'Casabianca' by Elizabeth Bishop
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Love's the boy stood on the burning deck
trying to recite "The boy stood on
the burning deck." Love's the son
stood stammering elocution
while the poor ship in flames went down.
Love's the obstinate boy, the ship,
even the swimming sailors, who
would like a schoolroom platform, too,
or an excuse to stay
on deck. And love's the burning boy.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Casabianca: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
Casabianca is a timeless poem written by Elizabeth Bishop. It is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young boy, Casabianca, who is left alone on a burning ship, while his father is away fighting a war. The poem was first published in 1936, and it has since become one of Bishop's most famous works. The poem has been widely interpreted and analyzed, and this essay aims to provide a detailed literary criticism of Casabianca.
The Poem
The poem is composed of six stanzas, each with four lines. The meter is regular, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which creates a steady, almost sing-song rhythm. The language is simple and straightforward, and there are no complicated metaphors or obscure references. The poem begins with the famous lines:
The boy stood on the burning deck
Whence all but he had fled;
The flame that lit the battle's wreck
Shone round him o'er the dead.
These lines immediately set the scene and create a sense of drama. We know that the boy is alone on a burning ship, surrounded by death and destruction. The image of the flame that lit the battle's wreck is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the boy is caught up in a larger conflict that he cannot control.
The next two stanzas describe the boy's situation in more detail. We learn that he is the son of the admiral, and that he has been left in charge of the ship while his father is away. We also learn that the boy is very young, probably only around twelve years old. The lines:
His father's sword before him lay,
With the harsh, gray edge toward the foe;
When came the sound like a cannonade,
Hurrah! Hurrah! for aid!
create a sense of desperation, as we realize that the boy is completely alone and helpless. The sound of the cannonade suggests that help is on the way, but we also know that the boy is trapped on a burning ship with nowhere to go.
The final three stanzas describe the boy's death. He remains steadfast, even as the flames close in around him. The lines:
The flames rolled on—he would not go
Without his father's word;
That father, faint in death below,
His voice no longer heard.
are particularly poignant, as they show the boy's loyalty to his father, even in death. The final lines of the poem:
The noblest thing he saw on earth
Was his father's face in death.
suggest that the boy's loyalty to his father was his greatest virtue, and that he died with honor.
Interpretation
There are many different ways to interpret Casabianca, but perhaps the most obvious is as a commentary on the horrors of war. The poem was written in the aftermath of World War I, and Bishop may have been trying to convey the senselessness of the conflict. The image of the boy standing alone on a burning ship, surrounded by death and destruction, is a powerful metaphor for the sense of isolation and despair that many soldiers must have felt during the war.
Another interpretation is that the poem is about the importance of loyalty and duty. The boy remains steadfast, even in the face of certain death, because he believes that it is his duty to stay and protect the ship. His loyalty to his father and his country is more important to him than his own life. This interpretation suggests that Bishop was trying to convey the importance of duty and loyalty, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
A third interpretation is that the poem is about the loss of innocence. The boy is very young, and he is caught up in a conflict that he cannot understand. He is forced to grow up very quickly, and he ultimately pays the price for his naivety. This interpretation suggests that Bishop was trying to convey the sense of loss and disillusionment that many people felt after World War I.
Conclusion
Casabianca is a powerful and moving poem that has stood the test of time. It is a simple narrative that tells a complex story, and it has been interpreted in many different ways. Whether we see the poem as a commentary on war, a celebration of loyalty and duty, or a lament for the loss of innocence, there is no denying its emotional impact. Bishop's use of simple language and regular meter creates a sense of urgency and intensity that stays with the reader long after the poem has ended. In short, Casabianca is a true masterpiece of modern poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Casabianca: A Poem of Heroism and Loyalty
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “Casabianca” is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that tells the story of a young boy who remains steadfast and loyal to his duty, even in the face of danger and death. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of loyalty and courage.
The poem is based on a true story that took place during the Battle of the Nile in 1798. The poem tells the story of a young boy named Casabianca, who was the son of the commander of the French ship L'Orient. During the battle, the ship caught fire and was in danger of exploding. Despite the danger, Casabianca remained at his post, refusing to abandon his duty. He remained on the ship until it exploded, sacrificing his life for his duty and loyalty.
The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a clear and concise narrative. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The simplicity of the poem’s structure and language adds to its power and impact.
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the main character, Casabianca. The stanza begins with the famous line, “The boy stood on the burning deck.” This line immediately captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The line is simple, yet powerful, and conveys the danger and urgency of the situation.
The second stanza describes the chaos and destruction of the battle. The stanza begins with the line, “His father's sword before him flashed,” which emphasizes the importance of duty and loyalty in the face of danger. The stanza also describes the flames and smoke that surround Casabianca, highlighting the danger and peril of his situation.
The third stanza describes the loyalty and dedication of Casabianca. The stanza begins with the line, “The flames rolled on – he would not go,” which emphasizes Casabianca's determination and loyalty to his duty. The stanza also describes the admiration and respect that the other sailors had for Casabianca, highlighting his bravery and heroism.
The fourth stanza describes the final moments of Casabianca's life. The stanza begins with the line, “The boy stood on the burning deck,” which is a repetition of the first line of the poem. This repetition emphasizes the circular nature of life and death and the inevitability of fate. The stanza also describes the explosion of the ship and the death of Casabianca, highlighting the sacrifice and bravery of his actions.
The fifth stanza describes the aftermath of the battle and the impact of Casabianca's actions. The stanza begins with the line, “But when the smoke cleared away,” which emphasizes the destruction and chaos of the battle. The stanza also describes the admiration and respect that the other sailors had for Casabianca, highlighting the impact of his actions on those around him.
The final stanza is a reflection on the story of Casabianca and its meaning. The stanza begins with the line, “And when the sun was low,” which emphasizes the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The stanza also reflects on the importance of duty and loyalty, highlighting the power and impact of Casabianca's actions.
Overall, Elizabeth Bishop's poem “Casabianca” is a powerful and moving tribute to the human spirit and the power of loyalty and courage. The poem tells the story of a young boy who remained steadfast and loyal to his duty, even in the face of danger and death. The poem is a testament to the importance of duty and loyalty and the impact that these values can have on those around us. The poem is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and move readers today.
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