Stating the Location

Elizabeth Bishop's poem "Filling  Station" states location within the first stanza, and yet remains interesting enough for the reader to want to finish the work. Using repetition and contrast  throughout the poem is one way which Bishop effectively establishes a descriptive location. An interesting contrast within the poem is present when comparing the repetition of the word "dirty" with the repetition of the word "doily" in the second half of the poem. A doily is a delicate lace piece which is used for decorations on tables, this contrasts the grime and dirt observable within the first half of the work. This contrast breathes a sort of air into the work, as the gas station doesn't fit the stereotypical concept of a station. She does this by attributing more than just a physical presence to the building, showing the life that lives within and around it. This is established by the mention of the father and sons within the second stanza and is solidified by the closing stanza. Bishop's use of questions is also effective in conveying the sense of life that the station holds and carrying the poem smoothly along.  Such as the fourth stanza which is mostly comprised of questions, questions which, according to the  wording, could be directed towards the people living at the station.


"Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy's Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota" by James Wright  is another poem which directly states the location.  Wright's choice to state the location allows him to give a detailed universal account of what is observable without need for explanation. The poem employs various prepositional phrases, implying a sense of omniscience to the scene. Furthermore, Wright's word choice is  rich in texture, such as "a leaf in green shadow." and "Blaze up into golden stones."; using these words paint a beautiful scene which imply observation. Finally, the title offers a connection to the final line. Lying in a hammock is usually a relaxing thing, and Wright's choice to use this word is significant. The highlighting of beauty throughout the poem and the connotation of relaxation associated with the idea "lying in a hammock" can draw one to conclude that the final line is a remark on the amount of beauty the narrator has, at this point, missed.