'The Bull Of Bendylaw' by Sylvia Plath
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The Collected Poems1959The black bull bellowed before the sea.
The sea, till that day orderly,
Hove up against Bendylaw.The queen in the mulberry arbor stared
Stiff as a queen on a playing card.
The king fingered his beard.A blue sea, four horny bull-feet,
A bull-snouted sea that wouldn't stay put,
Bucked at the garden gate.Along box-lined walks in the florid sun
Toward the rowdy bellow and back again
The lords and ladies ran.The great bronze gate began to crack,
The sea broke in at every crack,
Pellmell, blueblack.The bull surged up, the bull surged down,
Not to be stayed by a daisy chain
Nor by any learned man.O the king's tidy acre is under the sea,
And the royal rose in the bull's belly,
And the bull on the king's highway.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Bull of Bendylaw: A Masterpiece of Sylvia Plath's Poetry
Sylvia Plath's poetry is a treasure trove of emotions, symbolism, and vivid imagery that leaves a lasting impression on the reader's mind. The Bull of Bendylaw is one of her most celebrated works, which showcases her ability to create a complex web of meanings through her words. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the thematic and stylistic aspects of the poem, exploring its depths and complexities.
Overview of the Poem
The Bull of Bendylaw is a narrative poem that tells the story of a farmer who owns a bull that is feared by all. The bull is so fierce and violent that the farmer keeps him chained all day long. However, the farmer's son becomes enchanted by the bull's power and sets him free. The bull then goes on a rampage, trampling everything in its path, and ultimately meets his demise in a tragic end.
Symbolism and Imagery
The Bull of Bendylaw is a poem that is rich in symbolism and imagery, which adds depth and complexity to its meaning. The bull, for instance, is a symbol of raw power and untamed energy. It represents the primal instincts that reside within us, waiting to be unleashed. The bull's violent behavior is a metaphor for the destructive power of nature that can wreak havoc if left unchecked.
The farmer, on the other hand, represents the human desire to control and dominate nature. He sees the bull as a threat to his livelihood and keeps him chained to prevent any harm. The farmer's son, however, represents the rebellious spirit that seeks to break free from societal norms and constraints. He sees the bull's power as something to be admired and sets him free, unleashing a chain of events that result in tragedy.
The poem is also rich in vivid imagery that brings the story to life. The bull is described as "huge and black," with "muscles rippling like dark rivers under his skin." The farm, too, is described in intricate detail, with Plath painting a picture of a desolate landscape where the only sounds are the "wind whistling in the dry grass."
Themes and Motifs
The Bull of Bendylaw touches upon several themes and motifs that are central to Plath's poetry. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle between man and nature. The farmer's desire to control and dominate the bull represents the human need to subdue and exploit nature for personal gain. The bull's rampage, on the other hand, represents nature's revenge, showing that no matter how much we try to control it, nature will always have the last word.
Another important theme is the exploration of the primal instincts that reside within us. The bull's raw power represents the untamed energy that resides within us, waiting to be unleashed. The farmer's fear of the bull is a reflection of society's fear of the primal instincts that we all possess.
The motif of rebellion is also prevalent in the poem. The farmer's son's decision to set the bull free represents a rebellion against societal norms and expectations. He sees the bull's power as something to be admired, rather than feared, and decides to break free from the constraints that society has placed upon him.
Stylistic Analysis
The Bull of Bendylaw is a poem that showcases Plath's mastery of poetic form and structure. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter, which gives Plath the freedom to experiment with language and imagery. The poem is divided into six stanzas of varying lengths, which gives the poem a sense of movement and progression.
Plath's use of language is also worth noting. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that add layers of meaning to the story. For example, the bull's "muscles rippling like dark rivers under his skin" is a powerful metaphor that not only describes the bull's physical appearance but also its inner power and energy.
Plath's use of repetition is also worth noting. The phrase "The bull of Bendylaw" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and reinforcing the bull's importance to the story. The repetition of the phrase "The farmer kept him chained" also reinforces the farmer's desire to control and dominate the bull.
Conclusion
The Bull of Bendylaw is a masterpiece of Sylvia Plath's poetry, showcasing her ability to create complex and layered works of art. The poem's rich symbolism, vivid imagery, and exploration of themes such as man versus nature, rebellion, and the primal instincts that reside within us make it a timeless piece of literature. Plath's mastery of poetic form and structure, as well as her use of language and repetition, make The Bull of Bendylaw a must-read for anyone interested in poetry or literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Bull of Bendylaw: A Masterpiece of Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her confessional style and powerful imagery. Her poem "The Bull of Bendylaw" is a prime example of her mastery of language and metaphor. In this 24-line poem, Plath explores themes of power, violence, and sexuality through the image of a bull.
The poem begins with a description of the bull, which is "black as a devil's boot" and "huge as a church." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the bull as a symbol of darkness and danger. The bull is also described as "a god in coat," which suggests that it is a powerful and divine creature.
The second stanza introduces the speaker of the poem, who is watching the bull from a distance. The speaker describes the bull's movements as "a dance of death," which further emphasizes the danger and violence associated with the bull. The speaker also notes that the bull is "a king in his court," which suggests that it is in control of its surroundings and commands respect.
The third stanza introduces a female character, who is described as "a girl in a red dress." The girl is also described as "a flame," which suggests that she is both beautiful and dangerous. The bull is immediately drawn to the girl, and begins to pursue her. The speaker notes that the girl is "running for her life," which suggests that she is in danger from the bull's advances.
The fourth stanza describes the bull's pursuit of the girl in more detail. The bull is described as "a thunderbolt," which suggests that it is both powerful and fast. The girl is described as "a bird in flight," which suggests that she is trying to escape the bull's grasp. The speaker notes that the bull is "a lover in his rage," which suggests that the bull's pursuit of the girl is driven by sexual desire.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem describes the outcome of the bull's pursuit. The girl is described as "a broken bird," which suggests that she has been caught and injured by the bull. The bull is described as "a god in his wrath," which suggests that it is angry and violent. The speaker notes that the bull is "a lord of the earth," which suggests that it is in control of its surroundings and has the power to do as it pleases.
Overall, "The Bull of Bendylaw" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of power, violence, and sexuality through the image of a bull. Plath's use of metaphor and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her skill as a poet.
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