Change Quote by Elizabeth Bishop
““Bishop on "A Miracle for Breakfast" and Sestina Technique It seems to me that there are two ways possible for a sestina. One is to use unusual words as terminations, in which case they would have to be used differently as often as possible—as you say, "change of scale." That would make a very highly seasoned kind of poem. And the other way is to use as colorless words as possible—like Sidney, so that it becomes less of a trick and more of a natural theme and variations. I guess I have tried to do both at once.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Poetic Forms, 1979
Sestina can use striking or neutral words; each choice shapes the poem’s tone and complexity.
In simple terms: Word choice defines a sestina’s effect.
Key Takeaway
Choose words that serve your poetic intent.
Themes
poetry
form
language
creativity
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
creative
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- personal poetry
- literary analysis
- creative experiments
Key Concepts
sestina structure
word selection
thematic development
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer bold or subtle terminations?
- How does word choice affect reader engagement?
A Different Perspective
Choosing words influences depth and accessibility.
