'The Times Are Tidy' by Sylvia Plath
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Unlucky the hero born
In this province of the stuck record
Where the most watchful cooks go jobless
And the mayor's rĂ´tisserie turns
Round of its own accord.
There's no career in the venture
Of riding against the lizard,
Himself withered these latter-days
To leaf-size from lack of action:
History's beaten the hazard.
The last crone got burnt up
More than eight decades back
With the love-hot herb, the talking cat,
But the children are better for it,
The cow milks cream an inch thick.
Submitted by shadowfax
Editor 1 Interpretation
"The Times Are Tidy" by Sylvia Plath: A Study in the Contrast of Time and Memory
From the first reading of Sylvia Plath's poem "The Times Are Tidy," one can immediately sense the tension between the world of the present and the world of memory. The poem is a complex exploration of the intersection between these two spaces, and Plath's unique literary style and use of language add to the depth and richness of its meaning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the various themes and motifs present in the poem, and examine how Plath's use of language and structure contributes to the overall impact of the work.
The Poem: An Overview
"The Times Are Tidy" is a poem of twenty-two lines, divided into four stanzas. It was published posthumously in 1965, in the collection "Ariel." The poem presents a contrast between the present and the past, and explores the idea of the "tidiness" of time. The first stanza introduces the concept of the present, and describes a "neat house" with "furniture arranged for the ease of the living." The second stanza introduces the theme of the past, and describes a "ghostly admiral" who represents memories of a bygone era. The third stanza shows the intersection of these two worlds, as the speaker stands "where the past and the future are gathered." The final stanza draws the poem to a close, with the speaker acknowledging the inevitability of death and the ultimate "tidiness" of time.
Themes and Motifs
The contrast between the present and the past is the central theme of "The Times Are Tidy." The poem explores this theme in several ways, including through the use of imagery and symbolism. The present is represented by the "neat house," with its carefully arranged furniture and emphasis on comfort and ease. In contrast, the past is represented by the "ghostly admiral," who symbolizes the memories and experiences of a bygone era.
Another motif present in the poem is the idea of "tidiness." The title itself suggests a sense of order and neatness, and this concept is carried throughout the work. The present is described as "neat" and "arranged," while the admiral's memories are referred to as "tidings." The final stanza brings this motif to its ultimate conclusion, with the speaker acknowledging the tidiness of death and the ultimate end of time.
Language and Structure
Plath's use of language and structure in "The Times Are Tidy" is truly remarkable. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This freedom allows Plath to explore the theme of time in a unique and powerful way.
The imagery used in the poem is also striking. The "neat house" of the present is described in detail, with its "furniture arranged for the ease of the living" and "clean white counters." This attention to detail creates a sense of order and calm, which contrasts sharply with the chaotic memories of the admiral.
The admiral himself is described in vivid and ghostly terms, with his "bones a dull cargo" and his memories "ghostly tidings." This use of imagery creates a sense of otherworldliness and nostalgia, as the past is contrasted with the present.
Interpretation
At its core, "The Times Are Tidy" is a meditation on the nature of time and memory. The tension between the present and the past is a universal experience, and Plath's poem captures this tension in a powerful and evocative way. The use of language and structure adds to the impact of the work, creating a sense of order and calm in the present while also acknowledging the chaos and nostalgia of the past.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as the speaker acknowledges the ultimate "tidiness" of time in the face of death. This realization adds a sense of urgency to the poem, as the speaker implores the reader to live in the present and cherish the moments that they have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Times Are Tidy" is a powerful and thought-provoking work of poetry. Plath's use of language and structure creates a contrast between the present and the past that is both evocative and universal. The poem's themes of time, memory, and mortality are explored in a unique and powerful way, leaving the reader with a sense of urgency and a call to live in the present.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Times Are Tidy: A Masterpiece of Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath is a name that needs no introduction in the world of literature. Her works have been celebrated for their depth, complexity, and raw emotion. One such work that stands out is her poem, The Times Are Tidy. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death, and the inevitability of change. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and analyze its various aspects.
The poem begins with the line, "Unlucky the hero born / In this province of the stuck record / Where the most watchful passerby / Misses the sight of emergency." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It speaks of the futility of life and how even the most heroic of individuals are bound to fail in a world that is stuck in a cycle of repetition. The use of the phrase "stuck record" is particularly poignant as it evokes the image of a broken record that keeps playing the same tune over and over again.
The next few lines of the poem describe the mundane routine of everyday life. Plath writes, "To those who stiffed in corridors / Floored in factories, bleached / In fields, or frozen behind / Windows." These lines paint a picture of people who are trapped in their daily routines and are unable to break free from the monotony of their lives. The use of the word "stiffed" is particularly powerful as it suggests a lack of movement or progress.
The poem then takes a dark turn as Plath describes death. She writes, "To the white, violet-eyed / Woman who baked cakes and sang / Her thin voice over the wireless / To the child who played with the carved / Knight on the steps of the attic." These lines speak of the inevitability of death and how it can strike anyone, regardless of their age or station in life. The image of the woman baking cakes and singing over the wireless is particularly haunting as it suggests a sense of domesticity and normalcy that is shattered by death.
The next few lines of the poem describe the aftermath of death. Plath writes, "To those who died in shops / Or on the crossroads with their / Feet in their mouths." These lines speak of the suddenness of death and how it can strike at any moment. The use of the phrase "feet in their mouths" is particularly jarring as it suggests a sense of helplessness and vulnerability.
The poem then takes a philosophical turn as Plath reflects on the nature of life and death. She writes, "To the chitchat in the queues, / To the sound of the closing / Lids of the dustbins, / To the jingle of footsteps." These lines speak of the transience of life and how even the most mundane of things can hold significance in the grand scheme of things. The use of the phrase "chitchat in the queues" is particularly interesting as it suggests a sense of community and shared experience.
The poem then ends on a hopeful note as Plath writes, "The times are tidy, / A little garden on a / Lavender hill, irises / Spike after the setting sun, / Their late-blooming heads / Dreaming, sighing / In the cooling air." These lines speak of the beauty of life and how even in the face of death, there is still hope and beauty to be found. The image of the garden on a lavender hill is particularly powerful as it suggests a sense of peace and tranquility.
In conclusion, The Times Are Tidy is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death. It speaks of the futility of life and the inevitability of change, but also of the beauty and hope that can be found in even the darkest of moments. Sylvia Plath's use of language and imagery is masterful, and her ability to evoke emotion in the reader is unparalleled. This poem is a testament to her talent and a reminder of the power of poetry to move and inspire.
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