One Art, a poem by Elizabeth Bishop, explores the theme of loss and the art of letting go. The speaker in the poem reflects on the many losses she has experienced in her life, from small material possessions to significant relationships, and ultimately asserts that the ability to accept and move on from these losses is a skill that can be mastered.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring that the art of losing isn't hard to master, seemingly suggesting that the process of letting go is simple and straightforward. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is being ironic and is actually struggling with the concept of loss. The speaker lists off a series of losses, ranging from misplaced keys to a loved one's death, and each time concludes with the phrase "I lost two cities," suggesting that each loss is significant and deeply felt.
Despite this, the speaker ultimately asserts that the art of losing can be mastered, stating that "it's evident / the art of losing's not too hard to master / though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster." This suggests that while the process of letting go may be difficult and may feel like a disaster, it is ultimately something that can be learned and mastered.
Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the idea that loss is a natural and inevitable part of life. The speaker admits that "it's evident" that loss is something that everyone must confront and come to terms with, and that it is something that can be mastered with practice. This idea is further reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "I lost" throughout the poem, as it suggests that loss is a constant and ongoing part of the speaker's life.
In conclusion, the theme of One Art is the acceptance and mastery of loss as a natural and inevitable part of life. The speaker in the poem reflects on the many losses she has experienced and ultimately asserts that the ability to let go and move on is a skill that can be learned and mastered. This theme is conveyed through the speaker's use of irony, repetition, and the listing of various losses, which together create a sense of the universality and inevitability of loss.
