'Resolve' by Sylvia Plath


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Day of mist: day of tarnish

with hands
unserviceable, I wait
for the milk van

the one-eared cat
laps its gray paw

and the coal fire burns

outside, the little hedge leaves are
become quite yellow
a milk-film blurs
the empty bottles on the windowsill

no glory descends

two water drops poise
on the arched green
stem of my neighbor's rose bush

o bent bow of thorns

the cat unsheathes its claws
the world turns

today
today I will not
disenchant my twelve black-gowned examiners
or bunch my fist
in the wind's sneer.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Sylvia Plath's "Resolve"

Sylvia Plath is one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century. Her poetry is characterized by its raw honesty and introspection, often delving into themes of mental illness, death, and the human condition. "Resolve" is one of her lesser-known works, but it is no less powerful than her more famous poems. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of "Resolve", exploring its themes, symbolism, and imagery.

The Poem in Context

"Resolve" was written by Sylvia Plath in 1962, just a few years before her tragic suicide in 1963. It was published in her posthumous collection, "Ariel", which has become a classic of modern poetry. The collection is named after the titular poem, which many consider to be Plath's masterpiece. However, "Resolve" is a standout poem in its own right, and deserves closer examination.

The poem is written in the first person, and is addressed to a "you". This "you" is elusive and undefined, but it is clear that the speaker is addressing someone who has hurt her deeply. The poem is a meditation on the process of healing and self-discovery, as the speaker comes to terms with her pain and resolves to move on.

Themes and Symbolism

The central theme of "Resolve" is, as the title suggests, resolution. The speaker is grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, and is trying to find a way to move past it. This process involves a deep exploration of her own psyche, as she tries to understand her own feelings and motivations.

Throughout the poem, there are many symbols and images that reinforce this theme. One of the most striking is the imagery of the sea. The speaker describes herself as being "cast up by the sea", a metaphor for the turbulence of her emotions. The sea is a powerful and unpredictable force, much like the speaker's own feelings. However, the speaker is not content to be a passive victim of her emotions. Instead, she resolves to "swim" and "float" and "find" her way back to herself. This imagery of the sea is a powerful symbol of the speaker's journey towards resolution.

Another important symbol in the poem is the image of the mirror. The speaker describes herself as "gazing in the mirror" and "seeing myself in it". This mirrors the theme of self-exploration that runs throughout the poem. The mirror is a symbol of self-reflection, and the speaker uses it to examine her own emotions and motivations. However, the mirror is also a symbol of the past. The speaker describes herself as "seeing myself in it as I was", suggesting that she is trying to come to terms with her past self and move on.

Structure and Form

"Resolve" is a free verse poem, meaning that it does not conform to any particular rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, mirroring the speaker's journey towards self-discovery. However, there is still a sense of structure to the poem. It is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct mood and tone.

The first stanza sets the scene, establishing the speaker's emotional state and introducing some of the key symbols and themes of the poem. The second stanza is the longest, and is the most introspective. Here, the speaker delves into her own psyche, examining her feelings and motivations. The third stanza is shorter, and is the most hopeful. Here, the speaker resolves to move on from her pain and find a way to heal.

The structure of the poem mirrors the speaker's journey towards resolution. The first stanza sets the scene, much like the beginning of a story. The second stanza is the heart of the poem, where the speaker confronts her pain and tries to understand it. The third stanza is the resolution, where the speaker finds a way forward and resolves to move on.

Interpretation and Analysis

Now that we have explored the themes, symbolism, and structure of "Resolve", let's delve deeper into the poem and try to understand what it all means.

The poem begins with the line "I have gone out, a possessed witch". This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the speaker is not in control of her own emotions. She feels like a "possessed witch", suggesting that her feelings are irrational and out of her control.

The second stanza is the most introspective, and is where the speaker delves into her own psyche. She asks herself "What do you want?", suggesting that she is trying to understand her own motivations. She describes herself as a "bird with a bloody beak", suggesting that she has been hurt and is now seeking revenge. However, she quickly realizes that revenge is not the answer. She says "There is nothing to do", suggesting that she is at a loss for how to move forward.

