'The Burglar Of Babylon' by Elizabeth Bishop
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Questions of Travel1955On the fair green hills of RioThere grows a fearful stain:
The poor who come to RioAnd can't go home again.On the hills a million people,A million sparrows, nest,
Like a confused migrationThat's had to light and rest,Building its nests, or houses,Out of nothing at all, or air.
You'd think a breath would end them,They perch so lightly there.But they cling and spread like lichen,And people come and come.
There's one hill called the Chicken,And one called Catacomb;There's the hill of Kerosene,And the hill of Skeleton,
The hill of Astonishment,And the hill of Babylon.Micuçú was a burglar and killer,An enemy of society.
He had escaped three timesFrom the worst penitentiary.They don't know how many he murdered(Though they say he never raped),
And he wounded two policemenThis last time he escaped.They said, "He'll go to his auntie,Who raised him like a son.
She has a little drink shopOn the hill of Babylon."He did go straight to his auntie,And he drank a final beer.
He told her, "The soldiers are coming,And I've got to disappear.""Ninety years they gave me.Who wants to live that long?
I'll settle for ninety hours,On the hill of Babylon."Don't tell anyone you saw me.I'll run as long as I can.
You were good to me, and I love you,But I'm a doomed man."Going out, he met a
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Intricate Tale of "The Burglar of Babylon" by Elizabeth Bishop
Let us dive into the world of Elizabeth Bishop, an American poet who was known for her vivid imagery, meticulous attention to detail, and subtle use of language. Her poem "The Burglar of Babylon" is a masterpiece that takes us on a journey through the streets of Baghdad, where a burglar is trying to break into a house. The poem is rich in symbolism and metaphors, which makes it a fascinating piece of literature to analyze and interpret.
The Structure of the Poem
Before we start dissecting the poem, let us first take a look at its structure. "The Burglar of Babylon" consists of six stanzas, each containing six lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that there is no strict rhyme scheme or meter. However, Bishop's use of repetition and enjambment gives the poem a musical quality that makes it enjoyable to read aloud.
The Burglar and His Motives
The poem opens with the image of a burglar trying to break into a house. He is described as "a little man" who is "crouching in the dark." We do not know much about the burglar's background or his motives for breaking into the house, but we get a sense that he is driven by desperation and a desire for something that he cannot obtain through honest means.
The imagery used to describe the burglar is interesting. Bishop compares him to "a scorpion" and "a spider," which are both creatures that are associated with danger and deceit. The burglar's movements are also compared to those of a cat, which suggests that he is stealthy and agile.
The Setting
As the poem progresses, Bishop takes us on a tour of the city of Baghdad. The city is described in vivid detail, with its narrow streets, crowded bazaars, and domed mosques. We get a sense of the city's history and culture through Bishop's use of imagery and symbolism.
The city of Baghdad is also a symbol in the poem. It represents the burglar's desire for something that is beyond his reach. The city is described as "a treasure-house" and "a dream." These descriptions suggest that the city is a place of great wealth and beauty, but also a place that is unattainable for someone like the burglar.
The Theme of Desire
One of the main themes of "The Burglar of Babylon" is desire. The burglar is driven by a desire for something that he cannot obtain through honest means. He is willing to risk his own safety and the safety of others in order to satisfy this desire.
The city of Baghdad also represents desire in the poem. It is a place of great beauty and wealth, but it is also a place that is unattainable for someone like the burglar. The city represents the fulfillment of desire, but also the impossibility of obtaining it.
The Use of Symbolism
Bishop's use of symbolism in "The Burglar of Babylon" is masterful. The burglar is compared to a scorpion and a spider, which are both creatures that are associated with danger and deceit. This comparison suggests that the burglar is someone who is willing to use deceitful means to achieve his goals.
The city of Baghdad is also a symbol in the poem. It represents desire and the fulfillment of that desire. However, the city is also unattainable for someone like the burglar. The city represents the unattainable nature of desire.
