One Art

Question 1

introduction

Answer 1

In this poem, Bishop describes the universal experience of loss, expressing how it can take on many forms, from the physical loss of quotidian objects to those of more sentimental value and ultimately conveying her greatest loss: her lover. There is tension throughout the poem as bishop attempts to impose order on the chaos of her own personal loss.

Question 2

paragraphs

Answer 2

1) physical loss
2) sentimental loss
3) loss of lover

Question 3

paragraph 1 on physical loss

Answer 3

1) “The art of losing isn’t hard to master” - Initially glib and self-confident tone. An art is something to be practiced and perfected which one can eventually master. Feels self referential as the poem is a villanelle, which is extremely complex to write. The poet has focused on the intricacies of the villanelle in order to avoid an outpouring of emotion. Her struggle is disguised by mastery of poem.
2) Furthermore the piece is written in a repeated ABA rhyme scheme making it sound incantatory and as though the poet is using the momentum of the rhyme scheme to propel her through the poem.
3) “Lose…Accept” - Repeated use of imperative show she is in control.
4) “door keys” - starts with trivial everyday losses.
5) “the art of losing isn’t hard to master” - repetition, becomes refrain. personal mantra.

Question 4

paragraph 2 on sentimental loss

Answer 4

1) “losing further…losing faster” - comparatives create a sense of escalation. Losses becoming more severe and personal.
2) “places…names…where it was you meant to travel” - stand for greater ideas. Loss of memory, ambition and hope.
3) “And look!” - change in tone, becoming hysterical as severity increases.
4) “mother’s watch…three loved houses” - tries to confine things to the physical but it seems as though objects with sentimental value cannot be replaced.
5) “it wasn’t a disaster” - ultimately still in in control.

Question 5

paragraph 3 on loss of lover

Answer 5

1) “-“ - dash gives breath, preparing herself for something difficult to articulate. First falter in momentum of poem.
2) “even losing you” - greatest loss of all = emotional climax. Direct address seems personal and private.
3) “(the joking voice, a gesture I love)” - parentheses disrupt the rhythm, which begins to break down along with her composure. Regularity + formality of villanelle does not succeed in boxing in emotion as too great.
4) “the art of losing’s not too hard to master” - alteration in refrain as she is no longer able to repeat her mantra. Use of qualifier shows her lack of conviction and she loses her former bravado.
5) “it may look like (write it!) like disaster.” - Stutters at the end as she struggles to maintain her calm, collected facade. Self interruption as she commands herself to finish the poem. Forcing herself showing difficulty.