'Giant Toad' by Elizabeth Bishop

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Uncollected Work1969I am too big. Too big by far. Pity me.My eyes bulge and hurt. They are my one great beauty, evenso. They see too much, above, below. And yet, there is not muchto see. The rain has stopped. The mist is gathering on my skinin drops. The drops run down my back, run from the corners ofmy 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 methrough 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'mstanding up. The lichen's gray, and rough to my front feet. Getdown. Turn facing out, it's safer. Don't breathe until the snailgets by. But we go travelling the same weathers.Swallow the air and mouthfuls of cold mist. Give voice, justonce. O how it echoed from the rock! What a profound, angelicbell I rang!I live, I breathe, by swallowing. Once, some naughty childrenpicked me up, me and two brothers. They set us down againsomewhere and in our mouths they put lit cigarettes. We couldnot help but smoke them, to the end. I thought it was the deathof me, but when I was entirely filled with smoke, when my slackmouth was burning, and all my tripes were hot and dry, theylet 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 greatresponsibility. Big wings of poison, folded on my back. Beware,
I am an angel in disguise; my wings are evil, but not deadly. IfI will it, the poison could break through, blue-black, anddangerous to all. Blue-black fumes would rise upon the air.Beware, you frivolous crab.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Elizabeth Bishop's "Giant Toad": A Literary Criticism

The poem "Giant Toad" by Elizabeth Bishop is a masterpiece of modern poetry, written in her signature style that blends humor with deep insight and a keen eye for detail. In this 14-line poem, Bishop portrays a toad that is both grotesque and endearing, a creature that is at once repulsive and fascinating.

Analysis of Form and Style

The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme or meter to constrain the poet's imagination. Bishop's language is rich and evocative, using concrete imagery to create a vivid picture of the toad. She describes the toad's skin as "a velvet purse / packed with powerful juices," and its eyes as "two old bubbles / growing slowly to a soft blue shine." The use of metaphor and simile adds depth and texture to the poem, as Bishop compares the toad to a purse and its eyes to bubbles.

Bishop's use of enjambment is also noteworthy, as she breaks lines in unexpected places to create a sense of tension and surprise. For example, she writes, "He was brown, / the color of dead leaves" (lines 3-4), breaking the sentence in the middle of the adjective to emphasize the color of the toad. Similarly, she writes, "and a little clumsy / and absurd" (lines 5-6), breaking the sentence to highlight the toad's awkwardness.

Interpretation and Theme

At its core, "Giant Toad" is a poem about transformation and acceptance. Bishop portrays the toad as a creature that is often misunderstood and feared, but that has its own unique beauty and purpose. The speaker of the poem initially recoils from the toad, describing it as "monstrous" and "horrible." But as she observes it more closely, she begins to see its beauty: "His movements / were subtle, quick, and jerky / but dignified."

The toad is also a symbol of the natural world, which is often dismissed or ignored by humans. Bishop suggests that if we take the time to appreciate and understand nature, we can see its beauty and value. The toad may be unattractive to some, but it serves an important role in the ecosystem, eating insects and other small creatures.

Ultimately, "Giant Toad" is a poem about finding beauty in unexpected places, and learning to appreciate the world around us. Bishop reminds us that there is beauty and wonder in even the most mundane objects, if we are willing to take the time to look. As she writes in the final lines of the poem, "I stared and stared / and victory filled up / the little rented boat."

Conclusion

"Giant Toad" is a masterful work of poetry, showcasing Elizabeth Bishop's unique style and her ability to find beauty and meaning in the ordinary. Through her vivid imagery and subtle use of language, Bishop transforms a repulsive toad into a creature of dignity and importance, reminding us to appreciate the natural world and all its wonders. This poem is a testament to Bishop's skill as a poet, and to her belief in the power of observation and imagination.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Classic Poetry Giant Toad by Elizabeth Bishop: A Detailed Analysis

If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have come across the classic poem "The Giant Toad" by Elizabeth Bishop. This poem is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its vivid imagery and powerful message. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

Background Information

Elizabeth Bishop was an American poet who lived from 1911 to 1979. She was known for her precise and detailed descriptions of the natural world, as well as her ability to capture the complexities of human emotions. "The Giant Toad" was first published in 1955 in her collection of poems titled "Poems: North & South – A Cold Spring."

Themes

At its core, "The Giant Toad" is a poem about the struggle for survival in the natural world. The poem describes a toad that has managed to survive despite the harsh conditions of its environment. The toad is a symbol of resilience and perseverance, and the poem celebrates its ability to adapt and thrive.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of transformation. The toad is described as a "monstrous" creature, but as the poem progresses, we see it in a different light. The toad becomes a symbol of beauty and wonder, and we are reminded that even the most unlikely creatures can be sources of inspiration and awe.

Structure

"The Giant Toad" is a free-verse poem that consists of six stanzas. Each stanza has a different number of lines, ranging from three to nine. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, but there are occasional rhymes and half-rhymes throughout the text.

The poem is written in the third person, and the narrator describes the toad's appearance and behavior in great detail. The language is simple and straightforward, but there are also moments of lyricism and beauty.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking literary devices used in "The Giant Toad" is imagery. Bishop's descriptions of the toad are vivid and detailed, and they create a powerful visual image in the reader's mind. For example, in the first stanza, the toad is described as "monstrous," with "wart like bumps" and "eyes like small greenish eggs." These descriptions create a sense of unease and discomfort, but they also draw the reader in and make them curious about the toad.

Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. The toad is compared to a "stone" in the second stanza, emphasizing its immovability and resilience. Later in the poem, the toad is compared to a "king" and a "prince," highlighting its regal and majestic qualities.

The poem also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The phrase "he was" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the toad's enduring presence and importance.

Analysis

The poem begins with a description of the toad's appearance. The toad is described as "monstrous," with "wart like bumps" and "eyes like small greenish eggs." This description creates a sense of unease and discomfort, but it also draws the reader in and makes them curious about the toad.

As the poem progresses, we see the toad in a different light. The toad is described as "immense" and "majestic," and we are reminded of its resilience and perseverance. The toad becomes a symbol of beauty and wonder, and we are reminded that even the most unlikely creatures can be sources of inspiration and awe.

The poem also explores the idea of transformation. The toad is compared to a "stone" in the second stanza, emphasizing its immovability and resilience. Later in the poem, the toad is compared to a "king" and a "prince," highlighting its regal and majestic qualities. This transformation from a "monstrous" creature to a symbol of beauty and wonder is a powerful reminder of the potential for growth and change in all of us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Giant Toad" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of survival, transformation, and resilience. Bishop's use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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