Poem Analysis - The Hermit At Outermost House

Introduction: Defiance in Isolation

Sylvia Plath's "The Hermit At Outermost House" is a powerful, concise poem that explores the confrontation between humanity and harsh, unyielding forces, both natural and perhaps divine. The poem presents a solitary figure who, despite facing immense pressure from a bleak and unforgiving environment, manages to carve out a space for meaning and resilience. The tone begins with a sense of the overwhelming power of nature but quickly shifts to admiration for the hermit's unwavering spirit. This admiration grows into a celebration of the hermit's ability to create something new and hopeful in the face of existential challenge. The poem ends on an optimistic note, suggesting that even in the most desolate circumstances, humanity can find, or even create, its own "green" meaning.

The Theme of Human Resilience

One of the main themes of the poem is the resilience of the human spirit. The "hermit" is positioned against formidable adversaries: "Sky and sea," "great gods," and "Hard gods." The opening lines emphasize the crushing potential of the natural world, suggesting that even the vastness of sea and sky could "flatten this man out." However, the poem argues that the hermit withstands this flattening, proving his inherent strength. This is reinforced by the description of his "backbone unbendable as / Timbers of his upright hut," indicating not only physical fortitude but also an unwavering moral and spiritual stance against the "dour" and "despotic" powers that seek to define him. His solitary existence, rather than being a sign of weakness, becomes a testament to his self-sufficiency and inner strength.

Nature as an Oppressive Force

Nature is presented not as a nurturing source, but as a potentially oppressive force. The "great gods" are "Winded by much rock-bumping / And claw-threat," suggesting a violent and unforgiving landscape. This imagery establishes a sense of struggle and danger, emphasizing the challenges faced by the hermit. The "Hard gods" further solidify the idea of a cold and uncaring universe. They are not benevolent deities, but rather unyielding forces that offer nothing but hardship. The description of the landscape as "Rock-face, crab-claw" reinforces this harshness, depicting an environment that is inherently hostile to life. This depiction sets the stage for the hermit's triumph, highlighting the magnitude of his achievement in creating meaning within such a bleak setting.

The Symbolism of "Green"

The color green is a central symbol in the poem, representing life, hope, and the hermit's unique creation of meaning. Initially, the world is dominated by the "blank blue" of the sky and sea and the "stony, horny" qualities of the landscape. This implies a world devoid of vitality and imagination. However, the hermit "thumbed out something else," a "certain meaning green." This act suggests that he has cultivated something new and vital, a personal interpretation of existence that transcends the bleakness of his surroundings. The final image of "Gulls mulled in the greenest light" reinforces this sense of hope and renewal, indicating that the hermit's actions have had a positive impact on his environment and created a space for beauty and life to flourish. Is this green a literal growth or a metaphorical bloom of understanding and peace?

Concluding Thought: Defiant Creation

In conclusion, "The Hermit At Outermost House" is a powerful exploration of human resilience and the ability to create meaning in the face of overwhelming adversity. The poem depicts a stark and unforgiving environment, personified by harsh "gods" and a bleak landscape. Yet, the hermit, through his unwavering spirit and his act of creation, defies these forces and carves out a space for hope and renewal, symbolized by the vibrant "green" he brings into the world. Ultimately, Plath's poem suggests that even in the most desolate circumstances, the human spirit can triumph and generate its own unique and powerful meaning.