Poem Analysis - The Death Of Myth Making

Introduction: The Erosion of Imagination

Sylvia Plath's "The Death Of Myth-making" is a lament for the loss of wonder and the supernatural in a world increasingly dominated by logic and practicality. The poem establishes a somber tone, suggesting a feeling of resignation as imagination and folklore are replaced by rationality. A subtle shift occurs as the poem moves from describing the rise of Reason and Common Sense to illustrating the negative impact on those who once thrived in the realm of myth, like mothers and farmboys.

Historical and Authorial Context: A World Shifting Away From Myth

While not explicitly stated in the poem itself, understanding Plath's broader context is helpful. Living in the mid-20th century, a period marked by scientific advancements and increasing secularization, Plath was likely witnessing a cultural shift where traditional beliefs and folklore were being questioned and often dismissed. This poem can be interpreted as a reflection of that cultural transition, mourning the diminished role of myth and the imaginative in modern society.

Theme: The Triumph of Rationality Over Imagination

One of the main themes is the triumph of rationality, personified by "Lantern-jawed Reason" and "squat Common Sense," over imagination and myth. These figures are depicted as actively working to eliminate the "muddling devil" – a symbolic representation of the irrational, the chaotic, and the fantastical. The imagery of "grinding knives and scissors" and setting "their whetstone to the blunted edge" suggests a deliberate and forceful attempt to dissect and diminish the power of the mythical.

Theme: The Negative Impact on Human Experience

Another key theme is the negative impact of this rationalization on human experience. The poem illustrates how the suppression of myth leads to a sense of emptiness and disquiet. The once-vibrant and evocative landscape of the "scraggly wood," where the "devil" resided, becomes a place of fear and anxiety. Mothers miscarry, dogs cringe, and the farmboy's temper turns "wolfish" – all suggesting a loss of harmony and a descent into a more primal and unsettling state.

Theme: The Mundane and The Loss of Originality

A third theme revolves around the mundane replacing the original. The imagery of "lopped trees," "trim poodles," and "pared level" laborer's nails underscores the sterile and controlled environment created by Reason and Common Sense. This controlled world lacks the wildness and untamed spirit associated with myth and folklore, suggesting a loss of individuality and a descent into conformity.

Symbolism: Whetstone Of Rationality

The "whetstone" serves as a powerful symbol of reason and logic. It represents the tools used to sharpen and refine, but also to diminish and ultimately destroy the "blunted edge" of myth. The act of sharpening implies a purposeful effort to make things more precise and manageable, but at the cost of their original depth and texture. The "muddling devil" whose power over human psychology is diminished, represents the unpredictable forces in nature.

Conclusion: A Lament for a Vanished World

"The Death Of Myth-making" is a poignant elegy for a world where imagination and folklore held sway. Plath’s poem serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of prioritizing reason over all else, suggesting that the relentless pursuit of rationality can lead to a diminished and ultimately impoverished human experience. The poem reminds us of the importance of preserving a space for mystery, wonder, and the power of storytelling in our lives.