'Totem' by Sylvia Plath


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The Collected Poems1963The engine is killing the track, the track is silver,
It stretches into the distance. It will be eaten nevertheless.Its running is useless.
At nightfall there is the beauty of drowned fields,Dawn gilds the farmers like pigs,
Swaying slightly in their thick suits,White towers of Smithfield ahead,
Fat haunches and blood on their minds.There is no mercy in the glitter of cleavers,
The butcher's guillotine that whispers: 'How's this, how's this?'In the bowl the hare is aborted,
Its baby head out of the way, embalmed in spice,Flayed of fur and humanity.
Let us eat it like Plato's afterbirth,Let us eat it like Christ.
These are the people that were important ----Their round eyes, their teeth, their grimaces
On a stick that rattles and clicks, a counterfeit snake.Shall the hood of the cobra appall me ----
The loneliness of its eye, the eye of the mountainsThrough which the sky eternally threads itself?
The world is blood-hot and personalDawn says, with its blood-flush.
There is no terminus, only suitcasesOut of which the same self unfolds like a suit
Bald and shiny, with pockets of wishes,Notions and tickets, short circuits and folding mirrors.
I am mad, calls the spider, waving its many arms.And in truth it is terrible,
Multiplied in the eyes of the flies.They buzz like blue children
In nets of the infinite,Roped in at the end by the one
Death with its many sticks.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sylvia Plath’s Poetry: A Critical Analysis of “Totem”

Sylvia Plath’s poetry is a rich tapestry of emotions, imagery, and language that captures the essence of the human experience. Her poems are known for their complex themes and profound insights into the human psyche. One such poem that exemplifies Plath’s unique style is “Totem”. In this essay, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of “Totem,” and provide a critical analysis of this classic poem.

Themes

“Totem” explores the theme of identity and the struggle for self-discovery. Plath uses the image of the totem pole as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery. The totem pole is a symbol of ancestry, tradition, and heritage. It represents the individual’s connection to their past and their cultural identity. However, in Plath’s poem, the totem pole is also a symbol of the self, of the individual’s quest for self-discovery and self-actualization.

The poem begins with the image of a totem pole, standing tall and proud. However, as the poem progresses, the image of the totem pole begins to change. The totem pole becomes fractured, broken, and disjointed. This represents the individual’s struggle to find their true identity. The totem pole is a symbol of the self, and as it becomes broken and fragmented, so too does the individual’s sense of self.

The theme of identity is further explored through the imagery of the horse. The horse is a symbol of power and freedom, and in the poem, it represents the individual’s true self. The horse is trapped within the broken totem pole, struggling to break free. This represents the individual’s struggle to find their true self and break free from the constraints of society.

Imagery

Plath’s use of imagery in “Totem” is both powerful and evocative. The image of the totem pole is central to the poem, and Plath uses vivid language to describe the totem pole and its transformation. The totem pole is described as “the tall, bone hewn figures, the fringed and fronded effigies” (line 3), which creates a vivid visual image in the reader’s mind.

The imagery of the horse is also powerful. The horse is described as “a dark, unbroken colt” (line 9), which creates a sense of power and freedom. The horse is also described as “a frantic mare” (line 20), which conveys a sense of desperation and struggle. The use of animal imagery in the poem is effective in conveying the themes of the poem, as animals are often used to represent primal instincts and emotions.

Language

Plath’s use of language in “Totem” is both complex and poetic. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Plath to experiment with language and form. Her use of enjambment and caesura creates a sense of fragmentation in the poem, which reflects the theme of the broken totem pole. The poem is also full of vivid imagery, which is created through Plath’s use of metaphor and simile.

The language in the poem is also symbolic. The use of the word “totem” is symbolic of the individual’s connection to their past and their cultural identity. The word “horse” is symbolic of the individual’s true self and their desire for freedom. The language in the poem is rich in symbolism, which adds depth and complexity to the themes of the poem.

Critical Analysis

“Totem” is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the theme of identity and the struggle for self-discovery. Plath’s use of imagery and language is effective in conveying the themes of the poem, and her use of the totem pole as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery is particularly effective.

