Poetry Unbound

Elizabeth Bishop — Sestina

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Nov 12, 2021
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INSIGHT

Sestina Structure

  • "Sestina" follows a strict structure with six six-line verses and a final, shorter verse.
  • Six repeating words appear at the end of each line in every stanza, creating a thematic thread.
INSIGHT

Six Words

  • The six repeating words in Bishop's "Sestina" (tears, almanac, grandmother, stove, child, house) represent a difficult period in her life.
  • By structuring the poem around these words, Bishop explores this period from multiple perspectives.
ANECDOTE

Bishop's Early Life

  • Bishop's early life was marked by loss and displacement after her parents' deaths and subsequent custody battles.
  • This instability led her to live with various relatives before attending boarding school and university.
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