Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” tells the story of a son who leaves his home, squanders his inheritance, and returns to his father seeking forgiveness. The poem is a powerful exploration of themes such as love, forgiveness, and redemption, and is widely regarded as one of Bishop’s most accomplished works. In this article, we will provide a summary of the poem and explore some of its key themes and literary devices.
Background and Context
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” was first published in 1965, as part of her collection “Questions of Travel.” The poem tells the story of a young man who leaves home to explore the world, only to return years later, broken and defeated. The theme of the prodigal son is a common one in literature, but Bishop’s take on it is unique in its exploration of the complexities of family relationships and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. Bishop herself had a tumultuous childhood, marked by the loss of her parents and a series of moves between family members. This background undoubtedly influenced her writing, and “The Prodigal” can be seen as a reflection of her own experiences with family and home.
Structure and Form
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” is structured in a way that mirrors the narrative of the biblical parable it is based on. The poem is divided into three parts, each representing a different stage in the prodigal son’s journey. The first part describes the son’s departure from home and his reckless behavior, while the second part depicts his downfall and eventual realization of his mistakes. The final part portrays the son’s return home and his father’s forgiveness.
The form of the poem is also significant. Bishop uses a free verse style, with no set rhyme or meter, to convey the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the prodigal son’s life. However, she also employs a strict structure within each part of the poem, with each stanza consisting of three lines and a consistent syllable count. This creates a sense of order and stability within the narrative, even as the events themselves are tumultuous.
Overall, the structure and form of “The Prodigal” serve to enhance the themes of redemption and forgiveness that are central to the poem. By mirroring the structure of the parable, Bishop emphasizes the timeless nature of these themes and their relevance to all people, regardless of time or place.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” is the idea of homecoming and the search for belonging. The speaker, who is the prodigal son, returns to his childhood home after a long absence, hoping to find solace and acceptance. However, he is met with a sense of estrangement and alienation, as the people and places he once knew have changed. This theme of displacement and the longing for a sense of home is further emphasized through the use of motifs such as the sea and the landscape, which serve as symbols of the speaker’s journey and his desire to find a place to belong. Overall, “The Prodigal” is a poignant exploration of the human experience of searching for a sense of identity and connection in a world that is constantly changing.
Analysis of the Title
The title of Elizabeth Bishop’s poem, “The Prodigal,” immediately brings to mind the biblical parable of the prodigal son. This story tells of a young man who leaves his family and squanders his inheritance on wild living, only to return home repentant and seeking forgiveness. Bishop’s use of the word “returns” in the title suggests that her poem may also explore themes of repentance and forgiveness. However, the absence of the word “son” in the title leaves open the possibility that the prodigal in Bishop’s poem may not be a male figure, and may not be seeking forgiveness from a familial relationship. The ambiguity of the title invites readers to delve deeper into the poem to uncover its true meaning.
Stanza 1: The Arrival
In the first stanza of Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal,” the reader is introduced to the arrival of the prodigal son. The son, who has been away for an extended period of time, returns home to his father’s farm. The stanza sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the landscape, including the “brown enormous odorous cows” and the “fields of goldenrod.” The son’s arrival is also described in detail, with the use of sensory language such as “the air tasted like rust” and “the sun was white as though chidden of God.” The stanza ends with the son’s hesitant approach to the house, unsure of how he will be received by his father. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the reader is left wondering what will happen next in this tale of redemption and forgiveness.
Stanza 2: The Setting
Stanza 2 of Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” describes the setting of the story. The speaker tells us that the prodigal son has returned to his father’s farm, which is located in a rural area. The farm is described as being “green and gold” with “fields of wheat and hay.” The speaker also mentions the presence of animals on the farm, including “cows and horses” and “a flock of sheep.” The setting is peaceful and idyllic, with the only sounds being the “crickets” and the “frogs” in the nearby pond. This description of the setting creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler way of life. It also sets the stage for the emotional reunion between the prodigal son and his father, which is the focus of the rest of the poem.
Stanza 3: The Memories
Stanza 3 of Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” delves into the memories of the speaker as she recalls the past. The speaker remembers the “long, lovely, / golden afternoons” spent with her father, who is now deceased. She also recalls the “dusty, sunny, windy countryside” and the “little towns” she used to visit with her father. These memories are bittersweet, as they remind the speaker of happier times but also of the loss she has experienced. The speaker’s memories are vivid and detailed, showing the importance of the past in shaping the present.
Stanza 4: The Confession
In the fourth stanza of Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal,” the speaker finally confesses to his father the true reason for his return. He admits that he has squandered all of his inheritance and is now destitute. The speaker’s confession is a moment of vulnerability and honesty, as he acknowledges his mistakes and takes responsibility for his actions. The father’s response to the confession is not revealed in the poem, leaving the reader to wonder how he will react to his son’s admission. This stanza highlights the theme of forgiveness and redemption, as the speaker seeks to make amends for his past mistakes and reconcile with his family.
Stanza 5: The Redemption
In the final stanza of Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal,” the speaker reflects on the redemption that comes with returning home. The speaker describes the father’s joy at the son’s return, saying “the father ran out barefoot to him / and kissed him hard and long.” This image of the father’s love and forgiveness is a powerful symbol of the redemption that the son experiences. The speaker also notes that the son is “no longer / the lonely, guilty thing he was before.” This suggests that the son has been transformed by his experience and has found a sense of peace and acceptance. The final lines of the poem, “All night he ran in his sleep, / and even his dreams were crying,” suggest that the son is still haunted by his past, but that he has found a way to move forward and find redemption. Overall, the final stanza of “The Prodigal” is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and forgiveness.
