Quotes about Elizabeth Bishop

Colm Toibin, Irish novelist

“In Bishop’s work, much was implied by what seemed to be mere description”

Jules Nyquist, author

“She has no explanations and doesn’t moralise; by using this type of minimal style she lets the reader come to their own conclusion”

Michael Lindgren, Swedish actor

“Bishop’s poetry, in contrast, seems to deepen and broaden in my mind, with her conversational tone”

Ernie Hilbert,

“Bishop’s poetics is one distinguished by tranquil observation, craft-like accuracy, care for the small things of the world, a miniaturist’s discretion and attention”

Elizabeth Bishop

“I was made at right angles to the world and I see it so. I can only see it so”

Elizabeth Bishop, interview with the Parish review

“I’ve always felt that I’ve wanted to write about things, very particular things that happen. I just want the facts”

Elizabeth Bishop

“I like painting probably better than I like poetry”

Elizabeth Bishop

“I always tell the truth in my poems… that’s exactly how it happened”

techniques

• descriptive detail

• extended metaphor

• symbolism

• observational narrative voice

• controlled structure

• subtle shifts in tone

• rich natural imagery

The Fish

• Bishop’s poetry is marked by emotional restraint and intellectual precision

• Her work demonstrates extraordinary attention to detail and craftsmanship

• Bishop’s observational style encourages readers to uncover meaning gradually

• She combines realism with subtle symbolic depth

The Prodigal

• Bishop’s poetry is marked by emotional restraint and intellectual precision

• She often reveals deep emotional truths through subtle and indirect language

• Bishop’s detached tone often masks underlying emotional intensity

• Her work reflects both curiosity and quiet meloncholy

• She combines realism with subtle symbolic depth.

Sestina

• Bishop’s poetry is marked by emotional restraint and intellectual precision

• She often reveals deep emotional truths through subtle and indirect language

• Bishop’s detached tone often masks underlying emotional intensity

• Her work demonstrates extraordinary attention to detail and craftsmanship

• Bishop’s observational style encourages readers to uncover meaning gradually

• She combines realism with subtle symbolic depth

The Armadillo

• Her poetry reflects a fascination with the physical world and human perception

• She often reveals deep emotional truths through subtle, indirect language

• Her work demonstrates extraordinary attention to detail and craftsmanship

• Bisop’s obervational style encourages readers to uncover meaning gradually

• Her work reflects both curiosity and quiet meloncholy

• She combines realism with subtle symbolic depth.