Commentary on Elizabeth Bishop’s “Insomnia”

Abstract

Elizabeth Bishop’s love poem “Insomnia”, which is published as part of her second poetry collection A Cold Spring, exemplifies the poet’s elliptical style and acute observational precision. This article focuses on its thematic concerns, imagery and literary devices. The lunar imagery, mirroring effects free-verse structure and repetitive techniques are discussed through textual analysis. The poem employs metaphorical interplay of the moon and mirrors to destabilize binary oppositions, unveiling the poet’s profound yearning for freedom and love. Meanwhile, rhythmic patterns, anaphoric devices and fragmented structure epitomize Bishop’s distinctive poetic style and affective expression.