How does Elizabeth Bishop create a tone that is both serious and amusing in One Art?

In this poem, Bishop's use of language creates a tongue-in-cheek appraisal of lost love, time and chances. The beginning of the second stanza mimicks the tone of a self help guide, turning to address the reader in such a fashion causing it to sound lauding and ironic. 'And look!' in the third stanza gives echoes of a magicians show in addition to this. However, the tone does shift in the final stanza by creating a different kind of address to the reader. The short dash creates a suspension at the beginning, the equivalent of an intake of breath before turning remorsefully to the subject of the romance. The aside of ​​​​​​'(Write it!)' suggests the difficulty the narrative voice has in wording how their love has been lost. All in all, the poem instills a humourous tone but underlined with remorse for lost love.

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I track a theme through a text?


Starting with this extract, how does Bronte present Jane as a strong female character?


How might I write an answer to the question 'Explore how the prologue to Romeo and Juliet introduces the theme of violence in the play?'


How is the role of women portrayed in Pride and Prejudice?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences