Poem Analysis - Above The Oxbow

A Valley View: Introduction to Plath's "Above The Oxbow"

Sylvia Plath's "Above The Oxbow" is a contemplative poem that explores the relationship between perspective, physical elevation, and human perception. The poem moves from a descriptive portrayal of a valley landscape to a philosophical meditation on the act of climbing and seeing. The initial tone is observational and slightly wry, shifting to a more reflective and hopeful tone as the speaker considers the potential for expanded vision. This leads to an objective summation of the view from above that is almost clinical, which gives way to a feeling of wonder and introspection, ending with a recognition of the quietude and altered state achievable through elevated perspective.

Climbing as Metaphor: Pursuing New Visions

One central theme is the pursuit of broadened perspective. The poem uses the physical act of climbing as a metaphor for seeking new understandings and challenging limited views. The speaker acknowledges the "peculiar logic" of climbing – "going up for the coming down" – but emphasizes the transformative potential of the summit. The idea is that even though one returns to the same starting point physically, the experience of climbing and the view from the top will change the climber’s perspective. The poem highlights that the struggle of the climb, with its "fitful wish for even ground," is worth the effort because "the last cliff ledge will dislodge our cramped concept of space, unwall horizons beyond vision." The images of "stretching the narrowed eye to full capacity" underscores the theme of intellectual and perceptual expansion.

The Illusion of Order: A View from Above

The poem also explores the theme of order versus reality, particularly how perspective can alter our perception of the world. The view from the top presents a simplified, "maplike" version of the valley below, where fields are "ruled by correct green lines" and cars move as "suave colored beads." This stands in contrast to the "seedy free-for-all of asparagus heads" one might observe at ground level. The simplification can be seen as both appealing and potentially misleading. The poem suggests that the elevated perspective provides a sense of "peace and discipline," but it also implies a certain detachment from the more chaotic and organic reality of life at the valley floor. It is as though elevation provides clarity but at the cost of detail.

The Allure of the Gaze: Examining our Longing

A third key theme is the human desire for transcendence and the power of looking. The repeated emphasis on vision and viewpoints highlights our inherent longing to surpass limitations and gain a broader understanding of our place in the world. The poem describes the landscape as something "to be looked southward to." The description of the "state view-keeper" who "collects half-dollars for the slopes of state scenery, sells soda, shows off viewpoints," suggests an ingrained human desire to seek out vantage points and consume the "view." This points to an underlying hunger for something beyond our immediate surroundings. The "rufty skylight" painting the "gray oxbow" with color further emphasizes the power of perspective to transform and beautify the world around us.

Echoes of Time: The Funicular Railway

One particularly vivid image is the "paint-peeled hundred-year-old hotel" with its "fallen timbers of its once remarkable funicular railway." This image serves as a symbol of lost grandeur and the passage of time. The funicular railway, once a technological marvel that facilitated access to the mountaintop view, is now in ruins, a "witness to gone time, and to graces gone with the time." This symbol invites reflection on the ephemeral nature of human achievements and the constant state of flux. It also suggests a contrast between the past, when access to elevated views required technological ingenuity, and the present, where the state offers readily available viewpoints for a fee. The ruin serves as a reminder that even the most remarkable achievements are subject to decay and obsolescence.

Quietude and Reflection: Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, "Above The Oxbow" is a thoughtful exploration of perception, perspective, and the human drive to transcend limitations. The poem uses the physical landscape of the Connecticut River valley as a springboard for a meditation on the act of seeing and understanding. By climbing, the speaker moves from the shadow of "hot rooftops" to a place where "a high hush quietens the crickets' cry." The poem emphasizes the power of an elevated perspective to provide clarity, order, and a sense of peace, while also acknowledging the potential for detachment and the importance of grounding oneself in the realities of the world below. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true understanding requires both the ascent and the descent, the expanded vision and the grounded experience.