'Gigolo' by Sylvia Plath

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The Collected Poems1963Pocket watch, I tick well.
The streets are lizardly crevices
Sheer-sided, with holes where to hide.
It is best to meet in a cul-de-sac,A palace of velvet
With windows of mirrors.
There one is safe,
There are no family photographs,No rings through the nose, no cries.
Bright fish hooks, the smiles of women
Gulp at my bulk
And I, in my snazzy blacks,Mill a litter of breasts like jellyfish.
To nourish
The cellos of moans I eat eggs --
Eggs and fish, the essentials,The aphrodisiac squid.
My mouth sags,
The mouth of Christ
When my engine reaches the end of it.The tattle of my
Gold joints, my way of turning
Bitches to ripples of silver
Rolls out a carpet, a hush.And there is no end, no end of it.
I shall never grow old. New oysters
Shriek in the sea and I
Glitter like FontainebleuGratified,
All the fall of water an eye
Over whose pool I tenderly
Lean and see me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sylvia Plath's Gigolo: A Masterpiece of Dark Imagery and Disturbing Sexuality

Sylvia Plath's Gigolo is a poem that is as enigmatic as it is haunting. Written during the poet's turbulent marriage to the poet Ted Hughes, the poem is a reflection of her inner turmoil and her struggle to come to terms with her own sexuality.

At its core, Gigolo is a poem about power and control. It is a poem that explores the dynamic between men and women and how that dynamic can be twisted and perverted into something dark and disturbing.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a man who is both beautiful and cruel. She describes how he moves through the world with a sense of entitlement and how he uses his beauty to manipulate those around him. This man is the embodiment of toxic masculinity and his presence in the poem sets the tone for what is to come.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes increasingly fixated on this man and the power he holds over her. She describes how she longs to be with him, even though she knows he will only use her and discard her when he is done. This longing is the result of the power dynamic that exists between men and women in our society. Women are taught to crave the attention and validation of men, even when those men are abusive and cruel.

The imagery in this poem is dark and disturbing. Plath uses vivid, visceral language to describe the speaker's longing for this man. She compares him to a "flamingo" and describes how he "struts like a lion" through the world. These images are both beautiful and terrifying, and they serve to underscore the power this man holds over the speaker.

One of the most interesting aspects of this poem is the way it challenges traditional gender roles. The speaker is a woman and she is the one who desires the man in the poem. This inversion of traditional gender roles is a hallmark of Plath's work and it is part of what makes her poetry so powerful.

Another notable aspect of this poem is the way it explores the relationship between sex and power. The man in the poem uses his sexuality as a weapon, using it to control and manipulate the women around him. This is a common theme in Plath's work and it speaks to her own experiences with sexual abuse and trauma.

Overall, Gigolo is a masterpiece of dark imagery and disturbing sexuality. It is a poem that challenges our assumptions about gender roles and power dynamics, and it sheds light on the dark underbelly of our society's obsession with beauty and sex. For anyone interested in the work of Sylvia Plath, this poem is essential reading.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Gigolo: A Masterpiece by Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her confessional style and powerful imagery. Her poem, "Poetry Gigolo," is a prime example of her unique style and the depth of her poetic talent. In this 28-line poem, Plath explores the relationship between the poet and the reader, using vivid metaphors and striking imagery to convey her message.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader directly, asking them if they want to "buy" her poetry. The use of the word "buy" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the poet is offering something of value that the reader must pay for. This idea is reinforced in the second line, where the speaker describes herself as a "poetry gigolo," implying that she is selling her poetry in exchange for money or other forms of compensation.

As the poem progresses, the speaker uses a series of metaphors to describe the relationship between the poet and the reader. She compares herself to a "whore," suggesting that she is willing to do whatever it takes to sell her poetry and gain the reader's attention. This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it highlights the idea that the poet is willing to sacrifice her own dignity and self-respect in order to achieve her goals.

The speaker also compares herself to a "snake," suggesting that she is cunning and manipulative in her approach to poetry. This metaphor is particularly effective, as it highlights the idea that the poet is not simply a passive observer, but an active participant in the creation and dissemination of her work. By comparing herself to a snake, the speaker suggests that she is willing to use whatever means necessary to achieve her goals, even if it means deceiving or manipulating her audience.

Throughout the poem, Plath uses vivid imagery to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. She describes the poet's "sweating palms" and "trembling knees," suggesting that she is nervous and anxious about the reception of her work. This imagery is particularly effective, as it highlights the vulnerability and insecurity that often accompanies the creative process.

The speaker also describes the reader as a "john," suggesting that they are seeking something from the poet that they cannot find elsewhere. This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it highlights the idea that poetry is not simply a form of entertainment or diversion, but a means of fulfilling a deeper emotional or psychological need.

As the poem reaches its conclusion, the speaker acknowledges the power dynamic that exists between the poet and the reader. She describes the reader as a "master," suggesting that they hold the power to accept or reject the poet's work. This acknowledgement of the reader's power is particularly effective, as it highlights the idea that the poet is not simply creating for herself, but for an audience that holds the key to her success or failure.

In conclusion, "Poetry Gigolo" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex relationship between the poet and the reader. Through the use of vivid metaphors and striking imagery, Sylvia Plath conveys the vulnerability, insecurity, and power dynamics that exist within the creative process. This poem is a testament to Plath's poetic talent and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and nuance.

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