'Strayed Crab' by Elizabeth Bishop
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This is not my home. How did I get so far from water? It must
be over that way somewhere.
I am the color of wine, of tinta. The inside of my powerful
right claw is saffron-yellow. See, I see it now; I wave it like a
flag. I am dapper and elegant; I move with great precision,
cleverly managing all my smaller yellow claws. I believe in the
oblique, the indirect approach, and I keep my feelings to myself.
But on this strange, smooth surface I am making too much
noise. I wasn't meant for this. If I maneuver a bit and keep a
sharp lookout, I shall find my pool again. Watch out for my right
claw, all passersby! This place is too hard. The rain has stopped,
and it is damp, but still not wet enough to please me.
My eyes are good, though small; my shell is tough and tight.
In my own pool are many small gray fish. I see right through
them. Only their large eyes are opaque, and twitch at me. They
are hard to catch but I, I catch them quickly in my arms and
eat them up.
What is that big soft monster, like a yellow cloud, stifling
and warm? What is it doing? It pats my back. Out, claw. There,
I have frightened it away. It's sitting down, pretending nothing's
happened. I'll skirt it. It's still pretending not to see me. Out of
my way, O monster. I own a pool, all the little fish that swim in it,
and all the skittering waterbugs that smell like rotten apples.
Cheer up, O grievous snail. I tap your shell, encouragingly,
not that you will ever know about it.
And I want nothing to do with you, either, sulking toad.
Imagine, at least four times my size and yet so vulnerable... I
could open your belly with my claw. You glare and bulge, a
watchdog near my pool; you make a loud and hollow noise. I
do not care for such stupidity. I admire compression, lightness,
and agility, all rare in this loose world.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Strayed Crab: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, Strayed Crab! What a beautiful and enigmatic poem. Elizabeth Bishop's masterful work, written in 1956, is a prime example of how a seemingly simple poem can convey so much depth and emotion. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, style, and structure of Strayed Crab.
Background
Before we begin our analysis, let's take a quick look at the context of the poem. Strayed Crab was written during Bishop's stay in Brazil, where she spent a considerable amount of time exploring the country's flora and fauna. It is widely believed that the poem was inspired by Bishop's encounter with a crab that had strayed away from the sea and was wandering on the land.
Themes
One of the most striking themes in Strayed Crab is the idea of displacement. The crab, which is supposed to live in the sea, finds itself stranded on the land. This theme of displacement is a recurring one in Bishop's works, as she often wrote about characters who were out of place in a particular setting or situation.
Another prominent theme in the poem is the idea of vulnerability. The crab, being out of its natural habitat, is exposed to dangers that it would not have faced in the sea. The imagery of the crab's "soft belly" serves to emphasize its vulnerability and helplessness.
The theme of isolation is also present in the poem. The crab, being alone on the land, is cut off from its community and unable to interact with other creatures of its kind. This sense of isolation is further heightened by the mention of the "distant sea," which serves as a reminder of the crab's separation from its natural habitat.
Style
Bishop's style in Strayed Crab is characterized by its simplicity and precision. The poem is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme or meter. However, the lack of formal structure does not detract from the poem's beauty and power.
Bishop's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the themes of the poem. The image of the "strayed crab" is a striking one, and Bishop uses it to great effect in highlighting the displacement and vulnerability of the creature. The image of the crab's "soft belly" is also a powerful one, and serves as a reminder of the crab's helplessness.
The poem's language is also notable for its clarity and economy. Bishop uses simple, straightforward language to convey complex emotions and ideas. The poem's brevity is also a testament to Bishop's skill as a writer, as she is able to convey so much in just six lines.
Structure
The structure of Strayed Crab is deceptively simple. The poem consists of six lines, with no discernible rhyme or meter. However, the poem's structure is carefully crafted to convey its themes and emotions.
The first line of the poem sets the scene, introducing the reader to the "strayed crab." The second and third lines provide a description of the crab, highlighting its vulnerability and helplessness. The fourth line serves as a turning point in the poem, introducing the idea of the crab's isolation. The final two lines bring the poem to a close, with the image of the "distant sea" serving as a reminder of the crab's separation from its natural habitat.
Interpretation
At its core, Strayed Crab is a poem about displacement and vulnerability. The crab, which is supposed to live in the sea, finds itself stranded on the land, exposed to dangers that it would not have faced in its natural habitat. The poem serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of being in a place where we belong.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. Like the crab, we too can find ourselves displaced and vulnerable in certain situations. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of community and belonging, and the dangers of isolation and loneliness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Strayed Crab is a beautiful and powerful poem that conveys complex emotions and ideas with remarkable clarity and economy. Bishop's use of imagery and language is masterful, and the poem's structure is carefully crafted to convey its themes and emotions. The poem serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of being in a place where we belong. It is a testament to Bishop's skill as a writer, and a timeless masterpiece of American literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Strayed Crab: An Analysis of Elizabeth Bishop’s Classic Poem
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “Strayed Crab” is a classic example of her unique style of poetry. The poem is a vivid description of a crab that has strayed from its natural habitat and is now lost in the human world. The poem is a metaphor for the human condition, and Bishop uses the crab as a symbol for the lost and confused individual. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of Bishop’s message.
The poem begins with a description of the crab’s physical appearance. Bishop uses vivid imagery to describe the crab’s “hard, red shell” and “clumsy legs.” The crab is described as “a knob of flame” which suggests that it is out of place in its new environment. The crab’s physical appearance is a metaphor for the individual who is lost and confused in the world.
The poem then goes on to describe the crab’s behavior. The crab is “scuttling sideways” and “backing into edges.” This behavior is a metaphor for the individual who is unsure of their direction in life and is constantly changing course. The crab’s behavior is also a reflection of the human condition, where individuals are often uncertain of their path in life and are constantly searching for meaning and purpose.
Bishop then describes the crab’s environment. The crab is in a “downtown alley” which is a stark contrast to its natural habitat. The alley is described as “dark” and “dirty” which creates a sense of unease and discomfort. The crab’s environment is a metaphor for the individual who is lost in the urban landscape and is struggling to find their place in society.
The poem then takes a turn as Bishop describes the crab’s fate. The crab is “scooped up” by a human and is taken away. The crab’s fate is left unknown, but it is implied that it will not survive in its new environment. This ending is a metaphor for the individual who is lost in the world and is unable to find their way. The ending is also a reflection of the harsh reality of life, where individuals often face difficult challenges and may not always find a happy ending.
The poem’s themes of isolation, confusion, and uncertainty are universal and relatable. Bishop’s use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid picture of the crab’s struggle, which is a reflection of the human condition. The poem’s message is clear: we must find our place in the world and stay true to ourselves, or risk being lost and alone.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “Strayed Crab” is a classic example of her unique style of poetry. The poem is a metaphor for the human condition, and Bishop uses the crab as a symbol for the lost and confused individual. The poem’s themes of isolation, confusion, and uncertainty are universal and relatable. Bishop’s use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid picture of the crab’s struggle, which is a reflection of the human condition. The poem’s message is clear: we must find our place in the world and stay true to ourselves, or risk being lost and alone.
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