The Language and Imagery
Bishop's use of language and imagery in "The Burglar of Babylon" is breathtaking. Her descriptions of the city of Baghdad are vivid and detailed, giving the reader a sense of the city's history and culture. Her use of repetition and enjambment also give the poem a musical quality that makes it enjoyable to read aloud.
The imagery used in the poem is also powerful. The burglar is compared to a scorpion and a spider, which are both creatures that are associated with danger and deceit. The city of Baghdad is described as a treasure-house and a dream, which suggests that it is a place of great wealth and beauty, but also a place that is unattainable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop's poem "The Burglar of Babylon" is a masterful piece of literature that explores the themes of desire and the unattainable nature of that desire. The poem is rich in symbolism and metaphors, which makes it a fascinating piece of literature to analyze and interpret. Bishop's use of language and imagery is powerful, and her descriptions of the city of Baghdad are vivid and detailed. "The Burglar of Babylon" is a poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Burglar of Babylon: A Masterpiece of Elizabeth Bishop
Elizabeth Bishop is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her unique style and ability to capture the essence of life in her poetry. Her poem, The Burglar of Babylon, is a masterpiece that showcases her talent and creativity. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The Burglar of Babylon is a narrative poem that tells the story of a burglar who breaks into a house in Babylon. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which describes a different aspect of the burglar's experience. The first part describes the burglar's journey to Babylon, the second part describes his break-in, and the third part describes his escape.
The poem begins with the burglar's journey to Babylon. The first line, "The burglar of Babylon, he knew the way to go," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The burglar is confident and sure of himself, and he knows exactly what he is doing. The second line, "The streets that clung to darkness, he knew them all, aglow," describes the city of Babylon at night. The burglar is familiar with the city and its dark alleys and streets, which he uses to his advantage.
The second part of the poem describes the burglar's break-in. The burglar enters the house through a window, and he is careful not to make any noise. The third stanza, "He climbed the stairs, he broke the lock, he stole the jewels away," describes the burglar's actions inside the house. He is skilled and efficient, and he knows exactly what he is looking for. The fourth stanza, "He heard the dog, he fled the house, he vanished in the night," describes the burglar's escape. He is quick and agile, and he manages to escape without getting caught.
The third part of the poem describes the aftermath of the burglary. The fifth stanza, "The jewels were gone, the dog was dead, the house was dark and still," describes the scene after the burglar has left. The sixth stanza, "The morning came, the police arrived, they searched the house in vain," describes the police's unsuccessful attempt to find the burglar. The final stanza, "The burglar of Babylon, he laughed and laughed again," describes the burglar's satisfaction with his successful burglary.
The Burglar of Babylon is a masterful poem that showcases Elizabeth Bishop's talent and creativity. The poem is written in a narrative style, which makes it easy to follow and understand. The use of imagery and descriptive language helps to create a vivid picture of the burglar's experience. The poem also has a strong sense of rhythm and rhyme, which adds to its overall beauty and elegance.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the portrayal of the burglar. The burglar is not portrayed as a villain or a criminal, but rather as a skilled and confident individual who knows exactly what he is doing. This portrayal challenges the traditional view of burglars as immoral and unethical individuals, and instead presents them as skilled professionals who are good at what they do.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the setting. The poem takes place in Babylon, which is an ancient city that is steeped in history and mythology. The use of this setting adds to the poem's sense of mystery and intrigue, and helps to create a sense of timelessness.
In conclusion, The Burglar of Babylon is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Elizabeth Bishop's talent and creativity. The poem is a narrative that tells the story of a burglar who breaks into a house in Babylon. The use of imagery, descriptive language, and strong rhythm and rhyme help to create a vivid picture of the burglar's experience. The portrayal of the burglar challenges traditional views of burglars as immoral and unethical individuals, and instead presents them as skilled professionals who are good at what they do. The setting of Babylon adds to the poem's sense of mystery and intrigue, and helps to create a sense of timelessness. Overall, The Burglar of Babylon is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great poetry.
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