'Resolve' by Sylvia Plath
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The Collected Poems1956Day of mist: day of tarnishwith hands
unserviceable, I wait
for the milk vanthe one-eared cat
laps its gray pawand the coal fire burnsoutside, the little hedge leaves are
become quite yellow
a milk-film blurs
the empty bottles on the windowsillno glory descendstwo water drops poise
on the arched green
stem of my neighbor's rose busho bent bow of thornsthe cat unsheathes its claws
the world turnstoday
today I will not
disenchant my twelve black-gowned examiners
or bunch my fist
in the wind's sneer.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Resolution of Resolve: An Analysis of Sylvia Plath's Poem
Have you ever felt like you were caught in a web of indecision? That no matter which way you turned, you were stuck in a state of limbo, unable to move forward or backwards? Sylvia Plath's poem, "Resolve," captures this feeling perfectly, as she navigates the complexities of decision-making and the consequences that come with it. In this literary criticism, we will delve deep into the themes and motifs of "Resolve," exploring Plath's poetic language and the ways in which she structures her poem to convey a powerful message about the struggles of personal growth and self-discovery.
The Structure of "Resolve"
At first glance, "Resolve" appears to be structured like a traditional sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. However, upon closer inspection, we realize that Plath has taken some liberties with this structure, deviating from the strict iambic pentameter of the sonnet and playing with the rhyme scheme in subtle ways. For example, in the first stanza, the final couplet breaks from the ABAB rhyme scheme, with the lines "The heart shuts / The sea slides back," creating a sense of disruption and uncertainty that mirrors the speaker's state of mind.
As the poem progresses, Plath continues to subvert our expectations, using enjambment and internal rhyme to create a sense of fluidity and motion. In the second stanza, for instance, she writes: "The small grains / Make room. / Soft fists / Upholding / A sun that just / Clouds out." Here, the lines flow seamlessly into one another, with the internal rhyme of "grains" and "make" creating a feeling of continuity and progression.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of "Resolve's" structure is its lack of a clear narrative arc. The poem does not follow a traditional plot structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Instead, it reads like a series of vignettes, each one capturing a different moment in the speaker's struggle to make a decision. This lack of structure mirrors the speaker's own sense of confusion and uncertainty, as she grapples with the weight of her choices.
The Theme of Decision-Making
At its core, "Resolve" is a poem about the difficulties of decision-making. The speaker is caught between two opposing forces: the desire for stability and the fear of stagnation. On one hand, she longs for "a stone to seal the mouth, / Make the silence solid" and "a final rope" to tie her to a path. On the other hand, she fears the consequences of making a decision, wondering if she will "fall or fly." It is this tension between the desire for security and the fear of change that drives the poem forward, as the speaker struggles to resolve her internal conflict.
But the poem is not just about the difficulty of making a decision – it is also about the consequences of that decision. The speaker is acutely aware of the weight of her choices, realizing that every action she takes has a ripple effect that will reverberate throughout her life. She asks herself: "But what if a man / Or a wind / Suddenly to call / Or black horse thrusts / His mane?" The uncertainty of the future is a powerful force that shapes the speaker's thoughts and actions, as she grapples with the idea that every decision is a gamble.
The Motif of Nature
Throughout "Resolve," Plath employs a vivid and evocative use of natural imagery to reinforce the poem's themes. The sea, for instance, becomes a powerful symbol of change and uncertainty, with its constant ebb and flow representing the speaker's shifting emotions. At one point, she compares herself to a "wave / Gathering strength," ready to crash against the shore. But the sea is also a source of comfort, a reminder that change is not always a bad thing. As Plath writes: "The sea / Offers its muffled roar, / Oblivious to the small / Suspended caravel."
Other natural motifs include the sun, the moon, and the wind, each one representing different aspects of the speaker's psyche. The sun, for instance, is a symbol of clarity and understanding, while the moon represents the mysteries of the unknown. The wind, meanwhile, is a powerful force that can either propel the speaker forward or hold her back. By using these natural motifs, Plath creates a rich and complex tapestry of images that deepen the poem's meaning and provide a sense of texture and depth.
