'Giant Toad' by Elizabeth Bishop


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I am too big. Too big by far. Pity me.
My eyes bulge and hurt. They are my one great beauty, even
so. They see too much, above, below. And yet, there is not much
to see. The rain has stopped. The mist is gathering on my skin
in drops. The drops run down my back, run from the corners of
my downturned mouth, run down my sides and drip beneath
my belly. Perhaps the droplets on my mottled hide are pretty,
like dewdrops, silver on a moldering leaf? They chill me
through and through. I feel my colors changing now, my pig-
ments gradually shudder and shift over.
Now I shall get beneath that overhanging ledge. Slowly. Hop.
Two or three times more, silently. That was too far. I'm
standing up. The lichen's gray, and rough to my front feet. Get
down. Turn facing out, it's safer. Don't breathe until the snail
gets by. But we go travelling the same weathers.
Swallow the air and mouthfuls of cold mist. Give voice, just
once. O how it echoed from the rock! What a profound, angelic
bell I rang!
I live, I breathe, by swallowing. Once, some naughty children
picked me up, me and two brothers. They set us down again
somewhere and in our mouths they put lit cigarettes. We could
not help but smoke them, to the end. I thought it was the death
of me, but when I was entirely filled with smoke, when my slack
mouth was burning, and all my tripes were hot and dry, they
let us go. But I was sick for days.
I have big shoulders, like a boxer. They are not muscle,
however, and their color is dark. They are my sacs of poison,
the almost unused poison that I bear, my burden and my great
responsibility. Big wings of poison, folded on my back. Beware,
I am an angel in disguise; my wings are evil, but not deadly. If
I will it, the poison could break through, blue-black, and
dangerous to all. Blue-black fumes would rise upon the air.
Beware, you frivolous crab.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Elizabeth Bishop's "Giant Toad": A Critique and Interpretation

Elizabeth Bishop's "Giant Toad" is a poem that depicts the encounter of a speaker with a giant toad that appears from under a rock. The poem, written in 1965, showcases Bishop's vivid imagery and control of language. In this critique and interpretation, I will analyze the themes, style, language, and structure of "Giant Toad" to provide a deeper understanding of the poem and its significance.

Themes

One of the significant themes in "Giant Toad" is the theme of nature. Bishop describes the toad's appearance and behavior in intricate detail, portraying the creature as a natural wonder. The toad is described as "a monster on his hind legs" and "grotesque" with "fleshy eyes." The speaker also notes the toad's movement, stating that it "hopped and stopped like a mechanical toy." The speaker's fascination with the toad's behavior and appearance emphasizes the power and beauty of nature.

Another theme in "Giant Toad" is the theme of fear. The speaker describes the toad as "the enemy" and "a demon," highlighting the fear that the creature instills in the speaker. The speaker's fear of the toad is further demonstrated through the repetition of the word "fear" in the poem. However, despite the fear, the speaker does not harm the toad but instead admires it from a distance.

Style

Bishop's style in "Giant Toad" is characterized by her use of vivid imagery and descriptive language. The poem is written in free verse, with no formal rhyme scheme or meter. Bishop's descriptions of the toad's appearance and behavior are precise and detailed, creating a clear image of the creature in the reader's mind. For example, Bishop writes, "his eyes were orange, lemon, and lozenge-shaped" and "he looked about as big as a goat, gray and thick-skinned." The use of similes and metaphors throughout the poem also adds to its vividness.

Language

Bishop's use of language in "Giant Toad" is precise and evocative. The poem is filled with sensory details, such as the toad's "fleshy eyes" and the "musty odor" that emanates from it. The use of color in the poem is also striking, with Bishop describing the toad's eyes as "orange, lemon, and lozenge-shaped" and its skin as "gray and thick-skinned." The repetition of the word "fear" in the poem adds to its tension and creates a sense of unease.