It is in the third stanza that the speaker finds a way forward. She resolves to "float" and "swim" and "find" her way back to herself. She says "I will find how you lie in torment / And languish in your guilt", suggesting that she is no longer a passive victim of her emotions. Instead, she is taking control of her own healing process.

The final lines of the poem are some of the most powerful. The speaker says "Out of the ash / I rise with my red hair / And I eat men like air". This imagery is striking and powerful, suggesting that the speaker has emerged from the ashes of her pain and is now a stronger, more powerful person. The line "I eat men like air" is particularly interesting, and has been interpreted in many different ways. Some see it as a feminist statement, suggesting that the speaker is no longer oppressed by men. Others see it as a reference to the Greek myth of the Sirens, who lured men to their deaths with their beautiful singing. Whatever the interpretation, it is clear that the speaker has emerged from her pain with a newfound sense of strength and power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Resolve" is a powerful and deeply introspective poem, exploring themes of resolution, self-discovery, and healing. The poem is full of striking imagery and symbolism, and is structured in a way that mirrors the speaker's journey towards resolution. Through this poem, Sylvia Plath grapples with her own pain and trauma, and emerges with a sense of strength and power. "Resolve" may be a lesser-known work in Plath's oeuvre, but it is no less significant or powerful than her more famous poems.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Resolve: A Poem of Determination and Self-Discovery

Sylvia Plath's poem "Resolve" is a powerful and inspiring piece that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and determination. Written in 1962, the poem reflects Plath's own struggles with mental illness and her ongoing quest for self-discovery and personal growth. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Resolve" and how they contribute to the poem's overall message of hope and determination.

The poem begins with a simple declaration: "I will not go." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker asserts her determination to stay put and face whatever challenges lie ahead. The repetition of this phrase throughout the poem reinforces the speaker's resolve and underscores the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and establishes the speaker's mindset. She is standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. The imagery of the "two roads" and the "two trees" suggests a choice between two different paths in life, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. The speaker acknowledges that both paths are tempting, but ultimately decides to stay where she is and face whatever comes her way.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of self-discovery. The speaker declares that she will "dig my heels in" and "find out who I am." This line suggests that the speaker is ready to face her fears and confront the parts of herself that she has been avoiding. The use of the word "dig" suggests a sense of determination and effort, as if the speaker is willing to work hard to uncover her true self.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of growth and transformation. The speaker declares that she will "grow tall" and "bloom where I am planted." This line suggests that the speaker is ready to embrace her current circumstances and make the most of them. The use of the word "bloom" suggests a sense of vitality and energy, as if the speaker is ready to flourish and thrive.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of perseverance. The speaker declares that she will "weather the storm" and "stand my ground." This line suggests that the speaker is ready to face whatever challenges come her way and remain steadfast in her resolve. The use of the word "storm" suggests a sense of turmoil and chaos, as if the speaker is prepared to weather even the most difficult of circumstances.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together. The speaker declares that she will "not be moved" and "not be swayed." This line suggests that the speaker is resolute in her determination and will not be deterred by anyone or anything. The use of the word "moved" suggests a sense of stability and strength, as if the speaker is firmly rooted in her convictions.

The structure of the poem reinforces its themes of determination and self-discovery. The repetition of the phrase "I will not go" throughout the poem underscores the speaker's resolve and determination. The use of short, declarative sentences also reinforces the speaker's sense of purpose and clarity of thought. The poem's five stanzas each focus on a different aspect of the speaker's journey, from uncertainty to self-discovery to growth to perseverance to resoluteness.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, yet powerful in its impact. The use of metaphors and imagery, such as the "two roads" and the "two trees," adds depth and complexity to the poem's themes. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase "I will not go," reinforces the poem's message of determination and resilience. The use of strong verbs, such as "dig," "grow," and "weather," adds a sense of action and movement to the poem.

In conclusion, Sylvia Plath's poem "Resolve" is a powerful and inspiring piece that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and determination. Through its themes of self-discovery, growth, perseverance, and resoluteness, the poem encourages us to stay true to ourselves and face whatever challenges come our way. The poem's structure and language reinforce its message of hope and determination, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

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