Sylvia PlathSylvia PlathPoetry Poetry

Her Life

• Sylvia was born on October 27, 1932 in Newton, Massachusetts.

• She married Ted Hughes on June 16, 1956

• Sylvia and Ted had two children Frieda and Nicholas (1960, 1962)

• 1962: She learned of Ted’s infidelity and they separated.

• She died tragically on February 11, 1963.

MirrorMirrorI am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.What ever you see I swallow immediatelyWhat ever you see I swallow immediatelyJust as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.I am not cruel, only truthful---I am not cruel, only truthful---The eye of a little god, four-cornered.The eye of a little god, four-cornered.Most of the time I meditate on the opposite wall.Most of the time I meditate on the opposite wall.It is pink, with speckles. I have looked at it so longIt is pink, with speckles. I have looked at it so longI think it is a part of my heart. But it flickers.I think it is a part of my heart. But it flickers.Faces and darkness separate us over and over.Faces and darkness separate us over and over.Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me,Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me,Searching my reaches for what she really is.Searching my reaches for what she really is.Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon.Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon.I see her back, and reflect it faithfully.I see her back, and reflect it faithfully.She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands.She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands.I am important to her. She comes and goes.I am important to her. She comes and goes.Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness.Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness.In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old womanIn me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old womanRises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish.Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish.

MirrorMirror

““Mirror” gives voice to Mirror” gives voice to an inanimate objectan inanimate object

It reflects on a number It reflects on a number of different themes:of different themes:The inevitability of old The inevitability of old

age & death.age & death.Preoccupation with Preoccupation with

imageimageA search for identityA search for identity

MirrorMirror

Plath’s use of Plath’s use of personificationpersonification

Plath regularly uses Plath regularly uses inanimate objects with inanimate objects with human qualities.human qualities.

In this poem the In this poem the mirror speaks for itself mirror speaks for itself – describing its – describing its relationship with a relationship with a particular woman.particular woman.

MirrorMirror

Stanza 1Stanza 1The mirror expresses The mirror expresses itself in a clear & direct itself in a clear & direct manner - manner - “I am silver “I am silver and exact”and exact”It reflects things It reflects things exactly as they are.exactly as they are.It does not pre-judge – It does not pre-judge – it has it has “no “no preconceptions”preconceptions”

MirrorMirror

The mirror is cold The mirror is cold and emotionless.and emotionless.

While a person While a person may be dissatisfied may be dissatisfied or even upset by or even upset by their mirror image, their mirror image, the mirror insists the mirror insists “I “I am not cruel, only am not cruel, only truthful”.truthful”.

MirrorMirror

When the mirror states When the mirror states that it immediately that it immediately swallows whatever it swallows whatever it sees. We are reminded of sees. We are reminded of the inexorable the inexorable (can’t be (can’t be stopped) stopped) passage of time.passage of time.

The image captured by The image captured by the mirror at a particular the mirror at a particular point in time will never be point in time will never be exactly the same again.exactly the same again.

MirrorMirror The mirror describes how it The mirror describes how it

spends its days meditating spends its days meditating on the opposite wall.on the opposite wall.

The mirror has been The mirror has been reflecting this wall – reflecting this wall – “pink, “pink, with speckles”with speckles” – for so long – for so long that it feels the wall is now that it feels the wall is now part of itself. part of itself. “I think it is a “I think it is a part of my heart”. part of my heart”.

Only darkness and people Only darkness and people “separate” “separate” the mirror from the mirror from the wall.the wall.

MirrorMirror

Second sectionSecond sectionThis section is This section is concerned with the concerned with the mirror’s relationship mirror’s relationship with the woman on with the woman on whose bedroom wall whose bedroom wall it hangs.it hangs.

MirrorMirror

The mirror declares, The mirror declares, “Now I am “Now I am a lake”.a lake”.

The flat surface of a lake is The flat surface of a lake is reflective like a mirror.reflective like a mirror.

However a lake has hidden However a lake has hidden depths, so this metaphor also depths, so this metaphor also has connotations of danger.has connotations of danger.

The woman searches the The woman searches the depths of the mirror/lake depths of the mirror/lake “for “for what she really is”.what she really is”.

The woman seems to be The woman seems to be struggling to discover her struggling to discover her identity and find her way in lifeidentity and find her way in life

MirrorMirror

The reference to The reference to “tears “tears and an agitation of and an agitation of hands” hands” points to the points to the woman’s inner torment.woman’s inner torment.

The fact that the mirror The fact that the mirror “is “is important to her” important to her” indicates her insecurity.indicates her insecurity.

