Poem Analysis - Blue Moles

Introduction: A Descent into Darkness and Labor

Sylvia Plath's "Blue Moles" is a stark and unsettling poem that uses the discovery of two dead moles as a springboard for exploring themes of labor, mortality, and the hidden darkness beneath the surface of life. The poem begins with a detached, almost clinical observation of the dead animals, but quickly descends into a more visceral and empathetic understanding of their existence. The tone shifts from initial disgust and pity to a kind of identification with the moles' relentless, subterranean struggles, culminating in a reflection on the ephemeral nature of existence and the persistent distance from fulfillment.

Mortality and Vulnerability: The Moles' Fate

One of the primary themes in "Blue Moles" is mortality. The poem opens with the stark image of two dead moles, described in unflattering terms: "Shapeless as flung gloves" and "Blue suede a dog or fox has chewed." This initial description emphasizes their vulnerability and the abruptness of their demise. The phrase "bad nature" suggests a senseless and cruel end, highlighting the precariousness of life, even for creatures adapted to their environment. The comparison of the moles to "blind twins" further underscores their shared fate and helplessness against the forces that ultimately claim them.

Labor and Isolation: The Underground Struggle

The poem also delves into the theme of labor, depicting the moles' existence as a relentless and solitary struggle. Plath writes of them "palming the earth aside, grubbers / After the fat children of root and rock." This imagery evokes a sense of tireless and thankless work. The phrase "mute rooms" suggests a deep isolation, emphasizing the moles' separation from the world above. The poem suggests that this labor, though essential for survival, ultimately leads to no lasting satisfaction. The "heaven / Of final surfeit is just as far / From the door as ever," indicating the endless pursuit of sustenance without achieving true fulfillment.

Darkness and the Unseen: A Symbolic Underworld

A central symbol in "Blue Moles" is the darkness associated with the moles' underground world. This darkness represents not only their physical environment but also the hidden aspects of existence. The phrase "What happens between us / Happens in darkness, vanishes / Easy and often as each breath" suggests that important, perhaps even fundamental, experiences are often unseen and quickly forgotten. The poem implies that this unseen world is both necessary for life and a source of anxiety and alienation. The connection between the speaker ("I") and the moles through shared darkness hints at a deeper understanding of the hidden struggles that define existence.

Conclusion: An Echo of Ephemeral Existence

In conclusion, "Blue Moles" is a powerful meditation on mortality, labor, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. Plath uses the image of the dead moles as a lens through which to examine the fleeting nature of existence and the relentless pursuit of sustenance in a world often indifferent to individual struggle. The poem’s significance lies in its ability to connect the seemingly insignificant lives of these creatures to broader existential questions, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and a deeper appreciation for the darkness that underlies the surface of everyday life.