Author Question: What is the tone of this poemthe speakers apparent attitude toward thescene described? What will ... (Read 109 times)

colton · **on:** Jul 20, 2018

What is the tone of this poemthe speakers apparent attitude toward thescene described?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

In the little moons that fall from the almanac (line 33), does the poemintroduce dream or fantasy, or do you take these to be small round pieces of paper?

What will be an ideal response?

mmpiza · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The playful ingenuity of the sestina, like that of the villanelle, tempts a poet to wax clever; yet Bishop is writing a deeply felt, moving poem in it. The tone is lightly serious, compassionateyet with touches of gentle humor: the Little Marvel Stove, the childs drawings. Irony, too, informs the poem: a contrast between the grandmothers sorrow and the childs innocent ignorance.

Answer to Question 2

The little moons are probably small round pieces of paper. Almanacs (such as The Old Farmers) come with punched holes to make them easy to string and hang on a hook or a nail.