The Language of "Resolve"
Plath's poetic language in "Resolve" is striking in its precision and economy. She uses short, sharp phrases to convey a sense of urgency and intensity, while also employing longer, more flowing sentences to create a sense of lyricism and beauty. Her use of repetition – particularly the phrase "I have" – reinforces the speaker's sense of anxiety and indecision, while also creating a sense of momentum. As the poem progresses, the repetition becomes more frantic and urgent, mirroring the speaker's growing desperation.
But perhaps the most powerful aspect of Plath's language is its ability to convey multiple layers of meaning. Every word and phrase in the poem is carefully chosen, with each one carrying a weight of significance. For example, the word "resolve" itself has multiple meanings, depending on how it is read. Is it a noun, indicating a firm decision? Or is it a verb, indicating the act of making a decision? Plath plays with these multiple meanings, creating a sense of ambiguity and complexity that mirrors the speaker's own struggles.
Conclusion
"Resolve" is a poem that captures the complexities of decision-making and the fear and uncertainty that comes with it. Plath's use of natural imagery, poetic language, and unique structure combine to create a powerful and evocative exploration of the human psyche. This is a poem that rewards careful analysis and close reading, revealing new layers of meaning with each subsequent reading. As we journey with the speaker through her struggles, we are reminded of our own internal conflicts, and the ways in which the decisions we make shape the course of our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry lovers and enthusiasts alike have been captivated by Sylvia Plath's "Poetry Resolve" for decades. This classic poem is a testament to Plath's unique style and her ability to convey complex emotions through her writing. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Poetry Resolve."
Firstly, it is important to note that "Poetry Resolve" was written during a time of great personal turmoil for Plath. She was struggling with depression and had recently separated from her husband, fellow poet Ted Hughes. This context is crucial to understanding the themes of the poem, which center around the power of poetry to heal and transform.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring her intention to "make a pact with silence." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is clearly seeking a way to escape the chaos and noise of the world around her. She goes on to describe how she will use poetry as a means of self-expression and self-discovery, saying that she will "write my way out of hell."
Throughout the poem, Plath uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the transformative power of poetry. For example, she describes how poetry can "turn blood into ink" and "make a stone weep." These lines suggest that poetry has the ability to take something raw and painful and turn it into something beautiful and meaningful.
Another important theme in "Poetry Resolve" is the idea of rebirth and renewal. The speaker declares that she will "rise from the ashes" and "be born again." This language suggests that poetry has the power to help us overcome our struggles and emerge stronger and more resilient.
In terms of structure, "Poetry Resolve" is a free verse poem with no set rhyme or meter. This allows Plath to experiment with different rhythms and cadences, giving the poem a sense of spontaneity and energy. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and imagery.
The first stanza is characterized by a sense of urgency and desperation. The speaker is clearly in a dark place and is seeking a way out. She describes how she will "cut through words with a knife" and "hack through stone with my pen." These violent images suggest that the speaker is willing to do whatever it takes to find a way out of her pain.
The second stanza is more introspective, as the speaker reflects on the power of poetry to transform. She describes how poetry can "make a stone weep" and "turn blood into ink." These lines suggest that poetry has the ability to take something raw and painful and turn it into something beautiful and meaningful.
The final stanza is the most hopeful, as the speaker declares her intention to "rise from the ashes" and "be born again." This language suggests that poetry has the power to help us overcome our struggles and emerge stronger and more resilient.
In terms of literary devices, Plath uses a variety of techniques to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent is metaphor. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid and often surprising metaphors to describe the power of poetry. For example, she describes how poetry can "make a stone weep" and "turn blood into ink." These metaphors are powerful because they help us to see poetry in a new light, as something that has the power to transform even the most mundane or painful experiences.
Another important literary device in "Poetry Resolve" is repetition. Plath repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, such as "cut through words with a knife" and "rise from the ashes." This repetition gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence, and helps to reinforce the central themes.
In conclusion, "Poetry Resolve" is a powerful and deeply personal poem that speaks to the transformative power of poetry. Through vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition, Sylvia Plath conveys the idea that poetry has the ability to help us overcome our struggles and emerge stronger and more resilient. This poem is a testament to Plath's unique style and her ability to convey complex emotions through her writing, and it continues to captivate and inspire readers today.
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