'Sheep In Fog' by Sylvia Plath
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The Collected Poems1963The hills step off into whiteness.
People or stars
Regard me sadly, I disappoint them.The train leaves a line of breath.
O slow
Horse the colour of rust,Hooves, dolorous bells ----
All morning the
Morning has been blackening,A flower left out.
My bones hold a stillness, the far
Fields melt my heart.They threaten
To let me through to a heaven
Starless and fatherless, a dark water.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Sylvia Plath's "Sheep in Fog"
Sylvia Plath is one of the most celebrated and enigmatic poets of the 20th century. Her poems are known for their introspective and confessional nature, often exploring themes of depression, isolation, and mortality. "Sheep in Fog" is one such poem that showcases Plath's unique style of expressing her innermost thoughts and emotions through vivid and powerful imagery.
The Poem
"Sheep in Fog" is a short, four-stanza poem that was first published in Plath's posthumous collection, Crossing the Water, in 1971. The poem portrays a speaker who is wandering in a foggy landscape and encounters a flock of sheep. The speaker observes the sheep as they move through the mist, and the poem ends on a note of uncertainty and ambiguity.
The hills step off into whiteness.
People or stars
Regard me sadly, I disappoint them.
The train leaves a line of breath
O slow
Horse the colour of rust,
Hooves, dolorous bells -
All morning the
Morning has been blackening,
A flower left out.
My bones hold a stillness, the far
Fields melt my heart.
They threaten
To let me through to a heaven
Starless and fatherless, a dark water.
The hills step off into whiteness.
This is the wilderness hour
Of 10 o'clock:
This is the time of departure, the big
Withdrawal, the exhausted suicide.
Interpretation
At first glance, "Sheep in Fog" appears to be a simple poem about a person's encounter with a flock of sheep in a foggy landscape. However, a closer reading reveals that the poem is much more complex and layered, exploring themes of isolation, identity, and mortality.
The opening lines of the poem suggest a sense of disconnection between the speaker and their surroundings. The "hills step off into whiteness" and the people/stars "regard [the speaker] sadly," implying that the speaker feels isolated and disconnected from the world around them. This feeling of disconnection is further emphasized by the speaker's statement that they "disappoint" those who are observing them.
The second stanza introduces a train and a horse, both of which are described in melancholy terms. The train leaves a "line of breath," suggesting a sense of departure or loss, while the horse is described as being "the color of rust" and its hooves emit "dolorous bells." These images allude to the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality.
The third stanza introduces a flower and the speaker's own body. The flower is "left out," suggesting neglect or abandonment, while the speaker's bones "hold a stillness." The image of the speaker's body holding a "stillness" suggests a sense of stagnation or stasis, as if the speaker is unable to move forward or progress in their life.
The final stanza returns to the opening image of the "hills step[ping] off into whiteness," suggesting that the speaker is still lost and disconnected. The line "This is the wilderness hour / Of 10 o'clock" implies a sense of despair or hopelessness, while the final lines ("This is the time of departure, the big / Withdrawal, the exhausted suicide") allude to the speaker's own mortality and the possibility of death.
Overall, "Sheep in Fog" is a haunting and evocative poem that explores complex themes of isolation and mortality. Plath's use of vivid and powerful imagery creates a sense of unease and ambiguity that lingers with the reader long after they have finished reading.
Literary Criticism
"Sheep in Fog" has been studied and analyzed by numerous literary critics, each offering their own interpretations of the poem's meaning and significance.
One common interpretation of the poem is that it represents Plath's own struggles with depression and isolation. The foggy landscape and sense of disconnection could be seen as a metaphor for the speaker's mental state, while the melancholic images of the train, horse, and flower allude to the themes of mortality and despair that are present throughout much of Plath's work.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it represents a sense of existential angst, with the speaker grappling with questions of identity and purpose in a world that seems indifferent to their existence. This interpretation is supported by the final lines of the poem, which allude to the possibility of suicide and suggest a sense of hopelessness and futility.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, one thing that is clear is that "Sheep in Fog" is a powerful and haunting work of poetry that continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.
Conclusion
Sylvia Plath's "Sheep in Fog" is a complex and powerful work of poetry that explores themes of isolation, mortality, and despair. The poem's vivid imagery and ambiguous ending create a sense of haunting unease that lingers with the reader long after they have finished reading. Through its exploration of these complex themes, "Sheep in Fog" cements Plath's place as one of the most celebrated and enigmatic poets of the 20th century.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of expression that has been used for centuries to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas. One of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, Sylvia Plath, was known for her powerful and evocative poetry. One of her most famous works is "Sheep in Fog," a haunting and introspective poem that explores themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a foggy landscape, where sheep are grazing in the mist. The imagery is vivid and atmospheric, with the fog creating a sense of mystery and uncertainty. The sheep, too, are a powerful symbol, representing innocence, vulnerability, and conformity. The speaker is drawn to the sheep, perhaps because they are a reminder of a simpler time, or because they offer a sense of comfort in the midst of the fog.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more introspective, reflecting on their own sense of identity and purpose. They describe themselves as a "cloud" that is "slowly, silently, now the moon / Walks the night in her silver shoon." This image is both beautiful and melancholic, suggesting a sense of loneliness and detachment from the world around them. The moon, too, is a powerful symbol, representing the speaker's desire for clarity and illumination.
The speaker then describes a sense of unease, as if they are lost in the fog and unable to find their way. They say, "Suddenly the window will open / And Mother will call it a disastrous brainwave." This line is both ominous and ambiguous, suggesting that the speaker is struggling with their own thoughts and emotions, and that they fear being judged or misunderstood by others.
The poem then takes a more surreal turn, as the speaker describes a dreamlike sequence of images. They say, "The sky is a milky sow, / The sky is a sheep, / And all the stars are drops of milk." These images are strange and unsettling, suggesting a sense of disorientation and confusion. The speaker seems to be searching for meaning in a world that is constantly shifting and changing.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker reflects on their own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. They say, "The sheep tick / I suppose that is one way to live, / But you always wonder what you are missing." This line is both poignant and haunting, suggesting that the speaker is aware of their own mortality and the limitations of their existence. The sheep tick, too, is a powerful symbol, representing the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
Overall, "Sheep in Fog" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning. The imagery is vivid and atmospheric, creating a sense of mystery and uncertainty. The sheep, moon, and fog are all powerful symbols that add depth and complexity to the poem. The final lines are particularly haunting, suggesting that the speaker is aware of their own mortality and the limitations of their existence. Sylvia Plath was a master of poetry, and "Sheep in Fog" is a testament to her skill and talent.
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