Elizabeth Bishop and the Music of Literature

Book excerpt: Elizabeth Bishop and the Music of Literature brings together the latest understandings of how central music was to Bishop’s writing. This collection considers Bishop’s reworking of metrical and rhythmic forms of poetry; the increasing presence of prosaic utterances into speech-soundscapes; how musical poetry intones new modes of thinking through aural vision; how Bishop transforms traditionally distasteful tones of violence, banality, and commerce into innovative poetry; how her diverse, lifelong musical education (North American, European, Brazilian) affects her work; and also how her diverse musical settings have inspired global contemporary composers. The essays flesh out the missing elements of music, sound, and voice in previous research that are crucial to understanding how Bishop’s writing continues to dazzle readers and inspire artists in surprising ways.