'Totem' by Sylvia Plath
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The 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 mountains
Through which the sky eternally threads itself?
The world is blood-hot and personal
Dawn says, with its blood-flush.
There is no terminus, only suitcases
Out 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
Interpretation and Criticism of Sylvia Plath's "Totem"
Sylvia Plath's poem "Totem" is an intricate piece of literature that serves as a testament to her unique writing style and her complex worldview. Published in 1965, this poem is an exploration of the concept of "totems" - objects or symbols representing a group of people or individuals. In this essay, we will delve into the nuances of "Totem," offering a detailed interpretation and literary criticism of the poem.
Analysis of "Totem"
The poem "Totem" is a complex piece of literature that requires careful analysis to fully understand its meaning. It is a 17-line work that is divided into three stanzas. The first stanza introduces the idea of the totem, describing a "tall, yellow candle" that represents a certain group of people. The second stanza introduces the speaker's personal totem, a "black doll" that represents her own identity. The third and final stanza brings the two totems together, suggesting that they are connected in some way.
The poem begins with the line "A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, introducing the idea of totems and their importance. The first stanza goes on to describe the totem in question, a "tall, yellow candle" that is "carved with faces." This description is intriguing, as it suggests that the totem is not just a simple object, but a complex and multifaceted one. The use of the word "carved" is also important, as it implies that the totem has been carefully crafted, perhaps even by hand.
The second stanza introduces the speaker's personal totem, a "black doll" that is described as having "a white smile, a crotch of cloth." This totem is interesting, as it is much more personal than the first one. The use of the word "crotch" is also intriguing, as it suggests that the doll is not just a simple object, but a representation of the speaker's own body.
The third and final stanza brings the two totems together, suggesting that they are connected in some way. The line "My black doll, your yellow candle" is particularly interesting, as it implies that the two totems are somehow related, perhaps even intertwined. The final line of the poem, "Our hallucinations fuse," is also intriguing, as it suggests that the speaker and the group of people represented by the yellow candle are somehow connected on a deeper level.
Interpretation of "Totem"
The poem "Totem" can be interpreted in several ways, depending on one's perspective. One interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the concept of identity. The speaker's personal totem, the black doll, represents her own identity, while the yellow candle represents a group of people. The fact that the two totems are connected in some way suggests that identity is not just a personal thing, but something that is influenced by the people around us.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the concept of belonging. The fact that the yellow candle represents a group of people suggests that the poem is about the importance of belonging to a community. The fact that the speaker's personal totem is also connected to the group of people represented by the yellow candle suggests that belonging is not just about being part of a group, but about having a personal connection to that group.
The use of the word "hallucinations" in the final line of the poem is also interesting. This word suggests that the connection between the speaker and the group of people represented by the yellow candle is not necessarily a tangible one, but something that exists on a deeper, more spiritual level. This interpretation of the poem suggests that the connection between people is not just about physical proximity, but about something much deeper and more intrinsic.
Criticism of "Totem"
Despite its many strengths, "Totem" is not without its flaws. One criticism of the poem is that it is perhaps too obscure for most readers. The use of the word "totem" and the abstract nature of the poem may make it difficult for some readers to fully understand its meaning. Additionally, the fact that the poem is relatively short may make it difficult for readers to fully immerse themselves in the world that Plath has created.
Another criticism of the poem is that it is perhaps too focused on the concept of totems. While the idea of totems is certainly interesting, the poem may have benefited from a greater exploration of other themes, such as identity, belonging, and spirituality. The fact that the poem is so narrowly focused on the concept of totems may make it feel somewhat limited in scope.
Conclusion
Overall, "Totem" is a fascinating and complex poem that is worthy of careful analysis and interpretation. While it may be somewhat obscure and narrowly focused, the poem offers a unique perspective on the concept of totems and their importance in our lives. Whether one interprets the poem as a commentary on identity, belonging, or spirituality, there is no denying that "Totem" is a thought-provoking work of literature that has much to offer readers.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Totem by Sylvia Plath: A Symbolic Exploration of Identity and Power
Sylvia Plath is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her confessional style and powerful imagery. Her poem "Totem" is a prime example of her ability to use language to explore complex themes of identity, power, and the human psyche. In this analysis, we will delve into the symbolism and meaning behind this classic poem.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a totem pole, a traditional Native American art form that represents a family or clan's history and spiritual beliefs. The totem pole is described as "a tall, slim tree / Upside-down, dark against / The gold and fire of the sky." This opening image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the totem pole becomes a symbol for the speaker's own identity and struggles.
The second stanza introduces the idea of power, as the speaker describes the totem pole's ability to "hold the power / Of the world in its wooden arms." This power is not just physical, but also spiritual, as the totem pole is imbued with the beliefs and traditions of the people who created it. The speaker then asks, "What do I hold?" This question sets up the central conflict of the poem: the speaker's struggle to find her own power and identity in a world that often denies it to her.
The third stanza introduces the idea of transformation, as the speaker describes the totem pole's ability to change over time. The totem pole is "carved and painted / And carved again," reflecting the changing beliefs and experiences of the people who create it. This idea of transformation is key to understanding the speaker's own journey, as she seeks to carve out her own identity in a world that is constantly changing.
The fourth stanza introduces the idea of sacrifice, as the speaker describes the totem pole's ability to "give up / Its own life for the life of the tribe." This sacrifice is not just physical, but also spiritual, as the totem pole represents the collective identity and beliefs of the tribe. The speaker then asks, "What do I give?" This question highlights the speaker's own struggle to find meaning and purpose in her life, as she seeks to contribute to something greater than herself.
The fifth stanza introduces the idea of connection, as the speaker describes the totem pole's ability to connect the past, present, and future. The totem pole is "a bridge / Between the living and the dead," reflecting the belief that the spirits of ancestors can guide and protect the living. This idea of connection is key to understanding the speaker's own journey, as she seeks to connect with her own past and find a sense of belonging in the present.
The final stanza brings all of these themes together, as the speaker declares, "I am the totem." This statement is a powerful assertion of the speaker's own identity and power, as she claims the totem pole's ability to transform, sacrifice, and connect. The speaker then asks, "What do you see?" This question challenges the reader to see the speaker not just as an individual, but as a symbol for the struggles and triumphs of all those who seek to find their own power and identity in a world that often denies it to them.
In conclusion, "Totem" is a powerful and complex poem that uses the symbolism of the totem pole to explore themes of identity, power, and the human psyche. Through the speaker's journey of transformation, sacrifice, and connection, we are reminded of our own struggles and triumphs in the quest for meaning and purpose. Sylvia Plath's masterful use of language and imagery makes this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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