'Manners' by Elizabeth Bishop
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For a Child of 1918
My grandfather said to me
as we sat on the wagon seat,
"Be sure to remember to always
speak to everyone you meet."
We met a stranger on foot.
My grandfather's whip tapped his hat.
"Good day, sir. Good day. A fine day."
And I said it and bowed where I sat.
Then we overtook a boy we knew
with his big pet crow on his shoulder.
"Always offer everyone a ride;
don't forget that when you get older,"
my grandfather said. So Willy
climbed up with us, but the crow
gave a "Caw!" and flew off. I was worried.
How would he know where to go?
But he flew a little way at a time
from fence post to fence post, ahead;
and when Willy whistled he answered.
"A fine bird," my grandfather said,
"and he's well brought up. See, he answers
nicely when he's spoken to.
Man or beast, that's good manners.
Be sure that you both always do."
When automobiles went by,
the dust hid the people's faces,
but we shouted "Good day! Good day!
Fine day!" at the top of our voices.
When we came to Hustler Hill,
he said that the mare was tired,
so we all got down and walked,
as our good manners required.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Manners" by Elizabeth Bishop: A Poem Full of Witty Observations and Social Critique
If you are looking for a poem that is both humorous and critical, then Elizabeth Bishop's "Manners" is the perfect read. This poem is a witty critique on social etiquette and expectations, and it presents a unique perspective on what it means to be polite and proper. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Manners" and their significance in conveying the poem's message.
Overview of the Poem
"Manners" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas with twelve lines in total. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not have a regular rhyme scheme or meter. The lack of regularity in the poem's structure reflects the chaotic nature of human interactions and the arbitrary rules of social etiquette.
The poem's title, "Manners," is an ironic reference to the norms of social behavior that the poem criticizes. Bishop uses humor and satire to ridicule the superficiality of social conventions and highlight the absurdity of our cultural expectations.
Themes
The poem addresses several themes that are relevant to our daily lives. Some of the prominent themes in "Manners" are:
Hypocrisy
The poem exposes the hypocrisy of social norms that demand politeness and decorum, even in situations where such behavior is not genuine or necessary. The speaker observes how people wear a façade of politeness and how they often pretend to be interested in things that they really don't care about. The poem suggests that such behavior is hypocritical and dishonest.
Social Pressure
The poem also highlights the social pressure that people experience to conform to certain expectations. The speaker describes how people are expected to behave in certain ways based on their gender, class, or social status. The poem suggests that such pressure can be suffocating and can make people feel trapped.
Conformity
The poem also addresses the issue of conformity and how it can limit individual expression and creativity. The speaker observes how people follow the same patterns of behavior and conversation, and how they avoid expressing their true thoughts and feelings. The poem suggests that such conformity can stifle imagination and originality.
Literary Devices
Bishop employs several literary devices to convey the poem's themes and create a vivid picture of social interactions. Some of the prominent literary devices used in "Manners" are:
Irony
The poem is full of irony, which creates a contrast between what is expected and what is actually happening. The use of irony highlights the absurdity of social conventions and makes the poem's critique more biting. For example, when the speaker observes that "the art of losing isn't hard to master," she is being ironic because losing is usually considered a negative experience.
Satire
The poem also employs satire, which is a literary technique that uses humor and exaggeration to criticize societal norms and values. Bishop uses satire to ridicule the superficiality of social etiquette and highlight its arbitrary nature. For example, when the speaker observes how people talk about the weather as a way of avoiding real conversation, she is using satire to show how people use meaningless pleasantries to avoid engaging with each other.
Paradox
The poem uses paradox to create a sense of contradiction and ambiguity. Paradox is a literary device that combines seemingly contradictory ideas to create a deeper meaning. For example, when the speaker observes that "the art of losing isn't hard to master," she is creating a paradox because losing is usually considered a negative experience, but the speaker suggests that it can be a valuable lesson.
Metaphor
The poem uses metaphor to create a vivid image of social interactions. Metaphor is a literary device that compares two seemingly unrelated things to create a deeper meaning. For example, when the speaker describes how people "perform" for each other, she is using a metaphor to suggest that social interactions are like a theatrical performance.
Interpretation
"Manners" is a poem that offers a unique perspective on social etiquette and human interactions. The poem's critique is sharp and witty, and it exposes the hypocrisy and superficiality of social norms. However, the poem is not entirely pessimistic. It suggests that there is a certain art to losing and that we can learn from our failures.
The poem is also a reminder that social pressure and conformity can limit our individuality and creativity. The poem encourages us to break free from the constraints of societal norms and express ourselves honestly and authentically.
In conclusion, "Manners" is a poem that is full of witty observations and social critique. Bishop's use of literary devices creates a vivid picture of social interactions and exposes the absurdity of our cultural expectations. The poem's message is both critical and hopeful, and it suggests that we can learn from our failures and break free from the constraints of societal norms.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Manners by Elizabeth Bishop: A Masterpiece of Poetic Craftsmanship
Elizabeth Bishop, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for her unique style of writing that blends simplicity with depth. Her poem "Manners" is a perfect example of her mastery of the craft. In this poem, Bishop explores the theme of social etiquette and the importance of manners in our daily lives. Through her use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and irony, Bishop creates a powerful commentary on the human condition.
The poem begins with a description of a dinner party where the guests are seated around a table, engaged in polite conversation. Bishop sets the scene with the line, "Each time they meet, they seem to meet too late." This line suggests that the guests are not close friends, but rather acquaintances who only see each other on special occasions. The use of the word "seem" also implies that their interactions are superficial and insincere.
Bishop then goes on to describe the guests' behavior at the table, noting that they are careful not to offend each other. She writes, "They smile and smile and smile, and then they say 'Please pass the salt.'" This line highlights the importance of social etiquette and the need to maintain a façade of politeness, even in the most mundane situations.
As the poem progresses, Bishop introduces the theme of class and social status. She writes, "They never say, 'How are you?' They live in different worlds." This line suggests that the guests come from different social backgrounds and have different life experiences. Despite this, they are able to come together and engage in polite conversation, highlighting the importance of manners in bridging social divides.
Bishop then uses vivid imagery to describe the guests' physical appearance. She writes, "Their eyes meet like the interlocking wheels of tiny jesters' cars." This line creates a powerful visual image of the guests' eyes locking together, suggesting that they are engaged in a delicate dance of social interaction. The use of the word "jesters" also implies that their interactions are somewhat performative, highlighting the artificiality of social etiquette.
As the poem nears its conclusion, Bishop introduces a note of irony. She writes, "And often when they meet, they say, 'We must get together soon!'" This line suggests that the guests are not truly interested in each other's company, but rather feel obligated to maintain their social connections. The use of the word "often" also implies that this sentiment is repeated frequently, highlighting the insincerity of their interactions.
In the final lines of the poem, Bishop brings the theme of manners full circle. She writes, "But they don't call, they don't write, they don't, and they never do." This line suggests that despite their polite interactions, the guests are not truly invested in each other's lives. The use of the word "never" also implies that their interactions are ultimately meaningless, highlighting the futility of social etiquette.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop's poem "Manners" is a powerful commentary on the human condition. Through her use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and irony, Bishop explores the theme of social etiquette and the importance of manners in our daily lives. The poem highlights the artificiality of social interactions and the insincerity of polite conversation. Ultimately, Bishop suggests that while manners may be important, they are not enough to create meaningful connections between people.
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