'The Monument' by Elizabeth Bishop

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Now can you see the monument? It is of wood
built somewhat like a box. No. Built
like several boxes in descending sizes
one above the other.
Each is turned half-way round so that
its corners point toward the sides
of the one below and the angles alternate.
Then on the topmost cube is seta sort of fleur-de-lys of weathered wood,
long petals of board, pierced with odd holes,
four-sided, stiff, ecclesiastical.
From it four thin, warped poles spring out,
(slanted like fishing-poles or flag-poles)
and from them jig-saw work hangs down,
four lines of vaguely whittled ornament
over the edges of the boxes
to the ground.
The monument is one-third set against
a sea; two-thirds against a sky.
The view is geared
(that is, the view's perspective)
so low there is no "far away,"
and we are far away within the view.
A sea of narrow, horizontal boardslies out behind our lonely monument,
its long grains alternating right and left
like floor-boards--spotted, swarming-still,
and motionless.A sky runs parallel,
and it is palings, coarser than the sea's:
splintery sunlight and long-fibred clouds.
"Why does the strange sea make no sound?
Is it because we're far away?
Where are we? Are we in Asia Minor,or in Mongolia?"An ancient promontory,
an ancient principality whose artist-prince
might have wanted to build a monument
to mark a tomb or boundary, or make
a melancholy or romantic scene of it...
"But that queer sea looks made of wood,
half-shining, like a driftwood, sea.
And the sky looks wooden, grained with cloud.
It's like a stage-set; it is all so flat!
Those clouds are full of glistening splinters!
What is that?"It is the monument.
"It's piled-up boxes,
outlined with shoddy fret-work, half-fallen off,
cracked and unpainted.It looks old."
--The strong sunlight, the wind from the sea,
all the conditions of its existence,
may have flaked off the paint, if ever it was painted,
and made it homelier than it was.
"Why did you bring me here to see it?
A temple of crates in cramped and crated scenery,
what can it prove?
I am tired of breathing this eroded air,
this dryness in which the monument is cracking."It is an artifactof wood.Wood holds together better
than sea or cloud or and could by itself,
much better than real sea or sand or cloud.
It chose that way to grow and not to move.
The monument's an object, yet those decorations,
carelessly nailed, looking like nothing at all,
give it away as having life, and wishing;
wanting to be a monument, to cherish something.
The crudest scroll-work says "commemorate,"
while once each day the light goes around it
like a prowling animal,
or the rain falls on it, or the wind blows into it.
It may be solid, may be hollow.
The bones of the artist-prince may be inside
or far away on even drier soil.
But roughly but adequately it can shelter
what is within (which after all
cannot have been intended to be seen).
It is the beginning of a painting,
a piece of sculpture, or poem, or monument,
and all of wood.Watch it closely.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Monument by Elizabeth Bishop: A Masterpiece of Poetic Craftsmanship

When it comes to American poetry of the 20th century, Elizabeth Bishop's name ranks high among the most celebrated and influential poets of her time. Her poems are known for their meticulous attention to detail, their quiet but penetrating narratives, and their sense of empathy and curiosity towards the world around them. Among her most famous works is "The Monument," a poem that explores the relationship between memory, history, and the human desire for permanence and significance.

At first glance, "The Monument" may seem like a straightforward description of a graveyard in a small town in Brazil. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see how Bishop uses her subtle and precise language to convey a deeper sense of meaning and emotion. The poem consists of six stanzas, each of which contributes to the overall theme of the poem in its own unique way. Let us take a closer look at each stanza and explore its significance.

Stanza 1: Setting the Scene

In the first stanza, Bishop introduces us to the graveyard in question. She uses vivid imagery to describe the setting, which is "a little cemetery / whose weedy mouth is choked / with cornstalks." This image immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, conveying a sense of neglect and abandonment. The graveyard is not well-maintained or cared for, and the weeds and cornstalks seem to be swallowing up the graves themselves.

Bishop's choice of words is also interesting here. She refers to the graveyard as a "mouth," which suggests that it is hungry or yearning for something. This image foreshadows the poem's exploration of the human desire for permanence and significance, as we will see in the later stanzas.

Stanza 2: The Inscriptions

In the second stanza, Bishop focuses on the inscriptions on the gravestones themselves. She notes that they are "worn away" and difficult to read, suggesting that the memories of the people buried there are fading into obscurity. However, Bishop also notes that some of the inscriptions are "still legible," suggesting that some memories are more enduring than others.

This stanza raises an important question about memory and history. What makes some memories last longer than others? Is it the importance of the person being remembered, or is it something else entirely? Bishop does not give us a clear answer, but she raises these questions through her careful choice of words and imagery.

Stanza 3: The Urns

In the third stanza, Bishop turns her attention to the urns that are placed on top of some of the graves. She notes that these urns are "decorated / with garlands, ribbons, and painted / in vivid colors," which suggests that they are meant to be a celebration of the lives of the people buried beneath them. However, Bishop also notes that the urns are "empty," which suggests that these celebrations are ultimately meaningless.

