'Filling Station' by Elizabeth Bishop

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Oh, but it is dirty!
--this little filling station,
oil-soaked, oil-permeated
to a disturbing, over-all
black translucency.
Be careful with that match!

Father wears a dirty,
oil-soaked monkey suit
that cuts him under the arms,
and several quick and saucy
and greasy sons assist him
(it's a family filling station),
all quite thoroughly dirty.

Do they live in the station?
It has a cement porch
behind the pumps, and on it
a set of crushed and grease-
impregnated wickerwork;
on the wicker sofa
a dirty dog, quite comfy.

Some comic books provide
the only note of color-
of certain color. They lie
upon a big dim doily
draping a taboret
(part of the set), beside
a big hirsute begonia.

Why the extraneous plant?
Why the taboret?
Why, oh why, the doily?
(Embroidered in daisy stitch
with marguerites, I think,
and heavy with gray crochet.)

Somebody embroidered the doily.
Somebody waters the plant,
or oils it, maybe. Somebody
arranges the rows of cans
so that they softly say:
ESSO--SO--SO--SO
to high-strung automobiles.
Somebody loves us all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Filling Station by Elizabeth Bishop: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Filling Station is a poem that has captured the imagination of readers and critics alike for over half a century. Written by the American poet Elizabeth Bishop in 1965, it is a deceptively simple poem that reveals layers of meaning upon closer inspection. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Filling Station, and uncover the secrets that make it a masterpiece of modern poetry.

The Setting: A Filling Station

At first glance, Filling Station seems to be a poem about a mundane subject: a gas station. It begins with the lines:

Oh, but it is dirty!
—this little filling station,
oil-soaked, oil-permeated
to a disturbing, over-all
black translucency.

The speaker of the poem is describing a filling station that is not just dirty, but downright filthy. The oil has soaked into everything, giving it a black translucency that is disturbing. The poem paints a vivid picture of a rundown gas station that seems to have been neglected for years.

But why would Bishop choose such a setting for her poem? The answer lies in the themes that she explores.

Themes: Family, Love, and the Beauty in the Mundane

At its core, Filling Station is a poem about family and love. The speaker of the poem is describing a place that may seem unimportant to most people, but to her, it holds a special significance. As she looks around the filling station, she sees evidence of a family that has worked hard to keep it running:

Somebody
arranged the rows of cans
so that they softly say:
ESSO—SO—SO—SO
to high-strung automobiles.

The cans of oil and gasoline are arranged in neat rows, forming the letters of the brand name. This is an indication that someone has taken care to make the place presentable, despite its rundown appearance. The speaker of the poem recognizes this effort, and it fills her with a sense of love and admiration for the people who run the station.

This sense of love and admiration is evident throughout the poem. The speaker describes the station in loving detail, taking note of everything from the dirty rags to the comic books on the shelves. She sees the beauty in the mundane, and this is what makes the poem so powerful.

Imagery: The Beauty in the Mundane

Bishop's use of imagery in Filling Station is masterful. She paints a vivid picture of the filling station, using language that is both simple and evocative. Consider the following lines:

Somebody embroidered the doily.
Somebody waters the plant,
or oils it, maybe. Somebody
arranges the rows of cans
so that they softly say:
ESSO—SO—SO—SO
to high-strung automobiles.

These lines may seem unremarkable at first, but they are filled with meaning. The embroidered doily and the watered plant are signs that someone cares about this place, that it is more than just a business to them. The rows of cans, arranged just so, are a testament to the effort that has gone into making the station presentable.

Bishop's use of color is also masterful. The station is described as being "oil-soaked, oil-permeated / to a disturbing, over-all / black translucency." This description is both repulsive and beautiful at the same time. The black translucency of the station creates a sense of mystery and depth, while also being a reminder of the dirt and grime that pervade the place.

Language: Simplicity and Complexity

Bishop's use of language in Filling Station is both simple and complex. She uses simple words and phrases to describe the filling station, but she imbues them with layers of meaning. Consider the following lines:

Somebody
arranges the rows of cans
so that they softly say:
ESSO—SO—SO—SO
to high-strung automobiles.

These lines are deceptively simple. On the surface, they describe someone arranging cans of oil and gasoline. But the use of the word "softly" adds a layer of complexity. The cans are not just arranged, they are arranged softly, as if to soothe the high-strung automobiles that will soon be filled with their contents.

Bishop's use of language is also playful. Consider the following lines:

Why the extraneous plant?
Why the taboret?
Why, oh why, the doily?

These lines are both humorous and poignant. The speaker of the poem is asking why these seemingly unnecessary things are present in the filling station. But in asking these questions, she is also acknowledging the humanity of the people who run the station. They are not just business owners, they are people who have created a space that is uniquely their own.

Interpretation: The Importance of Family and Love

In Filling Station, Bishop explores the importance of family and love in our lives. The speaker of the poem sees the beauty in the mundane, and recognizes the effort that has gone into creating the filling station. She sees the hand of a family that has worked hard to keep the business running, and this fills her with a sense of love and admiration.

But the poem is also a reminder that we should not forget the importance of the mundane things in our lives. The filling station may seem unimportant to most people, but to the speaker of the poem, it is a symbol of the love and care that can be found in even the most unexpected places.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Filling Station is a poem that explores the beauty in the mundane, and reminds us of the importance of family and love in our lives. Bishop's use of imagery and language is masterful, and she imbues the poem with layers of meaning that reveal themselves upon closer inspection. This is a poem that has stood the test of time, and will continue to be admired for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Filling Station: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Emotion

Elizabeth Bishop's "Filling Station" is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a masterpiece of imagery and emotion, and it tells a story that is both simple and profound. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and emotions that make "Filling Station" such a powerful work of art.

The poem begins with a description of a filling station. The speaker notes that the station is "dirty" and "oil-soaked," and that it is "somebody's / genius" to have created such a place. The speaker then goes on to describe the various objects that can be found at the station, including "a big black piano" and "a dirty dog." The speaker's tone is somewhat detached and objective, as if she is simply observing the scene without any particular emotional investment.

However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more emotional and personal. She notes that "Somebody / loves us all," and that this love is evident in the way that the station is cared for. The speaker then goes on to describe the various objects at the station in more detail, noting the "comic books" and "the little family / of grime that clings to everything." These details create a sense of intimacy and familiarity with the station, as if the speaker has spent a great deal of time there and has come to know it intimately.

As the poem reaches its climax, the speaker's emotions become even more intense. She notes that "Somebody / waters the plant, / or oils it, maybe. / Somebody / arranges the rows of cans / so that they softly say: / ESSO - SO - SO - SO" These details create a sense of tenderness and care, as if the person who maintains the station is doing so out of love and devotion.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker notes that "Somebody / from the family / has paid the bill." This line suggests that the station is not just a place of business, but also a place of family and community. The fact that someone from the family has paid the bill suggests that the station is not just a source of income, but also a source of pride and identity.

Overall, "Filling Station" is a powerful and emotional poem that explores themes of love, family, and community. The imagery is rich and vivid, and the emotions are raw and intense. The poem is a testament to Bishop's skill as a poet, and it continues to captivate readers to this day.

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