Questions and Answers
Where did Elizabeth Bishop spend a lot of her childhood?
The narrator's tone in the poem conveys a childish perspective.
True
What was the first observation from the National Geographic magazine?
The inside of a volcano black and full of ashes then it was spilling over in rivulets of fire.
Match the following descriptions from the poem:
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The phrase 'without thinking at all I was my foolish aunt' reflects her feeling of __________.
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What does Elizabeth feel about her identity as a woman?
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Elizabeth desires to be represented by the images in the National Geographic magazine.
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Elizabeth experiences a sense of __________ as she slides beneath a big black wave.
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What does Elizabeth realize about the world as she returns to the present?
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Study Notes
Context and Setting
- Worcester, Massachusetts, serves as a significant backdrop, reflecting Bishop's childhood experiences.
- The poem begins in winter, emphasizing early darkness, which contributes to a childish and vulnerable atmosphere.
Key Observations and Imagery
- The imagery of a volcano, described as "black and full of ashes," suggests chaos and foreboding, indicative of the narrator's internal struggles.
- Graphic visual from National Geographic, particularly the image of a "dead man," captures the child's attention, blending fascination and horror.
Emotional Responses and Self-Reflection
- The phrase “Their breasts were horrifying” reveals the narrator's unsettling feelings towards women's bodies, illustrating the confusion and fear associated with emerging womanhood.
- Bishop experiences a moment of subconscious revelation marked by an "oh of pain," indicating an unconscious acknowledgment of her fears.
Surreal Feelings and Identity Crisis
- The line about falling evokes existential dread as the narrator grapples with her identity transformation and the inevitability of becoming a woman.
- She attempts to assert her individuality by expressing, “you are an I, you are an Elizabeth,” showcasing a struggle between self-identity and societal expectations.
Questions of Identity and Womanhood
- The inquiry, “why should I be my aunt or me or anyone?” reflects her innocent denial toward embracing womanhood and the notion of identity being prescribed by external influences.
- The mention of National Geographic and the "awful hanging breasts" reveals her resistance to being defined by societal images of femininity.
Feelings of Isolation and Displacement
- The rhetorical question about how she came to be among these women conveys a sense of loss and the feeling of not belonging to this new identity.
- Describing “sliding beneath a big black wave” symbolizes overwhelming emotions, hinting at anxiety and depression.
Grounding in Reality
- The final moments reference “The War was on,” contrasting her personal thoughts with the larger, harsher realities of the world, showcasing a stark transition from childhood innocence to the harshness of adulthood.
- Bishop acknowledges the indifference of the world outside, encapsulating the harsh transition into maturity amid global turmoil, indicating a loss of childhood naivety.
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Description
Explore the key themes and imagery in Elizabeth Bishop's poem 'In the Waiting Room' through these flashcards. Each card highlights important words and their significance to the poem's setting and the narrator's perspective. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of Bishop's work.
