Poem Analysis - Pheasant

An Encounter with Nature: A Moment of Hesitation

Sylvia Plath's "Pheasant" captures a moment of quiet contemplation sparked by the presence of a pheasant on the speaker's property. The poem begins with a potential threat, a planned killing, but quickly shifts to admiration and a plea for the bird's survival. The tone is initially apprehensive, even defensive, but evolves into a celebration of the pheasant's beauty and inherent right to exist. This movement from potential violence to appreciative observation forms the core of the poem's emotional arc.

The Value of the Uncommon

One central theme is the value of the uncommon or rare. The speaker acknowledges the pheasant's "rareness" directly, suggesting that this quality contributes to its appeal. The bird is not simply another creature; it possesses a certain distinction. This scarcity amplifies the speaker's desire to protect it. The contrast between the singular pheasant and the "crosshatch of sparrow and starling" highlights its unique position within the environment. The fantasy of "a dozen" or "a hundred" pheasants reveals a deeper longing for a world where such beauty is commonplace, implying a critique of a reality where it is not.

Rightful Existence and Natural Authority

The poem explores the theme of rightful existence and natural authority. The speaker argues that the pheasant's presence in its "element" grants it a "kingliness, a right." This suggests a belief that all creatures, especially those that embody a certain wildness and beauty, deserve to exist without human interference. The phrase "let be, let be" is a direct appeal to allow the pheasant to live its life undisturbed. This theme touches on broader questions of humanity's relationship with nature and our responsibility to protect it.

Imagery of Opulence and Vulnerability

The poem relies on vivid imagery to convey its message. The pheasant is described as a "little cornucopia," a horn of plenty, suggesting abundance and richness. This image contrasts with the initial threat of the pheasant's potential death, highlighting the inherent value that would be lost. The description of its "big foot last winter" and "trail-track, on the snow" creates a sense of the bird's enduring presence and resilience. The image of the pheasant "sunning in the narcissi" further emphasizes its beauty and integration within the natural world, creating a sense of peaceful harmony. Simultaneously, describing the pheasant as "brown as a leaf" also suggests vulnerability, perhaps hinting at its fragility in a world that doesn't always value its existence.

A Plea for Preservation

In conclusion, "Pheasant" is a poignant reflection on the value of nature and the importance of preservation. The poem traces a shift from potential destruction to a celebration of life, emphasizing the pheasant's beauty, rarity, and inherent right to exist. Plath uses vivid imagery and a subtle tone to convey a powerful message about the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. The poem ultimately serves as a plea to recognize and protect the beauty and dignity of all living creatures, even those we might initially perceive as different or threatening.