Metaphors by Sylvia Plath

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Metaphors by Sylvia Plath

The poem 'metaphors' by Sylvia Plath deals with strong issues of

pregnancy. The poem was written when she was pregnant. She wrote about

her mixed feelings and emotions.

The poem itself is a metaphor. In the word 'metaphor' there are nine

letters. There are nine lines, and nine syllables in every line.

Apparently there are also nine months of pregnancy. Each line is a

metaphor and each line represents different stages of pregnancy.

Line nine "Boarded the train there's no getting off" suggest that it

is inevitable. There is no turning back. She has no control over her

future. She is going through the firstly month of pregnancy and so

fears about the outcome. It's also a humorous line because "no getting

off" in colloquial terms means they'll be no sex for a while.

Line eight represents the second month of pregnancy. "I've eaten a bag

of green apples". "Bag of green apples" could suggest lumpiness,

perhaps she is starting to feel the weight of the baby. The words,

digestion, queasiness stomach ache all relate to morning sickness.

Morning sickness is essential at the early stage of pregnancy. The

line could also suggest that a fresh, new baby is developing, as for

the colour 'green' represents fresh, new- life. It also represents

nature, which suggests that pregnancy is a natural act.

Line seven represents the third month of pregnancy. "I'm a means' a

stage, a cow in a calf." At this stage she feels used and resents it.

"Cow in a calf" suggests that she feels uncomfortable and embarrassed.

She feels as though she is on a theatre stage where everyone is

looking at her and knows about her 'bun in the ov...

... middle of paper ...

...ted

in this fat purse". That's a very interesting way to describe this

stage of the pregnancy.

I would say the poem is very dramatic, because the whole poem is a

metaphor which makes it sound exciting. I think she is speaking

directly to the reader because she talks to us about her feelings deep

down. The first line captured my interest: "I'm a riddle in nine

syllables." I was thinking to myself what the poem is about. I noticed

that it had nine lines and nine syllables in each line. At first I was

confused. I found it quite difficult to understand because the

feelings and attitude change in each line. The poet was being very

emotional. After understanding the poem, I had pleasure in re- reading

the poem several times and approving it. I now know how one feels when

they are going through the nine month pregnancy.

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