly moving forward.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is full of vivid imagery, such as the clouded mirror and the old-style dollar bill. It also uses repetition, such as the repeated use of the word "whitewash," to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. The poem also uses irony, as the speaker suggests that the poem should be invisible except for the writing, even though the act of writing on the mirror will make it visible.

Overall, "Poetry To Be Written On The Mirror In Whitewash" is a masterpiece of Elizabeth Bishop's poetry, combining playful language with serious themes and a deep sense of empathy. It is a poem that invites the reader to think about the relationship between love and politics, and to consider the power of writing as a means of communication. It is a poem that is both simple and complex, and that rewards multiple readings and interpretations.

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