'Five Flights Up' by Elizabeth Bishop

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Still dark.
The unknown bird sits on his usual branch.
The little dog next door barks in his sleep
inquiringly, just once.
Perhaps in his sleep, too, the bird inquires
once or twice, quavering.
Questions--if that is what they are--
answered directly, simply,
by day itself.Enormous morning, ponderous, meticulous;
gray light streaking each bare branch,
each single twig, along one side,
making another tree, of glassy veins...
The bird still sits there. Now he seems to yawn.The little black dog runs in his yard.
His owner's voice arises, stern,
"You ought to be ashamed!"
What has he done?
He bounces cheerfully up and down;
he rushes in circles in the fallen leaves.Obviously, he has no sense of shame.
He and the bird know everything is answered,
all taken care of,
no need to ask again.
--Yesterday brought to today so lightly!
(A yesterday I find almost impossible to lift.)

Editor 1 Interpretation

Five Flights Up by Elizabeth Bishop: A Poem of Life's Uncertainties

Elizabeth Bishop's Five Flights Up is a poem that delves into the uncertainties of life. The poem is a story of a woman's journey up the stairs of her apartment building, and the different emotions and thoughts she experiences along the way. Through the use of vivid imagery and a carefully crafted narrative, Bishop offers a profound insight into the human experience.

The poem begins with the woman's ascent up the stairs, with each flight bringing her closer to her apartment on the fifth floor. She is alone, and the emptiness of the stairwell echoes the emptiness in her heart. The imagery here is striking; the "dreary, gritty" stairs, the "dented" mailbox, and the "smell of boiled cabbage" all contribute to the sense of bleakness and desolation.

Yet, as the woman reaches the third floor, she glimpses a bit of beauty amidst the ugliness. The stained-glass window catches her eye, and she pauses to take it in. The window is described as "red and yellow," and it seems to glow with a warmth that is missing from the rest of the building. The window also serves as a symbol of hope and possibility, a reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is always something to hold onto.

As the woman continues her climb, her thoughts turn inward. She thinks about her life, and the choices she has made. She wonders if she made the right decisions, or if she should have taken a different path. These thoughts are universal, and they speak to the human experience of doubt and uncertainty.

As the woman reaches the fifth floor, she is confronted with the reality of her situation. Her apartment is small and cramped, and it is a far cry from the dreams she had for herself. Yet, even in this moment of disappointment, the woman finds a sense of resilience. She knows that life is full of uncertainties, but she also knows that she has the strength to face them.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Bishop captures the woman's emotions through the use of sensory imagery. The smell of boiled cabbage, the sound of her footsteps on the stairs, and the sight of the stained-glass window all contribute to the overall mood of the poem. The sensory details make the poem feel real and tangible, and they allow the reader to connect with the woman's experience on a deeper level.

Another notable aspect of the poem is the way in which Bishop uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The phrase "five flights up" is repeated throughout the poem, serving as a reminder of the woman's journey and the obstacles she has overcome. The repetition also gives the poem a sense of structure and unity, tying together the different thoughts and emotions that the woman experiences.

Overall, Five Flights Up is a powerful exploration of the human experience. Through the use of vivid imagery and a carefully crafted narrative, Bishop offers a profound insight into the uncertainties of life. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is always something to hold onto, and that we all have the strength to face whatever challenges come our way.

As I read this poem, I can't help but feel a sense of admiration for Bishop's ability to capture the complexities of life in such a simple yet profound way. The poem is a reminder that literature has the power to move us, to make us feel more deeply, and to help us understand the world around us. In the end, Five Flights Up is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and it is a work that will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Elizabeth Bishop’s “Five Flights Up” is a poem that captures the essence of urban living, the struggle of everyday life, and the beauty that can be found in the mundane. The poem is a reflection on the speaker’s experience of living in a fifth-floor apartment in a city, and the various sights and sounds that she encounters on a daily basis. Through her vivid descriptions and use of imagery, Bishop creates a world that is both familiar and strange, inviting the reader to explore the complexities of urban life.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the view from her window, which overlooks a busy street. She notes the “traffic’s heavy roar” and the “sudden siren” that interrupts the noise. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with sensory details that evoke the sounds and sights of the city. The speaker’s use of the word “roar” to describe the traffic suggests that the city is a place of chaos and noise, where people are constantly on the move and the pace of life is frenetic.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various people she encounters in the city. She notes the “old woman with a shopping bag” who struggles up the stairs, and the “young man with a guitar case” who passes her on the landing. These brief encounters with strangers highlight the anonymity of city life, where people are often isolated from one another despite living in close proximity. The speaker’s observation of the “young man with a guitar case” also suggests that the city is a place of creativity and artistry, where people come to pursue their dreams and express themselves.

Throughout the poem, Bishop uses imagery to create a sense of movement and energy. She describes the “elevator’s sudden stop” and the “stairs that climb and turn” as if they are living entities, imbued with their own sense of purpose and direction. This use of personification adds to the sense of chaos and unpredictability that characterizes the city, where anything can happen at any moment.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Bishop uses language to create a sense of tension and unease. She describes the “darkness” of the stairwell and the “faintly ominous” feeling that pervades the building. This sense of foreboding is heightened by the speaker’s description of the “door that won’t stay shut” and the “broken lock” that leaves her feeling vulnerable and exposed. These details suggest that the city is a place of danger and uncertainty, where people must always be on guard and ready to protect themselves.

Despite the challenges of urban living, the speaker finds moments of beauty and wonder in her surroundings. She describes the “sunlight on the landing” and the “faintly sweet” smell of the hallway as if they are small miracles that make life worth living. This appreciation for the small things in life is a recurring theme in Bishop’s work, and it speaks to her belief in the power of observation and attention to detail.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop’s “Five Flights Up” is a powerful meditation on the complexities of urban life. Through her use of vivid imagery and sensory details, Bishop creates a world that is both familiar and strange, inviting the reader to explore the beauty and chaos of the city. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is always the possibility of finding moments of joy and wonder.

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