It would seem that she is It would seem that she is deeply troubled by the deeply troubled by the ageing processageing process

MirrorMirror

Closing linesClosing lines They are particularly dramaticThey are particularly dramatic The lake metaphor is The lake metaphor is

developed, with the mirror/lake developed, with the mirror/lake describing how the woman has describing how the woman has “drowned a young girl” “drowned a young girl” in its in its depths, while watching old age depths, while watching old age daily rise towards her daily rise towards her “like a “like a terrible fish”.terrible fish”.

The closing image is startling The closing image is startling and a little disturbing in its and a little disturbing in its depiction of old age as an ugly depiction of old age as an ugly monstrous creature waiting in monstrous creature waiting in the depths for us allthe depths for us all

Themes: Mental AnguishThemes: Mental Anguish

Like many of Plath’s poems, this depicts mental Like many of Plath’s poems, this depicts mental turmoil. The woman in the poem is gripped by a fit turmoil. The woman in the poem is gripped by a fit of loneliness and despair as she examines herself of loneliness and despair as she examines herself in the mirror.in the mirror.

We get a sense that much of this turmoil arises We get a sense that much of this turmoil arises from the fact that she has lost her way in life and from the fact that she has lost her way in life and has lost her sense of identity.has lost her sense of identity.

She gazes into the mirror attempting to locate and She gazes into the mirror attempting to locate and reconnect with her true self.reconnect with her true self.

““Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me,/ Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me,/ Searching my reaches”Searching my reaches”

Themes: Mental AnguishThemes: Mental Anguish

Several of Plath’s poems touch on the idea Several of Plath’s poems touch on the idea of inadequacy and worthlessness. (Child, of inadequacy and worthlessness. (Child, The Arrival of the Bee Box etc.)The Arrival of the Bee Box etc.)

The speaker looks at her reflection in The speaker looks at her reflection in “tears” “tears” and turns away to the soft glow of and turns away to the soft glow of candles as if she does not like what she candles as if she does not like what she sees.sees.

The woman seems deeply troubled by the The woman seems deeply troubled by the prospect of ageing. prospect of ageing.

Personal Response QuestionsPersonal Response Questions1.1. ““Mirror” has been described as a poem of images. Mirror” has been described as a poem of images.

Pick out three different images from the poem. In Pick out three different images from the poem. In each case state whether or not you think it is each case state whether or not you think it is effective.effective.

2.2. The mirror claims it is “important” to the woman. In The mirror claims it is “important” to the woman. In what ways might a mirror be important to an what ways might a mirror be important to an individual? Consider here psychological as well as individual? Consider here psychological as well as purely practical reasons.purely practical reasons.

3.3. What do you think the mirror means when it says “In What do you think the mirror means when it says “In me she has a drowned a young girl”? What does the me she has a drowned a young girl”? What does the “terrible fish” represent?“terrible fish” represent?

The Arrival of the Bee BoxThe Arrival of the Bee Box In 1962, Plath & her In 1962, Plath & her

husband decided to husband decided to take up bee-keeping.take up bee-keeping.

This poem describes This poem describes the speaker’s unusual the speaker’s unusual response to the arrival response to the arrival of a box of bees.of a box of bees.

It is a poem that can It is a poem that can also be read on a also be read on a symbolic level.symbolic level.

The Arrival of the Bee BoxThe Arrival of the Bee Box Poem opens in a straightforward, Poem opens in a straightforward,

narrative-like manner: narrative-like manner: “I ordered “I ordered this, this clean wood boxthis, this clean wood box”.”.

The simile that describes the box as The simile that describes the box as being being “square as a chair” “square as a chair” is is comfortably domestic, however, the comfortably domestic, however, the metaphor that follow is strange & metaphor that follow is strange & unsettling, “unsettling, “I would say it was the I would say it was the coffincoffin of a midget/Or a square of a midget/Or a square babybaby”.”.

This image is suggestive of death, This image is suggestive of death, giving the box a sinister/creepy giving the box a sinister/creepy quality.quality.

The Arrival of the Bee BoxThe Arrival of the Bee Box

The speaker has an The speaker has an ambivalent (unsure) ambivalent (unsure) attitude towards the box, attitude towards the box, being both fascinated & being both fascinated & frightened by it: “frightened by it: “it is it is dangerous…And I can’t dangerous…And I can’t keep away from it”.keep away from it”.

The description of the box The description of the box suggests a sense of suggests a sense of claustrophobia “claustrophobia “There There are no windows …/..no are no windows …/..no exitexit”.”.

Stanzas 1-2 Stanzas 1-2

1.1. Briefly describe the bee box in Briefly describe the bee box in your own words. your own words.

2.2. How would you describe the How would you describe the speaker’s initial reaction to the speaker’s initial reaction to the box? Is she surprised, delighted, box? Is she surprised, delighted, worried?worried?