The poem is also notable for its use of symbolism, which adds depth and complexity to the themes of the poem. The image of the horse, in particular, is a powerful symbol of the individual’s true self and their desire for freedom.

One of the strengths of “Totem” is its use of language. Plath’s use of free verse and her experimentation with form and structure create a sense of fragmentation in the poem, which reflects the theme of the broken totem pole. Her use of metaphor and simile is also effective in creating vivid imagery in the mind of the reader.

However, one weakness of the poem is its lack of clarity. The poem is highly abstract and can be difficult to interpret. The use of symbolism and metaphor can be confusing, and the poem may require multiple readings to fully understand.

In conclusion, “Totem” is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the theme of identity and the struggle for self-discovery. Plath’s use of imagery and language is effective in conveying the themes of the poem, and her use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem. While the poem may lack clarity at times, its abstract nature adds to its overall impact.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sylvia Plath's Poetry Totem is a masterpiece that has captivated readers for decades. It is a poem that is both complex and simple, with layers of meaning that reveal themselves upon closer examination. In this analysis, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.

Firstly, it is important to note that the poem was written in 1959, during a time when Plath was struggling with her mental health. This context is crucial to understanding the poem's themes of identity, isolation, and the search for meaning. The poem is essentially a meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which we try to make sense of our lives.

The poem begins with the lines "I place my token on the board / And make a wish." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests a sense of uncertainty and longing. The "token" represents the speaker's desire to be heard, to have her voice acknowledged. The act of making a wish is a common human desire, and it suggests a sense of hopefulness. However, the fact that the speaker is placing her token on a board suggests that she is playing a game, and that her wish may not necessarily come true.

The next stanza reads, "I move my token on the board / And make a prayer." Here, the speaker is taking action, moving her token on the board. This suggests a sense of agency, of control over her own life. However, the fact that she is making a prayer suggests that she is still seeking guidance, still unsure of her path. The use of the word "prayer" also suggests a religious or spiritual element to the poem, which is further explored in later stanzas.

The third stanza reads, "I lay my token on the board / And make a vow." This stanza is significant because it introduces the idea of a vow, which suggests a sense of commitment. The speaker is no longer simply making a wish or a prayer, but is making a promise to herself. This suggests a sense of determination, of a willingness to take action and make changes in her life.

The fourth stanza reads, "I lift my token from the board / And make a move." This stanza is significant because it suggests a sense of progress. The speaker is no longer simply placing her token on the board, but is actively moving it. This suggests that she is taking steps towards her goals, and that she is making progress in her journey.

The fifth stanza reads, "I watch my token on the board / And make a plan." This stanza is significant because it suggests a sense of foresight. The speaker is no longer simply making a move, but is actively planning her next move. This suggests that she is thinking ahead, and that she is taking a strategic approach to her life.

The final stanza reads, "I take my token from the board / And make a stand." This stanza is significant because it suggests a sense of conviction. The speaker is no longer simply making a plan, but is actively taking a stand. This suggests that she is willing to fight for what she believes in, and that she is committed to her goals.

Throughout the poem, Plath uses a variety of literary devices to convey her themes. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. The repeated use of the phrase "I place my token on the board" creates a sense of rhythm and structure, while also emphasizing the speaker's sense of uncertainty and longing. The repetition of the phrase "And make a" also creates a sense of structure, while also emphasizing the speaker's sense of agency and determination.

Another prominent device is imagery. The use of the board and the token creates a visual image that is easy to imagine. This imagery is further emphasized by the use of verbs such as "move," "lay," and "lift," which create a sense of action and movement. The use of the word "totem" in the title also creates a sense of imagery, as it suggests a sense of spirituality and ritual.

In conclusion, Sylvia Plath's Poetry Totem is a powerful meditation on the human condition. It explores themes of identity, isolation, and the search for meaning, while also using a variety of literary devices to convey its message. The poem's historical context is also significant, as it was written during a time when Plath was struggling with her mental health. Overall, the poem is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas, and it remains a classic of modern literature.

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