Poem Analysis - Goatsucker

A Mythical Creature of Fear and Imagination

Sylvia Plath's "Goatsucker" is a chilling exploration of folklore and fear, where a mythical creature preys on livestock and the anxieties of rural communities. The poem begins with a tone of ominous certainty, rooted in the "Old goatherds'" tales, but subtly shifts towards skepticism and demystification. This transition highlights the power of imagination and the creation of monsters from uncertainty. Ultimately, "Goatsucker" delves into the nature of fear, its origins in folklore, and its potential to overshadow reality.

The Author's Context and Influences

While direct biographical details about Plath's life connecting to a "Goatsucker" mythos are not readily available, it's possible to consider some potential connections to her broader context. The poem was written during a time where superstition and anxieties about the unknown still held sway, especially in rural communities. The Cold War, the threat of nuclear annihilation, could also be theorized to influence Plath's exploration of hidden threats and anxieties that simmer beneath the surface of everyday life. The poem's exploration of darkness and hidden menace fits with Plath's style.

Themes of Fear, Folklore, and Reality

The poem develops several key themes. Fear is the most prominent, manifested through the Goatsucker itself. The creature embodies the anxieties of the farmers, their fear of loss and vulnerability. This fear is amplified by the folklore surrounding the Goatsucker, passed down through generations and reinforced by the "Old goatherds'" tales. However, the poem also contrasts this fear with reality. The final stanza reveals that the Goatsucker is not a monstrous killer, but rather a phantom. This theme emerges through the description of the animal's supposed victims and the animal itself, contrasted by what it preys on: "Cockchafers and the wan, green luna moth."

Symbolic Imagery: The Ruby Eye and Witch Cloth Wings

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery. The "chip of ruby fire" representing the Goatsucker's eye is a vivid image of malevolence and threat. Ruby is associated with passion and danger and the size descriptor implies it's a small but powerful threat. The description of the Goatsucker's wings as being made of "witch cloth" connects the creature to the world of witchcraft and supernatural fear. Both images create a strong sense of unease and contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread. The fact that it's "masked from men's sight," means the threat is unseen, unheard and makes it worse.

Demystifying the Monster: Shadows and Imagination

The poem's conclusion offers a crucial shift in perspective. The revelation that the Goatsucker "never milked any goat, nor dealt cow death" challenges the initial portrayal of the creature as a malevolent force. Instead, it suggests that the Goatsucker is a product of imagination, a projection of fear onto the shadows of the night. The poem ends with a focus on the real creatures of the night -- "Cockchafers and the wan, green luna moth" -- implying that the true source of fear lies not in mythical monsters but in the unknown aspects of the natural world. One might ask if the fear of the Goatsucker is then misplaced fear. Is the fear of "Cockchafers and the wan, green luna moth" the real problem?

Conclusion: From Fear to Acceptance

In conclusion, "Goatsucker" is a powerful exploration of fear, folklore, and the power of imagination. The poem masterfully blends chilling imagery with a subtle shift towards skepticism, revealing that the true monsters often reside within our own minds. By demystifying the Goatsucker, Plath invites us to confront our fears and recognize the boundary between reality and the creatures of our own making. The poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of folklore to shape our perceptions and influence our understanding of the world.