3.3. Why does the speaker describe Why does the speaker describe the box as ‘dangerous’?the box as ‘dangerous’?

4.4. Though the speaker thinks the Though the speaker thinks the box is ‘dangerous’, she is unable box is ‘dangerous’, she is unable to ‘stay away from it’, why do you to ‘stay away from it’, why do you this is?this is?

The Arrival of the Bee BoxThe Arrival of the Bee Box

This sense of claustrophobia is This sense of claustrophobia is reinforced by the startling, reinforced by the startling, surreal imagery that follows.surreal imagery that follows.

Peering in the little grid, the Peering in the little grid, the speaker senses the oppressive speaker senses the oppressive atmosphere within the box, atmosphere within the box, underlining the sinister underlining the sinister threatening atmosphere: “threatening atmosphere: “It is It is dark, dark…/Black on blackdark, dark…/Black on black””

A surreal image portrays the A surreal image portrays the bees as bees as ““African slaves” African slaves”

The Arrival of the Bee BoxThe Arrival of the Bee Box It is the noise generated by the It is the noise generated by the

bees that most horrifies the bees that most horrifies the speaker.speaker.

The The simile simile that compares the that compares the bees to a Roman mob suggests bees to a Roman mob suggests that she is in awe but terrified of that she is in awe but terrified of their collective power: their collective power: “it is like “it is like a Roman mob”.a Roman mob”.

The description of their buzzing The description of their buzzing as “as “furious Latin” furious Latin” suggests suggests their incomprehensible anger. It their incomprehensible anger. It is beyond the poet’s is beyond the poet’s understanding. understanding.

The speaker cannot control The speaker cannot control them: them: “I am not a Caesar”“I am not a Caesar”..

Stanza 3-4Stanza 3-4

1.1. Describe in your own words what the speaker sees Describe in your own words what the speaker sees when she puts her eye to the box’s grid?when she puts her eye to the box’s grid?

2.2. What most unusual image is used to describe the What most unusual image is used to describe the appearance of the bees inside the box?appearance of the bees inside the box?

3.3. How can I let them out? Why do you think the How can I let them out? Why do you think the speaker is reluctant to release the bees?speaker is reluctant to release the bees?

4.4. Describe the speaker’s reaction to the sound Describe the speaker’s reaction to the sound coming from the bee box. What simile is used to coming from the bee box. What simile is used to describe this racket? describe this racket?

The Arrival of the Bee BoxThe Arrival of the Bee Box The speaker shows her more The speaker shows her more

compassionate side when she compassionate side when she wonders how hungry the bees wonders how hungry the bees are.are.

Becoming more confident, she Becoming more confident, she wonders what would happen if wonders what would happen if she simply released them: she simply released them: “I “I wonder if they would forget wonder if they would forget me/If I just undid the locks”.me/If I just undid the locks”.

There is a sharp contrast There is a sharp contrast between the confinement of the between the confinement of the box & the freedom of the natural box & the freedom of the natural world.world.

Stanza 5- 6Stanza 5- 6

1.1. What does the speaker mean she is not What does the speaker mean she is not Caesar?Caesar?

2.2. What options does she feel she has What options does she feel she has regarding this box that frightens her so regarding this box that frightens her so much?much?

The Arrival of the Bee BoxThe Arrival of the Bee Box

By close of poem the By close of poem the speaker no longer feels speaker no longer feels threatened: threatened: “they might “they might ignore me…/I am no ignore me…/I am no source of honey”.source of honey”.

Feeling newly empowered Feeling newly empowered the speaker decides to the speaker decides to exercise her power in a exercise her power in a positive way: “positive way: “Tomorrow Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will I will be sweet God, I will set them free/The box is set them free/The box is only temporary”.only temporary”.

Stanzas 6-7 Stanzas 6-7

1.1. What does she finally decide to do with What does she finally decide to do with the box?the box?

2.2. The speaker declares that she will be The speaker declares that she will be ‘sweet God’. What does she mean by ‘sweet God’. What does she mean by this?this?

SymbolismSymbolism

The bee box may be The bee box may be regarded as a symbol regarded as a symbol of the poet’s mind, of the poet’s mind, and the angry and the angry threatening bees as threatening bees as symbols of the dark symbols of the dark destructive aspects of destructive aspects of her personality.her personality.

Key Points Key Points Key themes include power and control, Key themes include power and control,

repression and freedom. repression and freedom. This poem is also open to a symbolic This poem is also open to a symbolic

interpretation. interpretation. It is a deeply personal poem- repeated use of It is a deeply personal poem- repeated use of

‘I’.‘I’. There is use of startling imagery (stanzas 1 There is use of startling imagery (stanzas 1

and 3)and 3) The poet also makes effective use of The poet also makes effective use of

simile/metaphor. simile/metaphor.

