Analysis of Sonnet by Elizabeth Bishop

“Sonnet” is a poem written by Elizabeth Bishop. As the poem shows the soul's joyous escape from "caught" to "freed,” "Sonnet" almost dramatizes it as a quick vault from captivity to liberty. The poem delights in dilapidating the brief moment between life and death. The poet employs imagery and rhyme to demonstrate the analogy of death as well as the separation of the physical and spiritual bodies.

The poem is composed of two stanzas, one with six lines and the other with eight. There is an inconsistent rhyme scheme present throughout the poem. Though there is no set rhyme scheme, Bishop uses literary devices to express a deeper message that extends beyond what is on the page. For instance, there is imagery in the poem: “the compass needle wobbling and wavering” and “the broken thermometer’s mercury running away.” In addition, “the broken thermometer’s mercury running away” is also an example of personification. Lastly, Bishop uses metaphors to create images that are easier to understand and respond to than literal language since it allows writers to convey vivid imagery that transcends literal meanings. The first metaphor, "Caught -- the bubble in the spirit level, a creature divided," reflects her lack of self-awareness as well as her sexual turmoil. The second metaphor, "with the compass needle wobbling and wavering, undecided," represents her confusion about her life's course, as well as her clash with society's push to be a certain way (straight). These two metaphors indicate the balance (spirit level) and direction (compass) she requires to find fulfillment in her life. The word "gay" means happy, which is what gay used to signify. This demonstrates that Bishop accepts her homosexuality and, as a result, will fly towards happiness and contentment as a result of self-awareness.

Bishop’s poem focuses on confronting her self-image and hatred. The references to her sexuality that she is not comfortable with and the addition of context on her negative self-image strengthen the claim. The "empty mirror" can serve as an analogy to this. The empty mirror is the most emotional and terrifying use of imagery in "Sonnet". Bishop loathed her appearance and avoided looking in the mirror. She would have preferred to look into an empty mirror, despite the sinister overtones.

Another of Elizabeth Bishop's fears was death. Death occurs between lines 6 and 7, and the specific timing of the soul's departure is a blind spot in the poem. Bishop, now free, traveled ecstatically across this startling, unfathomable void. Furthermore, she was brought to the hospital several times throughout her life due to a variety of illnesses, including persistent eczema. She dreaded the possibility of becoming senile. In conclusion, Bishop's dying wish was for the liberation that comes with death.