The Speaker

The speaker in "Questions of Travel" considers the paradox of travel as well as the ambiguous nature of human experience. At first, the speaker complains about where she is and considers how difficult it would be to return home. But as the poem continues, the speaker widens her focus to include awe, regret, and ethical reasoning. Rather than assert any one point, the speaker asks open-ended questions that generate further inquiry. This shows that she prioritizes the ongoing processes of discovery and reflection over certainty.

In general, speakers should not automatically be conflated with the poet. But in this case, Bishop's own experiences with travel clearly informed her writing.

The Gas Station Attendant

One detail the speaker hones in on is the sound of a gas station attendant walking across the station floor in a pair of homemade clogs. The "clacking" sound leaves an impression on the...