Exam Questions (2003) (OL)Exam Questions (2003) (OL)

Question 1Question 1

What impression of the poet, Sylvia Plath, What impression of the poet, Sylvia Plath, do you get from reading this poem? What do you get from reading this poem? What words or phrases from the poem especially words or phrases from the poem especially help create that impression for you? (20)help create that impression for you? (20)

Question 2 Question 2

The following list of phrases suggests some of The following list of phrases suggests some of the poet’s attitudes to the bee box:the poet’s attitudes to the bee box:

-She is fascinated by itShe is fascinated by it

-She is annoyed by itShe is annoyed by it

-She feels she has great power over it She feels she has great power over it

Choose the phrase from the above list that is Choose the phrase from the above list that is closet to you own reading of the poem. Explain closet to you own reading of the poem. Explain your choice, supporting your view by reference your choice, supporting your view by reference to the words of the poem. to the words of the poem.

Sample AnswersSample Answers

Read the sample answers to Read the sample answers to Question 1 and 2 on your Question 1 and 2 on your

hand-out ……..hand-out ……..

Question 3 Question 3

a)a) Imagine you were asked to select music to Imagine you were asked to select music to accompany a public reading of the poem. accompany a public reading of the poem. Describe the kind of music you would Describe the kind of music you would choose and explain your choice clearly.(10)choose and explain your choice clearly.(10)

b)b) ‘‘The box is only temporary’The box is only temporary’

What do you understand the last line of the What do you understand the last line of the poem to mean? (10)poem to mean? (10)

(Hint: the line has to do with an important (Hint: the line has to do with an important choice faced by the poet)choice faced by the poet)

ChildChild

Plath expresses her Plath expresses her love for her child love for her child while also revealing while also revealing her inner torment.her inner torment.

Also portrays the dark Also portrays the dark depression that depression that regularly engulfed regularly engulfed (surrounded) the (surrounded) the poet.poet.

ChildChild Poet addresses her child in Poet addresses her child in

opening line, opening line, “Your clear eye is “Your clear eye is the one absolutely beautiful the one absolutely beautiful thing” thing” – this implies that – this implies that everything else in speaker’s everything else in speaker’s world is some way tarnished – world is some way tarnished – hinting at poet’s troubled mind.hinting at poet’s troubled mind.

Plath wants to give her child Plath wants to give her child beautiful experiences – she beautiful experiences – she wants to fill her eyes with wants to fill her eyes with “colour and ducks”. “colour and ducks”. – also – also evokes child’s sense of evokes child’s sense of innocence & wonder.innocence & wonder.

First Encounter ….First Encounter ….

The poet considers her child’s eye to be The poet considers her child’s eye to be ‘the ‘the one absolutely beautiful thing’. one absolutely beautiful thing’.

What does she long to offer the child? Make What does she long to offer the child? Make reference to the poem. reference to the poem.

Child Child The closing stanza is The closing stanza is

contrastinglycontrastingly gloomy. gloomy. She worries about her child She worries about her child

witnessing her emotional witnessing her emotional turmoil and being affected by turmoil and being affected by her anxiety, “her anxiety, “Not this Not this troublous wringing of troublous wringing of handshands”.”.

The closing image is utterly The closing image is utterly bleak. “bleak. “This dark ceiling This dark ceiling without a star”.without a star”.

The total darkness of the The total darkness of the poet’s depression conveys a poet’s depression conveys a sense of oppression & sense of oppression & confinement.confinement.

ChildChild

The The April snowdrop April snowdrop metaphor – child is metaphor – child is representative of hope representative of hope and new beginnings. and new beginnings. (Spring)(Spring)

““Little stalk without Little stalk without wrinklewrinkle” metaphor ” metaphor suggests child’s suggests child’s potential to grow & potential to grow & blossom.blossom.

A closer look!A closer look!1.1. What sort of images does the poet consider What sort of images does the poet consider

appropriate for a young child?appropriate for a young child?

2.2. Do you think the ‘dark/ceiling without a star’ Do you think the ‘dark/ceiling without a star’ is a description of an actual room or a is a description of an actual room or a metaphor for the way the poet views her metaphor for the way the poet views her life? life?

3.3. Do you think that the poet expects too much Do you think that the poet expects too much of herself as a parent? Is her view of of herself as a parent? Is her view of childhood and what a child ought to receive childhood and what a child ought to receive realistic (truthful) or idealistic (idea of what realistic (truthful) or idealistic (idea of what reality should be). reality should be).

Theme: Mental Suffering Theme: Mental Suffering

This is a short poem about a mother’s This is a short poem about a mother’s anguish. The poet longs to provide her anguish. The poet longs to provide her child with beautiful experiences but is child with beautiful experiences but is unable to do so because of her own unable to do so because of her own struggle with despair and anguish. struggle with despair and anguish.

