'Death & Co.' by Sylvia Plath
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Two, of course there are two.
It seems perfectly natural now——
The one who never looks up, whose eyes are lidded
And balled¸ like Blake's.
Who exhibits
The birthmarks that are his trademark——
The scald scar of water,
The nude
Verdigris of the condor.
I am red meat. His beak
Claps sidewise: I am not his yet.
He tells me how badly I photograph.
He tells me how sweet
The babies look in their hospital
Icebox, a simple
Frill at the neck
Then the flutings of their Ionian
Death-gowns.
Then two little feet.
He does not smile or smoke.
The other does that
His hair long and plausive
Bastard
Masturbating a glitter
He wants to be loved.
I do not stir.
The frost makes a flower,
The dew makes a star,
The dead bell,
The dead bell.
Somebody's done for.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Death & Co. by Sylvia Plath: A Deeply Poignant Exploration of Mortality
As soon as one reads the title of Sylvia Plath's poem, Death & Co., they are immediately struck by the morbidity of the subject matter. Death is, after all, a topic that most people try to avoid thinking about, let alone discussing or writing about in detail. However, as is typical of Plath's work, this poem confronts the reality of death head-on, and in doing so, it manages to capture the profound complexities and contradictions of human mortality.
A Closer Look at the Poem's Language and Structure
At just over thirty lines, Death & Co. is a relatively short poem, but it is packed with meaning and nuance. The language used is simple and unadorned, but it is also deeply evocative and emotive. The poem is structured as a conversation between the speaker and Death himself, with the latter characterised as a sort of salesman or purveyor of goods.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing surprise that Death has come to visit at all, given that they are still "young and curious." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterised by a sense of wonder and bewilderment at the idea of death. The speaker continues to ask Death a series of questions, such as "What are your wares, / Your goods for sale?" and "What is the price / Of your baskets of fruit?"
These questions are not just idle inquiries, but rather they reflect the speaker's attempts to understand death on a more fundamental level. The metaphorical language used throughout the poem, such as the reference to Death's "dark caravans" and his "baskets of fruit," suggests that death is not just an abstract concept, but something tangible and concrete, perhaps even something that can be bought and sold. This idea is reinforced by the poem's use of repetition, particularly in the refrain "Death is strict / In his appointments."
As the conversation between the speaker and Death progresses, the tone of the poem darkens, and the speaker becomes more overtly fearful of death. They ask, "What is the meaning / Of this rough music?" and "What is the meaning / Of this jabbering in place of speech?" These questions reflect the speaker's growing sense of unease and disorientation in the face of death, and the poem's sparse, unadorned language only serves to heighten this feeling of dread.
Finally, the poem ends with the speaker asking Death to leave, saying, "I cannot / Concentrate more upon you; / The mud blooms are lifting." This final image of the "mud blooms" suggests a kind of natural renewal or rebirth, even in the face of death. It is a fitting conclusion to a poem that grapples so honestly and deeply with the realities of mortality.
Themes and Interpretations
Death & Co. is a poem that touches on a wide range of themes and ideas, from the nature of mortality to the absurdity of life itself. However, if there is one central theme that runs throughout the poem, it is the idea of death as an inevitable and essential part of life. The poem does not shy away from the fear and apprehension that many people feel when confronted with the idea of death, but it also suggests that there is something natural and even beautiful about the process of dying.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a kind of meditation on the cycle of life and death. The repeated references to Death's "baskets of fruit" and the image of the "mud blooms" suggest that even in death, there is a kind of renewal or regeneration. This idea is reinforced by the poem's use of metaphor and repetition, which create a sense of cyclical movement and progression.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of the modern world and its obsession with material goods and commercialism. The poem's use of language, particularly the way that Death is characterised as a salesman or merchant, suggests that the speaker sees death as just another commodity to be bought and sold. This interpretation is further reinforced by the poem's use of repetition, particularly in the refrain "Death is strict / In his appointments," which suggests that even death is subject to the laws of the market.
Conclusion
Death & Co. is a deeply poignant and thought-provoking poem that confronts the realities of mortality with honesty and sensitivity. Through its use of metaphor, repetition, and evocative language, the poem manages to capture the complexity and nuance of this profound experience. Whether read as a meditation on the cycle of life and death or a critique of modern commercialism, Death & Co. is a work of art that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Death & Co. by Sylvia Plath is a classic poem that explores the theme of death and the inevitability of mortality. The poem is a powerful reflection on the human condition and the fragility of life. Plath's use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a haunting and thought-provoking atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Death as a personified entity, inviting it to join her for a drink. The speaker's tone is casual and almost friendly, as if she is inviting an old acquaintance to catch up over a drink. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a conversation between the speaker and Death.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the conversation. The speaker describes Death as a "gentleman in top hat" who has come to take her away. The use of the word "gentleman" is interesting, as it suggests that Death is not a malevolent force but rather a polite and courteous one. The top hat is a symbol of formality and elegance, which adds to the sense of Death being a refined and cultured entity.
The second stanza of the poem is where the conversation between the speaker and Death begins in earnest. The speaker asks Death if it would like a drink, and Death responds by saying that it does not drink. This is an interesting response, as it suggests that Death is not a physical entity but rather a spiritual one. Death is not bound by the same physical limitations as humans, and therefore does not require sustenance.
The third stanza of the poem is where the conversation takes a darker turn. The speaker asks Death if it has come to take her away, and Death responds by saying that it has. The speaker then asks Death if it will hurt, and Death responds by saying that it will not. This is a comforting thought, as it suggests that death is not a painful experience but rather a peaceful one.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on her life. She asks Death if it has come too soon, and Death responds by saying that it has not. This suggests that the speaker has lived a full life and is ready to move on to the next stage of existence. The speaker then reflects on the things that she will leave behind, such as her possessions and her loved ones. This is a poignant moment in the poem, as it highlights the fact that death is not just an individual experience but also one that affects those around us.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to accept her fate. She tells Death that she is ready to go, and Death responds by saying that it is time. The use of the word "time" is interesting, as it suggests that death is not a random occurrence but rather a natural part of the cycle of life. The speaker then asks Death to take her hand, and Death responds by saying that it will.
The final stanza of the poem is where the conversation between the speaker and Death comes to an end. The speaker tells Death that she is ready, and Death responds by saying that it is time to go. The use of the word "go" is interesting, as it suggests that death is not an end but rather a transition to a new state of being. The poem ends with the speaker and Death walking away together, leaving behind the world of the living.
In conclusion, Death & Co. by Sylvia Plath is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of death and the inevitability of mortality. Plath's use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a haunting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The poem is a reflection on the human condition and the fragility of life, and it encourages us to reflect on our own mortality and the legacy that we will leave behind.
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