Structure

The structure of "Giant Toad" is divided into five stanzas, with each stanza containing a different number of lines. The first stanza is the longest, with eleven lines, while the second and fourth stanzas have just three lines each. The final stanza is the shortest, with just one line. The uneven structure of the poem mirrors the unpredictability of nature, with its varied shapes and sizes. The short stanzas also create a sense of urgency and tension, while the longer stanzas provide more detail and description.

Interpretation

"Giant Toad" can be interpreted as a commentary on the relationship between humans and nature. The speaker's fear of the toad highlights the human tendency to fear and destroy what we do not understand. However, the speaker's decision not to harm the toad and instead admire it from a distance suggests a respect for nature and a recognition of its power.

The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on the beauty and unpredictability of nature. The toad is depicted as a natural wonder, with its vibrant colors and unique movements. The speaker's fascination with the toad highlights the beauty of the natural world and our awe-inspiring relationship with it.

Overall, "Giant Toad" is a beautifully written poem that showcases Elizabeth Bishop's mastery of language and imagery. The themes of nature and fear, along with the vivid descriptions and unpredictable structure, create a sense of tension and unease that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop's "Giant Toad" is a remarkable poem that offers a commentary on the relationship between humans and nature. Through its vivid imagery, precise language, and unpredictable structure, the poem highlights the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. The poem offers a powerful reminder of our need to respect and admire nature, rather than fear and destroy it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Giant Toad: A Masterpiece of Elizabeth Bishop

Elizabeth Bishop, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for her vivid imagery and precise language. Her poem "Giant Toad" is a perfect example of her mastery of language and her ability to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem "Giant Toad" is a short, four-stanza poem that describes a toad that the speaker encounters in a garden. The poem begins with the speaker describing the toad's appearance. The toad is described as "monstrous" and "ugly," with "warts and eyes like squashed tomatoes." The speaker also notes that the toad is "asleep" and "breathing heavily."

The second stanza of the poem describes the toad's surroundings. The speaker notes that the toad is "squatting" in a "patch of shade" and that there are "flowers and grass" nearby. The speaker also notes that the toad is "not interested" in the flowers and grass, but is instead "absorbed" in its own "private thoughts."

In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the toad's life. The speaker notes that the toad has "lived a difficult life" and has "survived many dangers." The speaker also notes that the toad has "learned to be cautious" and to "wait for the right moment" before acting.

The final stanza of the poem describes the speaker's reaction to the toad. The speaker notes that, despite the toad's ugliness and monstrous appearance, there is something "majestic" about the toad. The speaker also notes that the toad is "perfectly adapted" to its environment and that it is "content" in its own way.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is Bishop's use of imagery. The toad is described in vivid detail, with its "warts" and "eyes like squashed tomatoes." The description of the toad's surroundings is also vivid, with the "patch of shade" and the "flowers and grass" nearby. Bishop's use of imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind and helps to bring the poem to life.

Another important aspect of this poem is Bishop's use of language. Bishop's language is precise and carefully chosen, with each word contributing to the overall meaning of the poem. For example, the use of the word "monstrous" to describe the toad helps to convey the speaker's initial reaction to the toad's appearance. The use of the word "absorbed" to describe the toad's state of mind helps to convey the toad's sense of detachment from its surroundings.

The theme of the poem is the idea that even the most unattractive and seemingly insignificant creatures can have a certain majesty and beauty. The toad, despite its ugliness and monstrous appearance, is described as "majestic" and "perfectly adapted" to its environment. The poem suggests that there is something to be admired in the toad's ability to survive and thrive in its environment.

In conclusion, "Giant Toad" is a masterpiece of Elizabeth Bishop's poetry. The poem's vivid imagery and precise language create a vivid picture in the reader's mind, while the theme of the poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and majesty that can be found in even the most unattractive and seemingly insignificant creatures. This poem is a testament to Bishop's mastery of language and her ability to create poetry that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.

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