She ends up feeling guilty and inadequate She ends up feeling guilty and inadequate as a parent, and the perfection she sees in as a parent, and the perfection she sees in her child only adds to her feelings of her child only adds to her feelings of inadequacy. inadequacy.

Important References: NatureImportant References: Nature

The flowers that the poet mentions are interesting The flowers that the poet mentions are interesting ‘April snowdrop, Indian pipe’. ‘April snowdrop, Indian pipe’.

The April snowdrop is particular beautiful (pure and The April snowdrop is particular beautiful (pure and white), while the Indian Pipe is less beautiful and is white), while the Indian Pipe is less beautiful and is believed to exist in the darkened forest and feeds on believed to exist in the darkened forest and feeds on decay. decay.

Perhaps Plath meant these flowers to represent the Perhaps Plath meant these flowers to represent the ‘child’ versus mother. ‘child’ versus mother.

A Closer Reading A Closer Reading

1.1. Why do you think the poet uses so much Why do you think the poet uses so much plant imagery in the poem?plant imagery in the poem?

2.2. What is your personal response to this What is your personal response to this poem? poem?

Sample Answer: What is your personal response to this poem?

Child is one of the last poems Plath wrote before taking her own life and the poem showed me that she has lost confidence in herself as a mother. She believes she is unable to create the kind of joyful world she would like for her child. She wants to fill her child’s eye with ‘the zoo of the new’. In my opinion, this phrase brilliantly emphasises how simple and exciting life can be. However, Plath is unable to do this because she is filled with anguish and despair. She doesn’t want her child’s ‘clear eye’ to witness her pain. This feeling of helplessness made me feel very sad.

Sample Answer Continued ….

The poet believes she is incapable of being a good mother. I think it is an unhappy poem that shows the love and desires of a mother for her child but how her failure to fill the child’s world with ‘colour and ducks’ adds to her gloom. Feeling guilty and inadequate as a parent the poet’s world has become a ‘dark ceiling without a star.’ While I found the poem quite upsetting, it helped me to understand the depression Plath was dealing with.

To Sum Up ….To Sum Up ….

The poem deals with the poet’s love for The poem deals with the poet’s love for her child and her own depression. her child and her own depression.

The poet uses memorable imagery.The poet uses memorable imagery. She uses clear and simple language. She uses clear and simple language. There is a stark contrast between the joy There is a stark contrast between the joy

and colour of the child’s world and the and colour of the child’s world and the despair and darkness that has consumed despair and darkness that has consumed the poet. the poet.

Questions Questions

What was your reaction after reading the What was your reaction after reading the poem ‘Child’. (10)poem ‘Child’. (10)

How does the poet show a contrast How does the poet show a contrast between the world of the child and her between the world of the child and her own world?(10)own world?(10)

‘…‘….this is dark/ Ceiling without a star’. .this is dark/ Ceiling without a star’. What do you think the poet means by this?What do you think the poet means by this?(10)(10)

Helpful Starts!Helpful Starts!

After reading the poem……….After reading the poem………. I believe the poet is trying to convey…..I believe the poet is trying to convey….. I believe the poet displays a….I believe the poet displays a…. It is clear from the poem……….. It is clear from the poem……….. There is a stark contrast between……There is a stark contrast between…… I feel Plath is trying to highlight…….I feel Plath is trying to highlight……. I think the poet is trying to suggest….. I think the poet is trying to suggest…..

Poppies in July

The title suggests a joyful poem about beauty of nature – this is deliberately misleading.

The poem is actually concerned with the speaker’s inner turmoil.

The voice of the poet is clearly troubled.

The opening metaphor sets the tone for the dark poem that follows, “Little poppies, little hell flames”.

Poppies in July

The flowers are associated with evil “hell”.

They can be dangerous, “Do you do no harm?”

The movement of the dancing red flowers resembles that of a flickering fire.

The image of the speaker putting her hands “among the flames” is disturbing because it seems to point to a self-destructive personality.

First Encounter …. First Encounter ….

1.1. Think about poppies. What colour are Think about poppies. What colour are they? How would you describe them?they? How would you describe them?

2.2. What does the poet compare the poppies What does the poet compare the poppies to in the first four lines? Why do you think to in the first four lines? Why do you think she makes this comparison?she makes this comparison?

3.3. How is the poet’s sense of frustration How is the poet’s sense of frustration apparent in the opening lines of the apparent in the opening lines of the poem?poem?

Poppies in July The image of the

‘bloodied’ mouth startles the reader because it links the poppies with physical violence, an unusual association.

