Poem Analysis - In Plaster

An Unsettling Symbiosis: Introduction

Sylvia Plath's "In Plaster" is a chilling exploration of self-estrangement and the struggle for identity. The poem plunges into a disturbing relationship between the speaker and a plaster cast that gradually becomes a separate entity. Initially, the tone is one of resentment and fear, shifting to a bizarre form of dependence, and finally culminating in a desperate assertion of self-preservation. The poem's unsettling mood underscores the speaker's internal conflict as she grapples with her sense of self in the face of illness or mental breakdown.

The Divided Self: A Central Theme

One of the main themes is the fragmentation of the self. The speaker describes herself as being split into "the old yellow one" and "this new absolutely white person." This division suggests a loss of wholeness and a feeling of being disconnected from her own body and identity. The plaster cast, initially an external support, becomes an embodiment of the speaker's idealized self – white, unbreakable, and without complaints. This splitting can be interpreted as the speaker's struggle with mental illness, where one part of her attempts to suppress or control the other. The speaker’s shifting emotions and feelings about the cast further accentuate this fragmented sense of self. The initial hatred and fear give way to reliance and then to resentment, illustrating the internal battle taking place.

Dependence and Power Dynamics: A Twisted Relationship

The poem also delves into the complex dynamics of dependence and power. At first, the speaker feels repulsed by the plaster cast, but gradually she begins to rely on it for support, both physically and emotionally. This dependence creates a twisted power dynamic where the speaker initially feels superior because she has given the cast a "soul." However, as the poem progresses, the plaster cast seems to develop its own agency and begins to resent the speaker's reliance. The speaker's anxiety over the cast's perceived superiority and potential abandonment reveals a deep-seated fear of being alone and vulnerable. The shift in power reflects the speaker's internal struggle, highlighting how dependency can erode one's sense of self.

Mortality and Identity: A Frightening Dance

Finally, the theme of mortality and the fear of being erased runs throughout the poem. The image of the plaster cast as a "coffin" suggests a preoccupation with death and the impermanence of life. The speaker's fear that the cast will "cover my mouth and eyes, cover me entirely" and wear her "painted face the way a mummy-case / Wears the face of a pharaoh" conveys a terrifying sense of being replaced and forgotten. This fear is rooted in the speaker's struggle to maintain her identity in the face of illness and the threat of being consumed by the idealized, yet lifeless, version of herself represented by the cast. The cast's supposed immortality only intensifies the speaker's anxieties about her own mortality and the potential loss of self.

Symbolism of Whiteness: Purity or Emptiness?

The recurring image of whiteness is a potent symbol in the poem. Initially, the "absolutely white person" represents a kind of idealized purity and strength, free from the flaws and imperfections of the "old yellow one." However, as the poem progresses, the whiteness becomes associated with coldness, emptiness, and a lack of personality. The plaster cast's whiteness can be interpreted as a representation of societal expectations of perfection and the pressure to conform to an unrealistic ideal. But is this whiteness truly desirable, or does it represent a sterile and ultimately unsustainable existence? The poem leaves this question open, prompting the reader to consider the true cost of striving for an unattainable ideal.

Conclusion: A Struggle for Sovereignty

In conclusion, "In Plaster" is a powerful and disturbing exploration of the fragmented self, the dynamics of dependence, and the fear of mortality. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Plath creates a chilling portrait of a speaker grappling with her identity and struggling to assert her sovereignty over her own being. The poem's unsettling ambiguity leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection on the complexities of self-perception and the challenges of maintaining a sense of self in the face of internal and external pressures.