Exploring the Differences Between Human and Animal Perspectives in Elizabeth Bishop's 'Five Flights Up'

Exploring the Dichotomy of Life in Elizabeth Bishop's "Five Flights Up"

Elizabeth Bishop's poem "Five Flights Up" examines the stark differences between the lives of humans and animals, using the latter as a symbol for a simpler existence. The poem, part of her 1976 collection "Geography III," contrasts the carefree nature of a bird and a dog with the human propensity to overthink and worry. Bishop's speaker reflects on the desire for the animals' uncomplicated life, free from the burdens of anxiety and societal expectations, and the poem becomes a contemplation on the human inclination to complicate life unnecessarily.

The Artistic Craft in "Five Flights Up"

"Five Flights Up" is composed in free verse, which allows Elizabeth Bishop to explore her themes with a sense of fluidity and spontaneity. The poem is rich with literary devices such as symbolism, irony, alliteration, assonance, personification, imagery, juxtaposition, and metaphor, all of which contribute to the depth of the narrative. These elements create a vivid depiction of the morning scene and the animals within it, setting up a contrast with the complex emotional world of humans. The tone of the poem is one of peaceful contemplation, tinged with a longing for the simplicity observed in the animals' lives.

The Use of Imagery and Symbolism in "Five Flights Up"

In "Five Flights Up," Elizabeth Bishop employs evocative imagery and symbolism to draw a line between the experiences of animals and humans. The poem begins in the ambiguity of pre-dawn darkness, a metaphor for the unknown, yet the animals are unperturbed. The arrival of light, often associated with knowledge and clarity, does not alter the animals' sense of contentment, suggesting their ease with uncertainty. Unlike humans, who seek answers and understanding, the animals in the poem are content with what is, exemplified by the day itself personified as responding to the animals' simple needs, underscoring their straightforward existence.

Contrasting Perspectives: The Human-Animal Divide in "Five Flights Up"

The poem "Five Flights Up" uses juxtaposition and metaphor to emphasize the divide between human and animal perspectives on life. The neighbor's reprimand of his dog for not meeting human expectations contrasts sharply with the dog's unaffected response, illustrating the human tendency to project shame and expectations onto others. The second part of the poem contrasts this with the animals' ability to live in the moment, free from the burdens of past and future. This is set against the human struggle with personal history and societal pressures, which often weigh heavily on the human psyche.

Human Expectations and Anxiety as Themes in "Five Flights Up"

"Five Flights Up" by Elizabeth Bishop explores the themes of expectations and anxiety that shape human existence. The animals in the poem live without the constraints of self-imposed expectations, allowing them to fully inhabit each moment. The dog's playful nature, even when scolded, exemplifies this free-spirited life. In contrast, humans are depicted as laden with expectations and anxieties, with the speaker's own experiences reflecting the complex nature of human emotions. The poem suggests that societal pressures and internalized notions of success lead to a life filled with unnecessary complications and worries.

The Core Message of "Five Flights Up": Comparing Simplicity and Complexity in Life

"Five Flights Up" by Elizabeth Bishop serves as a contemplative piece on the fundamental differences in the approach to life between humans and animals. Animals live each day without the baggage of success or failure, while humans often entangle themselves in expectations and the desire for control, resulting in a complicated existence. Bishop's poem encourages readers to consider the peace that might be found in embracing a more animal-like acceptance of life's natural rhythms, free from the burdens of history and future uncertainties. This reflection offers a poignant insight into the human condition and the self-imposed complexities that can obscure the potential for a simpler, more serene life.