It is unsettling to see beautiful flowers being associated with violence and bloodshed.

QuestionsQuestions

1.1. Lines 5 to 8 describe the flowers violence Lines 5 to 8 describe the flowers violence and unsettling imagery. What does the and unsettling imagery. What does the poet compare the flowers to?poet compare the flowers to?

2.2. How would you describe the imagery of How would you describe the imagery of the first eight lines? What does the poet’s the first eight lines? What does the poet’s choice of imagery suggest about the state choice of imagery suggest about the state of mind? of mind?

Poppies in July

The poet speaks about the drug produced by them – opium.

She wishes for the tranquillising effect of the drug, “Where are your opiates, your nauseous capsules?”

Poppies in July

The speaker’s desperation to escape from her world is so enormous that she longs for the drug even though she knows it is sickening.

It seems violence or sleep are preferable to her present state, “If I could bleed or sleep”.

Poppies in July

Closing Lines The speaker expresses

her longing for the “dulling and stilling” properties of opium.

She is exhausted from watching the energetic red poppies. The poet yearns for oblivion, for a world devoid of colour … “colourless, colourless”

Key Points …. Key Points …. A key theme is the speaker’s longing to A key theme is the speaker’s longing to

escape from the world. escape from the world. This is an intensely personal poem. This is an intensely personal poem. The poem contains shocking imagery.The poem contains shocking imagery. A dark and despairing mood saturates the A dark and despairing mood saturates the

poem. poem. There is a sharp contrast between the There is a sharp contrast between the

vividness and vitality of the flowers and the vividness and vitality of the flowers and the dull, lifeless world for which the speaker dull, lifeless world for which the speaker longs. longs.

Key Points: Language Key Points: Language The poet uses two metaphor and a simile to The poet uses two metaphor and a simile to

describe the poppies:describe the poppies:

- She uses a She uses a metaphormetaphor when she compares them when she compares them to ‘little hell flames’ and when she compares the to ‘little hell flames’ and when she compares the to ‘little bloody skirts!’to ‘little bloody skirts!’

- She uses a She uses a similesimile when she says they are ‘like when she says they are ‘like the skin of a mouth’. the skin of a mouth’.

- The poet use of The poet use of repetitionrepetition also suggests her also suggests her mental agitation. mental agitation. ‘little’, ‘colourless’, ‘capsule’, ‘little’, ‘colourless’, ‘capsule’, and ‘bloody’. and ‘bloody’.

Key Points: Language Key Points: Language

Try to include these notes on language Try to include these notes on language in any answer you give on Plath.in any answer you give on Plath.

For example: ‘For example: ‘The dark and despairing The dark and despairing mood of the poet is made very clear mood of the poet is made very clear through her use of metaphor. The through her use of metaphor. The comparison between the poppies and comparison between the poppies and “little hell flames” showed me that ……’“little hell flames” showed me that ……’

A closer reading lines 9-15A closer reading lines 9-15

1.1. Think about the words ‘opiates’, ‘Dulling’, Think about the words ‘opiates’, ‘Dulling’, ‘stilling’ and ‘colourless’. What do you think ‘stilling’ and ‘colourless’. What do you think they have in common? What sort of condition they have in common? What sort of condition does the poet long for?does the poet long for?

2.2. The poet suggests that she is living in a ‘glass The poet suggests that she is living in a ‘glass capsule’. What do you think she means by capsule’. What do you think she means by this? Is it a metaphor for her state of mind?this? Is it a metaphor for her state of mind?

3.3. What image do you find most effective in the What image do you find most effective in the poem? Give reference to the poem. poem? Give reference to the poem.

OL Exam Style QuestionsOL Exam Style QuestionsQ.2 (a) Imagine that you are the poet. Write Q.2 (a) Imagine that you are the poet. Write twotwo diary diary entries that give your reaction to the poem a long time after entries that give your reaction to the poem a long time after you first wrote it. (20)you first wrote it. (20)

OROR

(b)Which of the following statements is closest to your own (b)Which of the following statements is closest to your own feelings for the speaker of this poem?feelings for the speaker of this poem?I admire the speakerI admire the speakerI feel sorry for the speakerI feel sorry for the speakerI am fascinated by the speaker (20)I am fascinated by the speaker (20)

OROR

(c) The poem (c) The poem Poppies in JulyPoppies in July has little to do with actual has little to do with actual poppies and much more to do with the mind that is thinking poppies and much more to do with the mind that is thinking about them. Give your response to this statement. (20)about them. Give your response to this statement. (20)

Morning Song

A deeply personal poem.

It describes Plath’s feelings following the birth of Frieda, her first child.

Morning SongMorning Song The poem describes the The poem describes the

poet’s response to the birth poet’s response to the birth of her child.of her child.

