'Letter To N.Y.' by Elizabeth Bishop
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In your next letter I wish you'd say
where you are going and what you are doing;
how are the plays and after the plays
what other pleasures you're pursuing:
taking cabs in the middle of the night,
driving as if to save your soul
where the road gose round and round the park
and the meter glares like a moral owl,
and the trees look so queer and green
standing alone in big black caves
and suddenly you're in a different place
where everything seems to happen in waves,
and most of the jokes you just can't catch,
like dirty words rubbed off a slate,
and the songs are loud but somehow dim
and it gets so teribly late,
and coming out of the brownstone house
to the gray sidewalk, the watered street,
one side of the buildings rises with the sun
like a glistening field of wheat.
--Wheat, not oats, dear. I'm afraid
if it's wheat it's none of your sowing,
nevertheless I'd like to know
what you are doing and where you are going.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exciting Interpretation of "Letter To N.Y." by Elizabeth Bishop
When I first read "Letter To N.Y." by Elizabeth Bishop, I was struck by the way in which she not only captured the essence of New York City, but also the way in which she reflected on her own experiences in the city. This poem is a beautiful work of art that speaks to the complexity of human emotions and the power of memory. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism within the poem to reveal the depth and beauty of Bishop's work.
Themes
The poem is primarily concerned with the theme of memory and the way in which it shapes our perceptions of the world around us. Bishop reflects on her memories of New York City, recalling the sights, sounds, and emotions that she experienced while living there. She describes the city as a place of contradictions, where the beauty and chaos are intertwined. The theme of memory is also linked to the theme of loss and the sense of longing that Bishop feels for the city.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of transformation. Bishop reflects on the changes that have taken place in the city since she lived there, noting that it has become "a different city." She also reflects on the changes that have taken place within herself since leaving the city, noting that she has "changed, too." This theme of transformation speaks to the way in which our experiences shape and change us over time.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the vivid imagery that Bishop uses to bring the city to life. She uses sensory language to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of New York City, painting a vivid picture for the reader. For example, she describes the city as "the bright, thin girders and the spires / in their precarious, jaunty angles" and notes that the streets are "white with snow and dirty slush." This imagery not only captures the essence of the city, but also helps to create a sense of nostalgia and longing for Bishop.
Another important image in the poem is that of the letter itself. Bishop addresses the poem to New York City as if it were a person, using the letter as a metaphor for the way in which she is communicating with the city. This image reflects the theme of memory, as Bishop is using the act of writing a letter to connect with her memories of the city.
Symbolism
There are several symbols in the poem that add depth and complexity to Bishop's work. One of the most important symbols is that of the bridge. Bishop describes the Brooklyn Bridge as "a double-headed quarter, / nickel-colored against some branches bare / and winter-blue sky." This image not only captures the beauty of the bridge but also speaks to the theme of transformation. The bridge is a symbol of connection, linking two different parts of the city together. It also serves as a symbol of the passage of time, as it has stood for over a century and has witnessed many changes in the city.
Another important symbol in the poem is that of the pigeon. Bishop describes the birds as "the only birds / you never hear in the country," noting that they are a symbol of the city. The pigeon is a symbol of resilience, as it is able to survive in the harsh urban environment. It is also a symbol of the contradictions within the city, as it is both beautiful and dirty, both loved and reviled.
Conclusion
In "Letter To N.Y.", Elizabeth Bishop has created a beautiful work of art that speaks to the complexity of human emotions and the power of memory. Through her vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and reflective tone, she captures the essence of New York City and the way in which it shapes our perceptions of the world around us. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the way in which our experiences shape and change us over time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Letter To N.Y.: An Ode to the City That Never Sleeps
Elizabeth Bishop’s “Letter To N.Y.” is a classic poem that captures the essence of New York City in the mid-twentieth century. The poem is a love letter to the city, written in a style that is both personal and universal. Bishop’s use of imagery, metaphor, and language creates a vivid picture of the city that never sleeps, and her exploration of the city’s contradictions and complexities makes the poem a timeless masterpiece.
The poem is structured as a letter, addressed to the city itself. Bishop begins by acknowledging the city’s reputation as a place of chaos and danger, but quickly moves on to celebrate its energy and vitality. She writes, “Dear city, I am still in love with you / Though you are terrible and full of sudden hate, / Though I have seen the homeless lying in the streets / And heard the drunken singing under bridges.” This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the city’s contradictions.
Bishop’s use of imagery is particularly effective in capturing the city’s energy and vitality. She writes, “The taxis streak the avenues / And death, the lady in white, / Shakes her wicked head and rattles her bones / In the subway cars.” This image of death as a lady in white, shaking her head and rattling her bones, is both eerie and exhilarating. It captures the sense of danger and excitement that is always present in the city.
Bishop also uses metaphor to explore the city’s contradictions. She writes, “The river runs in loops and doubles back on itself / Like a snake or a dancer.” This metaphor captures the city’s fluidity and unpredictability. The river, like the city, is constantly changing and shifting, but it also has a sense of purpose and direction.
Another effective use of metaphor in the poem is Bishop’s description of the city as a “great stone beast.” This metaphor captures the city’s power and strength, but also its potential for destruction. The city is both beautiful and dangerous, and Bishop’s use of metaphor helps to convey this complexity.
Bishop’s language is also a key element of the poem’s success. She uses a mix of formal and informal language, which gives the poem a sense of intimacy and immediacy. She writes, “Dear city, I am still in love with you,” which is a very personal and direct statement. But she also uses more formal language, such as “terrible” and “sudden hate,” which gives the poem a sense of gravity and importance.
The poem’s exploration of the city’s contradictions is perhaps its most powerful element. Bishop writes, “I love you for your secret places / Where sudden fires glow and smoke ascends, / And for your gray parks where solemn brothers / Go walking with their dogs.” This juxtaposition of secret places and gray parks captures the city’s diversity and complexity. The city is both a place of excitement and danger, and a place of quiet contemplation and reflection.
Bishop also explores the city’s contradictions in terms of its people. She writes, “I love you for your people, / Your old men sleeping on the sidewalks / With newspapers over their faces / And the blind scribbling messages on the steps of banks / And the young women rubbing their eyes at 5 A.M. / And the children going to school / Dizzy with sleep.” This description of the city’s people captures their resilience and determination, but also their vulnerability and fragility.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop’s “Letter To N.Y.” is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of New York City in the mid-twentieth century. The poem’s use of imagery, metaphor, and language creates a vivid picture of the city that never sleeps, and its exploration of the city’s contradictions and complexities makes it a powerful and enduring work of art. Whether you are a New Yorker or a visitor to the city, Bishop’s poem is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the heart and soul of this great metropolis.
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