Analyzing Silvia Plath's Poem 'Sow'

Marian Espana
Ms. Negin
AP Lit
29 October 2017

“The Value of a Sow”

Silvia Plath’s poem “Sow” uses the perspectives of two different perspectives to show that people may take for granted the things that are theirs. Through her use of contrasting diction, imagery and allusion, Plath shows the difference views of the individuals. The first individual is a humble farmer who owns the sow. He sees the sow as an ordinary pig. The second individual and speaker is an unnamed neighbor who perceives the sow as a grand prize pig. He admires the sow by emphasizing its grandeur compared to other pigs.
The first character is the farmer who perceives the sow as an ordinary pig. Through Plath’s use of diction such as “shrewd secret” and “impounded form

public stare”, the reader understands that the farmer views the pig as not being important or special enough to be presented (3, 5). The word “shrewed” and “impounded” have primitive connotations that emphasize how the farmer views the pig as nothing but an animal to own and use as needed. Plath also reveals that “our farmer whistled,/ Then, with a jocular fist thwacked the barrel nape” (37). This use of imagery by Plath shows how much the farmer undervalues the sow as he so casually strikes it. The farmer lacks appreciation for the sow and is blind to its potential value because the sow is in his possession.
In contrast, the second character and speaker greatly admires the sow.

Plath explores the view point of the anonymous neighbor to demonstrate how much the farmer disregards the sow just because it is his. The speaker uses diction such as “glorified for prime flesh and golden crackling” to show the awe of the sow (15). Words such at “glorified” and “golden” show that something is valuable and is worshipped as the speaker finds value in the sow. Plath also describes the sow as “a vision of ancient hoghood” through the speaker (28). Plath’s description of the sow as a “vision” shows the speaker’s appreciation for it as something that is a vision is usually known for its beauty or is worthy of awe. Plath also employs imagery when she states that the sow is “marvel blazoned a knight” and “grove for combat” (31, 33). By comparing the sow to a knight’s steed in combat, Plath shows how the speaker views the sow as noble and to be respected. Through the speaker, Plath also alludes to the island in Gulliver’s Travels by describing the sow as a “Brobdingnag bulk” (24). This allusion emphasizes the speakers view of the sow as grand as the island of Brobdingnag is know for being inhabited by giants that Gulliver first admires for their sheer

size.
Plath addresses how people undervalue and underestimate that which they own through her use of two different speakers with two different perspectives of the sow. The farmer who actually owns the sow is blind to its potential value as he views is as only an ordinary pig. The speaker, who may be a neighbor, views the sow as something grand and awe worthy, seeing its value despite not actually owning it.