The parents’ love set the The parents’ love set the child’s life in motion and the child’s life in motion and the poet likens the creation of poet likens the creation of life to the winding of a life to the winding of a watch: watch: “Love set you going “Love set you going like a fat gold watch.” like a fat gold watch.” (Simile)(Simile)

Morning SongMorning Song

The parents express their joy and The parents express their joy and enthusiasm at the birth. They enthusiasm at the birth. They “magnify” “magnify” the the arrival of the child and arrival of the child and “echo”“echo” each other’s each other’s

sentiments.sentiments.

What kind of world is the child born into?What kind of world is the child born into?

HoweverHowever, the world into which the child is born , the world into which the child is born seems cold and unsympathetic.seems cold and unsympathetic.

It is unceremoniously greeted with a slap on the It is unceremoniously greeted with a slap on the footsoles.footsoles.

The room is unhomely and lacking in warmth … The room is unhomely and lacking in warmth … “a “a drafty museum”.drafty museum”.

There is a sense that the world is coldly indifferent to There is a sense that the world is coldly indifferent to the child’s existence. The world seems quite the child’s existence. The world seems quite unwelcoming. unwelcoming.

How is the child described?How is the child described?

The child is described as a The child is described as a “new “new statue”statue”, perhaps because it is to , perhaps because it is to be observed and commented on, be observed and commented on, yet this comparison is lacking in yet this comparison is lacking in tenderness and warmth. tenderness and warmth. (Metaphor)(Metaphor)

The child is also described as very The child is also described as very vulnerable. The poet refers to its vulnerable. The poet refers to its “nakedness”“nakedness” and its and its “bald cry”“bald cry”..

How do the parents respond to How do the parents respond to the birth?the birth?

The child’s birth unsettles the parents and The child’s birth unsettles the parents and they are unsure how to act … they are unsure how to act … “we stand “we stand round blankly as walls.”round blankly as walls.” (Simile)(Simile)

The child’s vulnerability and need for The child’s vulnerability and need for protection makes them feel nervous and protection makes them feel nervous and insecure: insecure: “your nakedness/Shadows our “your nakedness/Shadows our safety”safety”

How do the parents respond to How do the parents respond to the birth?the birth?

The poet seems unsure about her relationship The poet seems unsure about her relationship with the child. She does not feel like she has with the child. She does not feel like she has bonded with the baby.bonded with the baby.

She says she can no more be considered the She says she can no more be considered the mother of the child than a cloud can be mother of the child than a cloud can be considered the mother of the rain that it considered the mother of the rain that it creates, which forms a mirror-like pool upon the creates, which forms a mirror-like pool upon the ground.ground.

““I am no more your mother/ Than the cloud that I am no more your mother/ Than the cloud that distills a mirror” distills a mirror” (Simile)(Simile)

A change in atmosphere ….A change in atmosphere …. In the second half of the poem, In the second half of the poem,

the poet is at home with the the poet is at home with the child. The child is asleep in a child. The child is asleep in a room decorated with room decorated with “pink “pink roses”roses”. The atmosphere is . The atmosphere is much warmer and safer than much warmer and safer than the opening of the poem.the opening of the poem.

The child seems happy and The child seems happy and safe, breathing softly and safe, breathing softly and rhythmically. Its gentle breath is rhythmically. Its gentle breath is likened to that of a moth.likened to that of a moth.

A change in atmosphere ….A change in atmosphere …. The moment that the child The moment that the child

begins to cry, the poet gets up to begins to cry, the poet gets up to feed it. Her tiredness is evident feed it. Her tiredness is evident when she says that she when she says that she “stumbles from bed”“stumbles from bed”..

Yet in spite of this she rushes to Yet in spite of this she rushes to feed her child, comparing herself feed her child, comparing herself to a cow that needs to be milked. to a cow that needs to be milked. This description of herself as This description of herself as “cow-heavy”“cow-heavy” introduces a light- introduces a light-heartedness to the poem that heartedness to the poem that wasn’t present at the start.wasn’t present at the start.

Theme: Femininity and MotherhoodTheme: Femininity and Motherhood The poem shows how being a mother can be a The poem shows how being a mother can be a

difficult experience. difficult experience. When the child is born the poet experiences When the child is born the poet experiences

doubts and uncertainties about her role as a doubts and uncertainties about her role as a mother:mother: She does not know how to respond to the birth. She She does not know how to respond to the birth. She

and her husband stand and her husband stand “blankly”“blankly” She feels less secure now that she has a child. She She feels less secure now that she has a child. She

no longer has only herself to take care of, her needs no longer has only herself to take care of, her needs are overshadowed by the child’s vulnerability.are overshadowed by the child’s vulnerability.

