Crossing the Water : Summary
Crossing the Water is a notable literary work by Sylvia Plath. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Crossing the Water.
Summary
“Crossing The Water” is a masterpiece by American poet Sylvia Plath (1932 – 1963). She is known for her confessional writing style. The poem reflects on a scene by a black lake with a black boat and two black, cut-paper people. It is a reflection of nature and the mysteries it holds.
Description of Nature: The first stanza describes a black lake, a black boat, and two black, cut-paper people. The poet wonders where the shadows of the black trees on the lake shore extend. It suggests they may cover a vast distance, even reaching Canada.
The connection between the Natural World and Human Experience: In the second stanza, the poet describes a faint light filtering through the water flowers. With their round and flat leaves, these flowers seem to offer advice not to hurry. The stanza suggests a connection between the natural world and the human experience.
Connection between All Living Beings and the Natural World: The third stanza introduces the idea that the “spirit of blackness” is present in humans and the fish in the water. It hints at a shared connection between all living beings and the natural world, suggesting a deeper unity.
Natural World’s Impact on Humans: In the final stanza, the poem introduces the imagery of stars opening among the lilies. It symbolizes moments of revelation or insight. It questions whether the reader is “blinded by such expressionless sirens.” Again, this suggests that the poem leaves souls stunned. It emphasizes the silence and wonder of the natural world and its impact on the human spirit.