'Snakecharmer' by Sylvia Plath

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The Collected Poems1957As the gods began one world, and man another,
So the snakecharmer begins a snaky sphere
With moon-eye, mouth-pipe, He pipes. Pipes green. Pipes water.Pipes water green until green waters waver
With reedy lengths and necks and undulatings.
And as his notes twine green, the green riverShapes its images around his sons.
He pipes a place to stand on, but no rocks,
No floor: a wave of flickering grass tonguesSupports his foot. He pipes a world of snakes,
Of sways and coilings, from the snake-rooted bottom
Of his mind. And now nothing but snakesIs visible. The snake-scales have become
Leaf, become eyelid; snake-bodies, bough, breast
Of tree and human. And he within this snakedomRules the writhings which make manifest
His snakehood and his might with pliant tunes
From his thin pipe. Out of this green nestAs out of Eden's navel twist the lines
Of snaky generations: let there be snakes!
And snakes there were, are, will be--till yawnsConsume this pipe and he tires of music
And pipes the world back to the simple fabric
Of snake-warp, snake-weft. Pipes the cloth of snakesTo a melting of green waters, till no snake
Shows its head, and those green waters back to
Water, to green, to nothing like a snake.
Puts up his pipe, and lids his moony eye.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Snakecharmer: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Sylvia Plath's "Snakecharmer" is a poem that has puzzled and perplexed many a reader since its first publication. The poem, which is known for its intricate and complex imagery, uses the metaphor of a snake charmer to explore themes of power, control, and desire. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will attempt to unravel the layers of meaning in this enigmatic poem.

Form and Structure

"Snakecharmer" is a free verse poem with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is divided into seven stanzas of varying lengths, with the longest stanza consisting of ten lines and the shortest stanza consisting of only three lines. The poem is also notable for its use of enjambment, which creates a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the poem.

Plath's use of imagery is also noteworthy. The poem is filled with vivid and often unsettling imagery, which serves to create a sense of unease in the reader. For example, in the first stanza, the snake is described as a "spotted shaft," while in the second stanza, the snake charmer is described as having "silver eyes." These images create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery, which draws the reader further into the poem.

Themes and Analysis

Power and Control

One of the central themes of "Snakecharmer" is power and control. The snake charmer is portrayed as having complete control over the snake, which is completely submissive to his will. This dynamic is explored throughout the poem, as the snake charmer is depicted as being in complete control of his environment. For example, in the fourth stanza, the snake charmer is described as "The lord of life / Escaped from the eyes / Of the ladies of Persia." This image reinforces the idea of the snake charmer as being all-powerful and in control of his surroundings.

Desire and Temptation

Another theme that runs throughout "Snakecharmer" is desire and temptation. The snake is portrayed as being a temptation that the snake charmer must resist. This is most clearly seen in the second stanza, where the snake charmer is described as having "silver eyes / And such a tongue as moves in my mouth / On the first try." This image suggests that the snake charmer is tempted by the snake, but is able to resist its allure.

Gender and Sexuality

Gender and sexuality are also important themes in "Snakecharmer." The poem can be read as a commentary on the power dynamics between men and women, with the snake charmer representing the dominant male and the snake representing the submissive female. This is most clearly seen in the fifth stanza, where the snake is described as a "female soul." The use of gendered language here reinforces the idea of the snake as being feminine and submissive.

Death and Rebirth

Finally, "Snakecharmer" can be read as a meditation on death and rebirth. The snake is often associated with death and rebirth, as it sheds its skin and emerges renewed. This idea is explored throughout the poem, as the snake charmer is depicted as being able to control death and bring about rebirth. For example, in the seventh stanza, the snake charmer is described as being able to "bring back life / From the flavorful soil." This image reinforces the idea of the snake charmer as being all-powerful and able to control the cycle of life and death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Snakecharmer" is a complex and enigmatic poem that explores themes of power, control, desire, gender, sexuality, and death. Plath's use of vivid imagery and enjambment creates a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the poem, while the themes explored serve to create a sense of unease in the reader. Ultimately, "Snakecharmer" is a poem that rewards repeated readings and careful analysis, as its many layers of meaning continue to reveal themselves over time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sylvia Plath's "Snakecharmer" is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a vivid and haunting portrayal of the power of the snake and the allure of the snake charmer. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the image of the snake charmer, who is described as a "man in the shape of a god." This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the snake charmer has a power and authority that is almost divine. The snake charmer is also described as "a serpent at the ear with whom he talks," suggesting that he has a special relationship with the snake, and that he is able to communicate with it in a way that others cannot.

The poem then moves on to describe the snake itself, which is portrayed as a creature of great beauty and danger. The snake is described as "a bridegroom in a black coat," suggesting that it is a powerful and seductive force. The snake is also described as "a king in a chain," suggesting that it is a creature of great power and authority.

The imagery used in the poem is rich and evocative, and it serves to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. The snake is described as "a ribbon of green," which suggests that it is a creature of great beauty and grace. The snake is also described as "a dance of light," which suggests that it is a creature of great energy and movement.

The language used in the poem is also very powerful. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Plath to use language in a way that is both poetic and natural. The language is also very vivid and evocative, and it serves to create a sense of tension and drama.

One of the key themes of the poem is the power of the snake. The snake is portrayed as a creature of great beauty and danger, and it is clear that the snake charmer is both fascinated and afraid of it. The poem suggests that the snake has a power that is almost supernatural, and that it is able to seduce and control those who come into contact with it.

Another key theme of the poem is the allure of the snake charmer. The snake charmer is portrayed as a man of great power and authority, and it is clear that he has a special relationship with the snake. The poem suggests that the snake charmer is able to communicate with the snake in a way that others cannot, and that he is able to control it through his music and his movements.

Overall, "Snakecharmer" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of power, seduction, and control. The imagery and language used in the poem are both vivid and evocative, and they serve to create a sense of tension and drama. The poem is a classic example of Plath's poetic style, and it remains a powerful and haunting work of literature to this day.

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