She initially feels distant from the child. She likens She initially feels distant from the child. She likens herself to a cloud that has shed its rain and no longer herself to a cloud that has shed its rain and no longer bears a connection to what it once carried.bears a connection to what it once carried.

Theme: Femininity and MotherhoodTheme: Femininity and Motherhood However, when the poet is at home with the However, when the poet is at home with the

child, she begins to feel more at ease and child, she begins to feel more at ease and comfortable about her role as a mother. comfortable about her role as a mother.

The description of her rising in the night to feed The description of her rising in the night to feed the child is tender and loving. It suggests she is the child is tender and loving. It suggests she is not as troubled by doubt and uncertainty. not as troubled by doubt and uncertainty.

Like “Child”, “Morning Song” suggests that Like “Child”, “Morning Song” suggests that motherhood is not a straightforwardly joyous motherhood is not a straightforwardly joyous and natural experience. The responsibility that and natural experience. The responsibility that comes with the role can be overwhelming and comes with the role can be overwhelming and daunting and it is very easy to feel inadequatedaunting and it is very easy to feel inadequate

However, unlike “Child”, this poem ends on a However, unlike “Child”, this poem ends on a positive and uplifting note with the description of positive and uplifting note with the description of the child’s notes rising the child’s notes rising “like balloons”“like balloons”

LanguageLanguage There are several unusual There are several unusual similes and metaphorssimiles and metaphors in the in the

poem:poem: The child is compared to a The child is compared to a “fat gold watch”“fat gold watch”. The fact . The fact

that the watch is gold shows that the child is valuable. that the watch is gold shows that the child is valuable. However, it is quite a cold and mechanical However, it is quite a cold and mechanical comparison, hinting at the poet’s struggle to come to comparison, hinting at the poet’s struggle to come to terms with her new role. terms with her new role.

She also describes the child as a She also describes the child as a “new statue”“new statue”. This is . This is a very cold and lifeless comparison to make with a a very cold and lifeless comparison to make with a baby. It suggest the poet’s feeling of detachment from baby. It suggest the poet’s feeling of detachment from the child. the child.

She also compares her connection to the child to that She also compares her connection to the child to that of the connection between a cloud and the rain it has of the connection between a cloud and the rain it has shed. Again, this comparison highlights the poet’s shed. Again, this comparison highlights the poet’s struggle to feel a bond with her child. struggle to feel a bond with her child.

LanguageLanguage

Some of the Some of the similes and metaphorssimiles and metaphors are more are more straightforward:straightforward:She and her husband She and her husband “stand round blankly as “stand round blankly as

walls”walls”She likens the opening of the child’s mouth as it She likens the opening of the child’s mouth as it

begins to feed to that of a cat – begins to feed to that of a cat – “clean as a cat’s”“clean as a cat’s”She compares the sound of the child breathing to She compares the sound of the child breathing to

the sound of a distant sea, and suggests that it is the sound of a distant sea, and suggests that it is as faint and gentle as a moth. as faint and gentle as a moth.

Personal Response QuestionsPersonal Response Questions

1.1. How did you respond to the poem’s description of How did you respond to the poem’s description of the birth of a child in the first three stanzas? Did the birth of a child in the first three stanzas? Did you appreciate the honesty and lack of you appreciate the honesty and lack of sentimentality?sentimentality?

2.2. The first word of the poem is “Love”. Do you think The first word of the poem is “Love”. Do you think that this is a poem about parental love and that this is a poem about parental love and affection?affection?

3.3. Consider how “Morning Song” and “Child” expose Consider how “Morning Song” and “Child” expose the terrible anxieties that can come with the the terrible anxieties that can come with the responsibility of being a parent. How do the two responsibility of being a parent. How do the two poems compare?poems compare?

POEM Theme Tone Imagery Mood Effect Other Poetic

Techniques

Mirror Fear, ageing and

inadequacy

Detached Cold

Personification; rising

fish

Darkness Disturbing Personification

Metaphor

Language

The Arrival of the Bee

Box

Personal fears; mental

anguish; inadequacy

Frightened

Fascinated

Entrapment and freedom

Triumphant; optimism

Unsettling Symbol

Simile

Metaphor

Language

Child Love, despair and inadequacy

Frustration

Longing

Childlike; plant

imagery; dark

Anguish Heart-breaking

Metaphor

Language

Poppies in July

Fear and longing

Dramatic Disturbed Emotional

Sickness; violence; oblivion

Dark and despairing

Unsettling Misleading title

Metaphor

Simile

Repetition

Language

Morning Song

Motherhood and birth

Joyful Amazed

Protective

Museum; separation; baby’s cry

Elation; uncertainty

Surprising, interesting

Simile

Metaphor

Language