Discuss the metaphors used in “Words” by Sylvia Plath

Answer

Discuss the metaphors used in “Words” by Sylvia Plath to show the difficulties in writing poetry.

Sylvia Plath’s (1932-1963) poem “Words” (1963) is full of strong metaphors. These metaphors show both the power of writing and the difficulties a poet faces. We will discuss the metaphors below.

Words as Axes: At the beginning, Plath compares words to “axes.” This metaphor shows the power of writing/poetry. Axes cut down trees so that their wood can be made into something else. Just like this, the poet can transform raw experience into art by writing poetry. The axe metaphor also implies words’ ability to hurt. Words can cut those who read them and, perhaps, those who write them.

Words as Water and Tears: Plath also compares words to water and tears. She says,

“The sap

Wells like tears.”

Here, Plath compares words to tears. Words are like crying. They help the poet to release deep emotions. This metaphor shows how writing poetry often comes from pain and sadness. So, writing poetry can be painful. Plath says that when a rock falls in water, the water struggles to become calm again. In the same way, after writing, the poet struggles to return to peace.

Words as Horses: Later, Plath calls words riderless horses. She writes:

“Words dry and riderless.”

This metaphor shows how, once words are released, they run free on their own. The poet cannot control them anymore. They may lose their connection with the poet’s emotions. This is another difficulty in writing poetry.

In short, Plath uses the metaphors of axes, water, tears, and horses to show the difficulty of writing poetry. Words are powerful, but they are also uncontrollable. They may hurt, they may heal, but once written, they live a life of their own.