Poem Analysis - Cinderella

A World of Illusion

Sylvia Plath's "Cinderella" presents a starkly different take on the classic fairytale. Instead of focusing on the magical transformation, the poem delves into the anxiety and artificiality lurking beneath the glittering surface of the ball. The tone begins with a sense of glamorous observation, meticulously describing the scene, but quickly shifts to one of mounting tension and unease as the clock draws near. The poem captures the fragility of the illusion and the impending doom of reality crashing in.

The Hollow Grandeur of Social Expectation

While specific historical context is not explicitly crucial for understanding this poem, it is valuable to acknowledge Plath's broader interest in social roles for women and the pressures associated with them. The poem can be seen as a critique of societal expectations, specifically those imposed on women to conform to idealized images of beauty and grace. The opulent setting of the ball, with its emphasis on appearances and performance, reinforces the sense of artifice and the constraints placed upon the characters within it. The pressure to maintain this charade is palpable throughout the poem.

Ephemeral Beauty and the Looming Truth

One of the prominent themes is the ephemeral nature of beauty and illusion. The poem emphasizes the superficiality of the ball – the "scarlet heels," "green eyes," and "flaring fan" are all carefully constructed aspects of appearance. The "glass palace hall" symbolizes this fragility; it is beautiful but easily shattered. The looming deadline creates a sense of tension and represents the inevitable return to reality, underscoring that the superficial beauty cannot last. The anxiety-ridden moment before midnight signifies the realization that appearances are not sustainable. Another theme revolves around the loss of identity. The "strange girl" lacks individuality; she is simply an object of the prince's gaze, defined by her appearance and her role in the dance. She pales and clings to the prince, suggesting a desperate need for validation and a fear of losing her newfound identity in the glamorous setting. The final theme explores the contrast between the romantic ideal and the harsh reality. The intoxicating atmosphere of the ball and the fairytale image of the prince are disrupted by the "caustic ticking of the clock," a harsh and unforgiving reminder of time's passage and the end of the dream.

Symbols of Artifice and Discomfort

Several key symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The "scarlet heels" and "green eyes" are symbols of artificial beauty and deliberate performance. They highlight the girl's awareness of her own image and the effort she puts into maintaining it. The "glass palace hall" serves as a larger metaphor for the superficiality and fragility of the entire scene. It is a beautiful but ultimately hollow space, reflecting the illusions and expectations of the society it contains. Perhaps the most powerful symbol is the "caustic ticking of the clock." This image represents the harsh intrusion of reality and the impending doom of the fairytale illusion. It is a reminder of time's relentless march forward and the inevitable end of the dream. Its harsh sound further serves to underscore the contrast with the lightheartedness expected at a ball and creates tension.

A Fairytale Unraveling

In conclusion, Plath's "Cinderella" is a poem that subverts the traditional fairytale narrative by focusing on the underlying anxiety and artifice of the ball. Through vivid imagery, symbolism, and a shift in tone, the poem explores themes of fleeting beauty, the pressures of social expectations, and the contrast between romance and reality. The "caustic ticking of the clock" serves as a constant reminder of the illusion's fragility, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and a questioning of the true cost of pursuing fairytale fantasies. The poem reveals that the pursuit of idealized beauty, can lead to anxiety and the painful realization that appearances are ultimately unsustainable.