Five Looks at Elizabeth Bishop : Book Review

"Five Looks at Elizabeth Bishop" by Anne Stevenson is a captivating and perceptive exploration into the life and artistry of the renowned American poet. Divided into five distinct sections, the book delves into various facets of Bishop's life, including her formative years, her relationships, and the essence of her poetic voice. Stevenson's writing is sharp and insightful, providing readers with a fresh and profound perspective on Bishop's multifaceted personality and exceptional body of work.

The initial section, aptly titled "Childhood," delves deeply into Bishop's early experiences and their lasting impact on her. Stevenson meticulously researches Bishop's troubled upbringing, which involved the death of her father and her mother's subsequent mental illness. Through careful analysis, the author paints a vivid portrait of how these early hardships shaped Bishop's views on love, loss, and resilience.

Subsequent sections delve into Bishop's relationships and personal struggles. Stevenson explores the emotionally complex terrain of Bishop's turbulent love affair with Lota de Macedo Soares, as well as her deep and meaningful friendships with fellow poets. With sensitivity and insight, Stevenson illuminates the ways in which these relationships influenced Bishop's artistic expression and personal growth.

Throughout the book, Stevenson provides an astute examination of Bishop's poetry, delving into its themes, forms, and unique poetic voice. Drawing from her extensive knowledge of Bishop's work, Stevenson offers valuable insights into the subtleties of Bishop's literary style, highlighting the beauty and intricacy of her language. These analyses deepen our appreciation and understanding of Bishop's creative process, shedding light on the profound emotional resonance of her poetic compositions.

In the final section, titled "Becoming an American Poet," Stevenson explores Bishop's journey towards finding her poetic voice and establishing herself as a prominent figure in American literature. The author delves into Bishop's struggles with writer's block and the influence of her mentor, Marianne Moore. Through thought-provoking analysis, Stevenson showcases Bishop's evolution as a poet and the significant contributions she made to the literary landscape.

What are readers saying?

"Five Looks at Elizabeth Bishop" by Anne Stevenson has generated a range of responses from readers. Some reviewers commended the book for its insightful examination and exploration of the renowned poet Elizabeth Bishop's life and work. They found Stevenson's analysis to be thorough, revealing layers of meaning and shedding light on Bishop's emotional depth. In particular, readers appreciated Stevenson's discussions of Bishop's personal life and how it influenced her writing, as they felt it enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the poet.

On the other hand, some readers found the book to be overly academic, which posed a challenge for those less familiar with literary criticism. The complex language and concepts used were seen as unnecessary and served as a barrier to accessibility. Furthermore, some reviewers noted that Stevenson's writing style lacked coherence, making it difficult to fully engage with the material.

Opinions were also divided when it came to the structure of the book. Some readers enjoyed the five different perspectives Stevenson employed to examine Bishop's life and work, finding it refreshing and thought-provoking. They believed this approach provided a comprehensive understanding of Bishop's legacy. However, others felt that the structure was disjointed and confusing, detracting from their overall enjoyment and comprehension.

One common criticism was that the book lacked a clear narrative or central argument. For some readers, it felt more like a collection of essays rather than a cohesive exploration of Bishop's life and works. This lack of direction made it challenging for these readers to fully appreciate the book, leaving them feeling unsatisfied.

In summary, opinions on "Five Looks at Elizabeth Bishop" vary. While some readers appreciated Anne Stevenson's deep analysis and insights into Elizabeth Bishop's poetry and personal life, others found the book to be too academic and lacking in coherence.

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