Symbolism and Imagery
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” is rich in symbolism and imagery, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the fatted calf, which represents the father’s forgiveness and generosity towards his wayward son. The image of the calf being slaughtered and prepared for a feast is a powerful metaphor for the father’s willingness to welcome his son back into the fold, despite his past transgressions.
Another important symbol in the poem is the ring that the father gives to his son upon his return. This ring represents the father’s love and acceptance of his son, and serves as a tangible reminder of their reconciliation. The image of the ring also suggests a sense of continuity and connection between the past and the present, as the son is able to reclaim his place in the family despite his absence.
Throughout the poem, Bishop also employs vivid imagery to bring the story to life. The description of the son’s journey home, for example, is filled with sensory details that evoke a sense of place and atmosphere. The reader can almost feel the heat of the sun and the dust on the road, and can imagine the son’s exhaustion and desperation as he makes his way back to his father’s house.
Overall, the symbolism and imagery in “The Prodigal” serve to deepen the emotional impact of the poem and to convey its themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring bonds of family.
Language and Tone
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” is a masterful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the emotions that accompany them. Throughout the poem, Bishop employs a language and tone that is both precise and evocative, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world she has created. The language is often simple and direct, but it is also rich in imagery and metaphor, creating a vivid and memorable portrait of the characters and their experiences. The tone of the poem is one of melancholy and regret, but there is also a sense of hope and redemption that runs throughout. Bishop’s use of language and tone is a testament to her skill as a poet, and it is what makes “The Prodigal” such a powerful and enduring work of art.
Critical Reception
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” has received critical acclaim since its publication in 1965. Critics have praised Bishop’s use of imagery and her ability to capture the complex emotions of the speaker. The poem has been described as a meditation on the themes of homecoming, forgiveness, and redemption. Some critics have also noted the religious undertones of the poem, with the prodigal son being a biblical reference. Overall, “The Prodigal” has been recognized as one of Bishop’s most powerful and moving works.
Comparisons with Other Bishop Poems
In comparison to Bishop’s other poems, “The Prodigal” stands out for its use of narrative structure and its exploration of themes such as family, home, and identity. While Bishop’s famous poem “One Art” focuses on the theme of loss and the art of letting go, “The Prodigal” delves into the complexities of returning home after a long absence and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Similarly, “The Fish” and “The Moose” both use vivid imagery to explore the natural world, but “The Prodigal” focuses more on the human experience and the relationships that shape us. Overall, “The Prodigal” showcases Bishop’s versatility as a poet and her ability to capture the nuances of the human experience in her writing.
Personal Reflections
As I read Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal,” I couldn’t help but reflect on my own life and the times I have felt lost and alone. The speaker’s journey back home after a long absence resonated with me, as I too have experienced the fear and uncertainty that comes with returning to a place that once felt like home but now feels foreign.
Bishop’s use of vivid imagery and sensory details also struck a chord with me. The description of the “smell of the farms” and the “sound of the river” transported me back to my own childhood and the memories I have of growing up in a rural area. It reminded me of the beauty and simplicity of that life, and how easy it is to forget those things when we are caught up in the chaos of the world around us.
Overall, “The Prodigal” is a powerful reminder of the importance of home and the journey we must take to find our way back to it. It is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for connection and belonging, and it is one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Prodigal” holds immense historical and cultural significance. The poem was written in the mid-20th century, a time when women’s voices were often silenced in the literary world. Bishop’s work challenged this norm and paved the way for future female poets.
Furthermore, the poem explores themes of family, forgiveness, and redemption, which are universal and timeless. The story of the prodigal son is a well-known biblical tale, and Bishop’s interpretation adds a new layer of complexity and emotion to the narrative.
The poem also reflects Bishop’s personal experiences, as she struggled with alcoholism and a tumultuous relationship with her own father. This adds a level of authenticity and rawness to the work, making it all the more powerful.
Overall, “The Prodigal” is a significant piece of literature that not only challenges societal norms but also delves into universal themes that continue to resonate with readers today.
Legacy and Influence
Elizabeth Bishop’s poetry has left a lasting legacy in the literary world. Her unique style and attention to detail have influenced countless poets and writers. Bishop’s work has been praised for its precision and clarity, as well as its ability to capture the essence of a moment or place. Her poems often explore themes of loss, memory, and the complexities of human relationships.
Bishop’s influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary poets, including Mary Oliver and Billy Collins. Her use of imagery and her ability to create vivid, sensory experiences for the reader have become hallmarks of modern poetry. Bishop’s legacy also extends beyond the literary world. She was an advocate for social justice and was known for her support of the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to her poetry, Bishop’s personal life has also had an impact on the literary world. Her struggles with alcoholism and depression have been documented in various biographies and memoirs. These works have shed light on the challenges faced by artists and writers, and have helped to destigmatize mental illness.
Overall, Elizabeth Bishop’s contributions to the literary world have been significant. Her poetry continues to inspire and influence writers today, and her legacy as a champion of social justice and mental health awareness is an important part of her lasting impact.