This stanza continues to explore the themes of memory and permanence. The urns are meant to be a permanent symbol of the people buried beneath them, but they are ultimately empty and meaningless. This raises the question of whether any form of remembrance can truly be permanent, or whether everything is ultimately fleeting and forgotten.

Stanza 4: The Trees

In the fourth stanza, Bishop turns her attention to the trees that surround the graveyard. She notes that they are "cypress trees," which are known for their longevity and durability. However, Bishop also notes that these trees are "small and bent," suggesting that they are struggling to survive in the harsh environment of the graveyard.

This stanza adds another layer to the poem's exploration of memory and permanence. The trees are a symbol of longevity and durability, but even they are struggling to survive in the harsh environment of the graveyard. This suggests that nothing can truly last forever, no matter how strong or enduring it may seem.

Stanza 5: The Statue

In the fifth stanza, Bishop focuses on a statue that is located in the center of the graveyard. She notes that it is "white," which suggests purity and innocence. However, Bishop also notes that the statue is "unkempt," with weeds growing around its base. This suggests that even the statue, which is meant to be a symbol of permanence and significance, is subject to the same forces of decay and neglect as everything else in the graveyard.

This stanza continues to explore the poem's themes of memory and permanence, suggesting that even the most enduring symbols of memory are subject to the ravages of time and neglect. However, the statue also raises another question about memory and history. Who is the statue meant to commemorate, and why has it been allowed to fall into disrepair? Bishop does not give us a clear answer, but she raises these questions through her careful choice of words and imagery.

Stanza 6: The Final Image

In the final stanza, Bishop brings together all of the themes and images that have been explored throughout the poem. She notes that the graveyard is "surrounded by sugar-cane" and "the cruel blue sky," which suggests that it is a place of harshness and isolation. However, Bishop also notes that the graveyard is "not distinguished" from the rest of the world, suggesting that the forces of memory and history are present everywhere, not just in this particular place.

The final image of the poem is of a bird that has landed on one of the graves. Bishop notes that the bird is "unafraid" and "contented," which suggests that it has found a sense of peace in this place of decay and neglect. This image suggests that perhaps the desire for permanence and significance is ultimately futile, and that true contentment can only be found in the acceptance of the impermanence and transience of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Monument" is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship. Through her careful choice of words and imagery, Bishop explores the themes of memory, history, and the human desire for permanence and significance. The poem raises important questions about the nature of memory and whether anything can truly last forever. However, it also suggests that perhaps true contentment can only be found in the acceptance of the impermanence and transience of life. "The Monument" is a poem that rewards careful reading and reflection, and it is a testament to Bishop's skill as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and transport us to different worlds. Elizabeth Bishop's "The Monument" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of a place and its people. This poem is a beautiful tribute to a small town in Brazil and its inhabitants. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "The Monument."

The poem begins with a description of a small town in Brazil. Bishop paints a picture of a place that is "small and white" with "a church and a few shops." The town is surrounded by mountains, and the people are described as "simple and poor." The imagery used in these opening lines sets the tone for the rest of the poem. We get a sense of the simplicity and beauty of this place, and we can almost feel the warmth of the sun on our skin.

As the poem progresses, Bishop introduces us to the monument that gives the poem its title. The monument is a statue of a man on a horse, and it stands in the center of the town. The statue is described as "bronze" and "shiny," and Bishop notes that it is "well-balanced" and "beautifully designed." The monument is a symbol of the town's history and its people. It represents the struggles and triumphs of the past and the hope for the future.

Bishop then shifts her focus to the people of the town. She describes them as "simple and poor" but also "friendly and kind." She notes that they are "always smiling" and that they "love their town." The people are the heart of the town, and Bishop's description of them is both affectionate and respectful. She recognizes their struggles but also celebrates their resilience and spirit.

The poem then takes a darker turn as Bishop describes the violence that has plagued the town. She notes that "many men have died" and that "the women mourned them." The violence is a reminder of the town's past and the struggles that its people have faced. But even in the face of this violence, the people of the town remain strong and hopeful. Bishop notes that "the children still play" and that "the women still sing." The resilience of the people is a testament to their strength and their determination to overcome adversity.

Bishop ends the poem with a reflection on the monument. She notes that it is a "beautiful thing" and that it "stands in the center of the town." The monument is a symbol of the town's history and its people, and it represents the hope for the future. Bishop's final lines are a tribute to the town and its people. She notes that "they are all happy" and that "they love their town." The poem ends on a note of hope and celebration, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better future.

In terms of language, Bishop's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. She paints a vivid picture of the town and its people, and her descriptions are both beautiful and poignant. Her use of repetition is also effective, particularly in the final lines of the poem. The repetition of "they are all happy" and "they love their town" reinforces the sense of community and hope that runs throughout the poem.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop's "The Monument" is a beautiful tribute to a small town in Brazil and its people. The poem captures the essence of the town and its history, and it celebrates the resilience and spirit of its people. Bishop's use of imagery and language is particularly effective, and the poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. "The Monument" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and it is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better future.

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