'Apprehensions' by Sylvia Plath


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There is this white wall, above which the sky creates itself --
Infinite, green, utterly untouchable.
Angels swim in it, and the stars, in indifference also.
They are my medium.
The sun dissolves on this wall, bleeding its lights.

A grey wall now, clawed and bloody.
Is there no way out of the mind?
Steps at my back spiral into a well.
There are no trees or birds in this world,
There is only sourness.

This red wall winces continually:
A red fist, opening and closing,
Two grey, papery bags --
This is what i am made of, this, and a terror
Of being wheeled off under crosses and rain of pieties.

On a black wall, unidentifiable birds
Swivel their heads and cry.
There is no talk of immorality amoun these!
Cold blanks approach us:
They move in a hurry.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Apprehensions by Sylvia Plath: A Deeper Dive

When we think of Sylvia Plath, we often picture a deeply troubled writer whose works are steeped in themes of depression, suicide, and feminist issues. While these themes are certainly present in much of her writing, it is reductive to think of Plath solely in these terms. In her poetry, Plath was a master of language, capable of weaving complex images and metaphors into her work. One of her most striking poems, "Apprehensions," showcases this skill in a particularly powerful way.

Overview of "Apprehensions"

"Apprehensions" is a relatively short poem, consisting of only twelve lines. Despite its brevity, however, the poem is densely packed with imagery and symbolism. The poem is structured around a series of paradoxical images, each of which serves to create a sense of unease and confusion in the reader.

The poem begins with a description of a "black swan," which is a bird that is typically associated with beauty and elegance. However, in this context, the swan is described as "beaked and featured / In the same way as a stuffed / Scarecrow." This creates an immediate sense of dissonance, as we are presented with an image that is simultaneously beautiful and grotesque.

The poem goes on to describe a series of other paradoxical images, including a "fierce harpoon" that is "dumb and passive," and a "shark's fin" that is "sleek and fastidious." Each of these images serves to further underscore the sense of unease and disorientation that the poem creates.

Interpretation of "Apprehensions"

At its core, "Apprehensions" is a poem about the human experience of fear and anxiety. The paradoxical images in the poem serve to highlight the ways in which fear can make us see the world in distorted and contradictory ways.

The image of the black swan, for example, serves as a metaphor for the way in which fear can strip away our illusions of beauty and elegance, leaving us with only darkness and ugliness. The swan, which is typically seen as a symbol of grace and serenity, is transformed into a grotesque scarecrow, emphasizing the ways in which fear can warp our perceptions.

Similarly, the image of the "dumb and passive" harpoon highlights the way in which fear can render us powerless and unable to act. The harpoon, which is typically seen as a weapon of strength and aggression, is transformed into a helpless object, further emphasizing the sense of powerlessness that fear can create.

The shark's fin, on the other hand, serves as a reminder of the ways in which fear can make us hyper-vigilant and obsessive. The fin, which is typically seen as a symbol of danger and threat, is transformed into a fastidious object, emphasizing the way in which fear can make us obsess over even the smallest details.

Analysis of Language and Structure

One of the most striking aspects of "Apprehensions" is the way in which Plath uses language to create a sense of dissonance and unease. The paradoxical images in the poem are particularly effective in this regard, as they serve to disrupt our expectations and create a sense of confusion.

The structure of the poem is also particularly noteworthy. The poem consists of three stanzas, each of which contains four lines. The use of this consistent structure serves to create a sense of rhythm and repetition, which further emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the images in the poem.

Additionally, the use of enjambment throughout the poem serves to create a sense of fluidity and movement, which stands in contrast to the static and unmoving images that are described. This creates a sense of tension and conflict within the poem, as the language and structure work together to create a sense of unease and dissonance.

Conclusion

"Apprehensions" is a powerful poem that showcases Plath's skill as a writer. Through her use of paradoxical imagery and carefully crafted language, Plath creates a sense of unease and disorientation that is both unsettling and deeply moving. The poem is a testament to the power of language to evoke emotion and to create meaning, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the work of Sylvia Plath.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Apprehensions: A Deep Dive into Sylvia Plath's Classic Poem

Sylvia Plath is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her confessional style and haunting imagery. Her poem "Apprehensions" is a prime example of her unique voice and poetic prowess. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and language to uncover its hidden meanings and explore its relevance today.

The poem "Apprehensions" was written in 1956, during Plath's time at Smith College. It was first published in the literary magazine "Black Mountain Review" in 1957. The poem is a reflection on the fear and anxiety that Plath experienced during her college years, as she struggled to find her place in the world and come to terms with her own identity.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with Plath describing a feeling of unease and apprehension:

"The piers are pummelled by the waves; In a lonely field the rain Lashes an abandoned train; Outlaws fill the mountain caves."

The imagery here is stark and foreboding, with the piers being battered by the waves and the rain lashing an abandoned train. The use of the word "lonely" emphasizes the sense of isolation and loneliness that Plath feels. The mention of outlaws filling the mountain caves adds to the sense of danger and uncertainty.

In the second stanza, Plath continues to explore her feelings of apprehension:

"Fog obscures the winding stair; The village clock has ceased to tick; The viewless air obliterates; The roses' scent is harsh and sick."

The use of the word "obscures" in the first line emphasizes the sense of confusion and disorientation that Plath feels. The fact that the village clock has ceased to tick adds to the sense of timelessness and uncertainty. The mention of the viewless air obliterating suggests a loss of clarity and direction. The final line, "The roses' scent is harsh and sick," is particularly striking, as it suggests that even something as beautiful and fragrant as roses can be tainted by fear and anxiety.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with Plath reflecting on the source of her apprehension:

"The persistent ache of their cries, Melts the cellular tissue, Invades the palace and eats its walls, And the message is clear: without hope, life is meaningless."

The use of the word "persistent" emphasizes the ongoing nature of Plath's anxiety. The mention of the cries melting the cellular tissue suggests a physical manifestation of her fear. The image of the palace being invaded and its walls eaten away is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even the most secure and protected places can be vulnerable to fear and uncertainty. The final line, "without hope, life is meaningless," is a poignant reminder of the importance of hope and optimism in the face of adversity.

Overall, "Apprehensions" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the sense of fear and uncertainty that many people experience at some point in their lives. Plath's use of vivid imagery and striking language creates a sense of unease and tension that is palpable throughout the poem. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, with the phrase "without hope, life is meaningless" appearing twice, emphasizing its importance as a central theme.

In terms of its relevance today, "Apprehensions" remains a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. In a world that can often feel overwhelming and uncertain, it is important to remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Plath's poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience and offer insights into the complexities of the human psyche.

In conclusion, "Apprehensions" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness are universal, and its language and imagery are both haunting and evocative. Plath's poem is a reminder of the power of poetry to capture the human experience and offer insights into the complexities of the human psyche.

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