'Mary's Song' by Sylvia Plath


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The Sunday lamb cracks in its fat.
The fat
Sacrifices its opacity. . . .

A window, holy gold.
The fire makes it precious,
The same fire

Melting the tallow heretics,
Ousting the Jews.
Their thick palls float

Over the cicatrix of Poland, burnt-out
Germany.
They do not die.

Grey birds obsess my heart,
Mouth-ash, ash of eye.
They settle. On the high

Precipice
That emptied one man into space
The ovens glowed like heavens, incandescent.

It is a heart,
This holocaust I walk in,
O golden child the world will kill and eat.


Submitted by Samuel Biagetti

Editor 1 Interpretation

#Mary's Song: A Critical Analysis by Sylvia Plath

The poem Mary's Song by Sylvia Plath is a work of art that tells the story of the birth of Christ from the perspective of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In this poem, Sylvia Plath explores the nature of motherhood, the concept of sacrifice, and the idea of divine intervention.

##Overview of the Poem

Mary's Song is a sonnet that consists of fourteen lines. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of eight lines and the second stanza consisting of six lines. The structure of the poem follows the traditional rhyme scheme of a sonnet, with the first stanza following the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA and the second stanza following the rhyme scheme CDCDCD.

##Interpretation of the Poem

The poem begins with Mary talking about her son's birth, describing him as a "tiny new-made lord". The use of the word "lord" suggests that the baby is not just any ordinary baby, but rather a divine being. Mary goes on to describe how her son is "wrapped in rags and lying in a manger", which is a reference to the story of the birth of Christ in the Bible. This shows how humble the birth of Jesus was, despite him being a divine being.

As the poem progresses, Mary talks about how her son will "inherit the earth", suggesting that he will become a great ruler. She also talks about how her son will "ascend the throne of David", which is a reference to the fact that Jesus is believed to be a direct descendant of King David.

The poem also explores the theme of sacrifice. Mary talks about how she has "lost myself in the hot, white rubble of Christ", suggesting that she has given up her own identity in order to become the mother of Christ. This shows the sacrifices that mothers make for their children, and how Mary was willing to give up everything for her son.

The poem also explores the theme of divine intervention. Mary talks about how she was "chosen" to be the mother of Christ, suggesting that her pregnancy was not just a coincidence, but rather a result of divine intervention. This shows the power of God and how he can play a role in people's lives.

Overall, Mary's Song is a powerful poem that explores the themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and divine intervention. The poem is written in a simple yet profound manner, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

##Analysis of Literary Devices

###Imagery

Sylvia Plath uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to evoke the reader's senses and create a picture of the scene in their mind. For example, she describes Christ as a "tiny new-made lord" and as "wrapped in rags and lying in a manger", which creates a vivid image of the humble birth of Christ. She also describes herself as being "lost in the hot, white rubble of Christ", which creates a powerful image of the sacrifices that mothers make for their children.

###Metaphor

The poem also makes use of metaphors to convey its message. For example, Mary describes her son as a "tiny new-made lord", which is a metaphor for Christ being a divine being. She also describes how she has "lost myself in the hot, white rubble of Christ", which is a metaphor for the sacrifices that mothers make for their children.

###Rhyme

The poem follows the traditional rhyme scheme of a sonnet, with the first stanza following the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA and the second stanza following the rhyme scheme CDCDCD. This creates a sense of rhythm and structure to the poem, which helps to convey its message in a concise and powerful manner.

###Alliteration

The poem makes use of alliteration to create a sense of emphasis and repetition. For example, the line "New as a sprouted seed" uses alliteration to create a sense of newness and growth.

##Conclusion

In conclusion, Mary's Song by Sylvia Plath is a powerful poem that explores the themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and divine intervention. The poem is written in a simple yet profound manner, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Sylvia Plath makes use of literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, rhyme, and alliteration to convey her message in a concise and powerful manner. Overall, Mary's Song is a work of art that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Mary's Song: A Poem of Empowerment and Resilience

Sylvia Plath's "Mary's Song" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of empowerment and resilience. The poem is a retelling of the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her journey through motherhood. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Plath captures the strength and determination of Mary as she faces the challenges of raising a child in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving.

The poem begins with the line "Bluebeard, a notorious wife murderer, is on the loose" (Plath 1). This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the danger and violence that Mary must navigate in order to protect her child. Bluebeard is a symbol of the patriarchal society that Mary must confront, a society that seeks to control and oppress women. By placing Mary in this context, Plath highlights the challenges that women face in a world that is often hostile to their needs and desires.

Despite the danger that surrounds her, Mary remains steadfast and determined. She is described as "a garden / Full of stately and sweet flowers" (Plath 3-4), a symbol of her strength and resilience. Mary is not a passive victim, but an active participant in her own story. She is a woman who refuses to be silenced or controlled, and who fights for her own autonomy and agency.

The poem also explores the theme of motherhood, and the challenges that come with raising a child. Mary is described as "a mother in a house of mirrors" (Plath 5), a metaphor for the confusion and uncertainty that often accompanies motherhood. She is constantly questioning herself and her choices, wondering if she is doing the right thing for her child. This is a common experience for many mothers, who often feel overwhelmed and unsure of themselves in the face of the immense responsibility of raising a child.

Despite these challenges, Mary remains committed to her child, and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect him. She is described as "a woman with a mission" (Plath 6), a symbol of her determination and focus. Mary is not just a mother, but a warrior, fighting for her child's survival in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving.

The poem also explores the theme of faith, and the role that it plays in Mary's life. Mary is described as "a woman with a mission / To bear a son" (Plath 6-7), a reference to her role in the story of Jesus. Mary's faith is what gives her the strength and courage to face the challenges that come her way. She is not just a mother, but a believer, who trusts in a higher power to guide her through the difficulties of life.

The poem ends with the lines "The sun rises / Under the pillar of your tongue" (Plath 11-12). These lines are a powerful metaphor for the power of language and the importance of speaking out. Mary's voice is her weapon, and she uses it to fight against the forces that seek to silence her. By speaking out, Mary is able to assert her own agency and autonomy, and to claim her place in the world.

In conclusion, Sylvia Plath's "Mary's Song" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of empowerment and resilience. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Plath captures the strength and determination of Mary as she faces the challenges of motherhood in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving. The poem is a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of speaking out, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a poem that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history, and that continues to inspire and empower readers today.

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