Poem Analysis - An Appearance

An Appearance of Dissonance

Sylvia Plath's "An Appearance" presents a complex and unsettling view of love and intellect. The poem begins with a sense of coldness and alienation, then transitions to a more analytical and critical tone, before culminating in a feeling of overwhelming disarray. The speaker grapples with a loved one who embodies both affection and a detached, almost mechanical precision. This creates a disorienting experience, leaving the speaker questioning the very nature of their relationship. The overall effect is one of fractured admiration mixed with a deep unease.

The Cold Logic of Love

One of the central themes in "An Appearance" is the conflict between emotion and intellect, particularly in the context of love. The poem opens with the stark image of "the smile of iceboxes," a chilling metaphor that suggests a calculated, passionless demeanor. This image immediately establishes a distance between the speaker and the loved one, implying that her outward expressions of affection are somehow artificial or devoid of genuine warmth. The line "Such blue currents in the veins of my loved one!" further emphasizes this coldness, using the color blue to signify a lack of passion or vitality. In contrast to the coldness is the "great heart purr." This hints to a genuine affection and warmth, even if it seems strange to the speaker.

Symbols of Contradiction

The poem is rich in symbolism, with several images recurring to highlight the contradictions within the loved one. The "ampersands and percent signs" that exit her lips "like kisses" are particularly striking. These symbols of logic and calculation replacing expressions of affection underscore the speaker's perception of her as overly rational or perhaps even emotionally stunted. The imagery of "morals" that "launder and present themselves" suggests a superficial adherence to societal expectations, potentially masking a deeper lack of authenticity. The "steele needle that flies so blindingly" can be interpreted as the sewing needle used to make clothes or it can be interpreted as a hypodermic needle used in the past, where blood letting was used as a cure. This imagery ties into the "red material" that will cover a dynasty, linking the act of creation (whether of garments or legacies) to a potential source of pain or unease.

A Mind Wound Up Tight

The image of the loved one's body as "A Swiss watch, jeweled in the hinges!" is a powerful metaphor for her perceived perfection and precision, but also suggests a sense of constraint. Swiss watches are prized for their intricate mechanisms and flawless performance, yet they are also confined and regulated. This image reinforces the theme of intellect and control. The description implies that she is meticulously crafted and flawlessly functioning, but perhaps at the expense of spontaneity and genuine emotion. How much is this perfect nature a strength, and how much is it a personal failing?

Disorganization of the Heart

The poem culminates in a declaration of "O heart, such disorganization!" marking a shift in tone from analytical observation to emotional surrender. Despite the loved one's apparent order and precision, the speaker's own heart is overwhelmed by the confusion and contradictions she embodies. The final images of "stars flashing like terrible numerals" and "ABC, her eyelids say" further emphasize this sense of disorientation. The stars, typically associated with wonder and beauty, are transformed into frightening symbols of calculation, while the alphabet on her eyelids suggests a reduction of human complexity to its most basic elements. This reinforces the idea that the speaker feels lost and bewildered in the face of the loved one's seemingly impenetrable logic.

Final Reflections on Love and Logic

In conclusion, "An Appearance" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love and the challenges of reconciling emotion with intellect. The poem captures the speaker's struggle to understand a loved one who embodies both affection and a detached rationality. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Plath creates a sense of unease and disorientation, leaving the reader to contemplate the potentially alienating effects of excessive control and the ultimate disarray that can lie beneath a facade of perfection. The poem’s significance lies in its unflinching portrayal of the tensions that can arise within intimate relationships when logic and emotion clash.