What features of the song do you get in The poem “Morning song” by Sylvia Plath

Answer

What features of the song do you get in The poem “Morning Song” by Sylvia Plath

“Morning Song” by Sylvia Plath (1932-63) is a poignant and thoughtful poem. The poem explores the complex emotions experienced by a new mother after the birth of her child. Several features of a song are found in this poem.

Tone: The poem begins with a separate and observational tone. It gradually shifted to a more confidential and emotional one. It captures the complex feelings of a mother towards her newborn child, blending both joy and uncertainty.

Imagery: Plath uses vivid and sensory-rich imagery to paint a picture of the early morning scene, where the baby’s birth is compared to a “new statue.” Again, the cries are likened to a “new statue in a drafty museum.” The image of the “fat gold watch” symbolizes the preciousness of time and life.

Metaphorical Language: The baby is metaphorically compared to a number of objects and creatures, such as “a new statue,” “a handful of notes,” and “a pond.” These metaphors convey the mother’s struggle to comprehend and connect with the new life she has brought into the world.

Sound and Rhythm: Plath uses a free verse with irregular line lengths and enjambment, creating a sense of spontaneity and organic movement. The poem lacks a strict rhyme scheme, contributing to its natural and conversational flow.

Sound Devices: Plath skillfully employs sound devices like alliteration and onomatopoeia to enhance the poem’s musicality and emotional impact. For instance, “moth-breath” and “muffled” create a soft and soothing rhythm.

“Morning Song” is a powerful and thoughtful exploration of the nuances of motherhood. It captures the universal journey of a new mother, making it a timeless and relatable piece of poetry.