Poem Analysis - Pollys Tree

Introduction: A Whimsical and Delicate Creation

Sylvia Plath's "Polly's Tree" is a fantastical, almost dreamlike exploration of a unique and personal creation. The poem presents a world built not from reality, but from imagination and delicate beauty. The tone is initially whimsical and fascinated, tinged with a sense of otherworldliness. While the poem remains largely celebratory of this invented space, there's an underlying sense of fragility and impermanence in its delicate construction.

The Unconventional Nature of Beauty

One of the main themes of the poem is the exploration of unconventional beauty. The tree itself is described as a "dream tree," a "thicket of sticks," and a "queer candelabrum," far from the traditional image of a majestic, strong tree. This is reinforced by the details of its adornments: "ghost flower flat as paper," "frost-breath" color, and a "valentine arc of tear-pearled bleeding hearts." These images suggest a fragile, almost ethereal beauty, a stark contrast to the robust, earth-bound nature often associated with trees. Plath uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of something exquisite but also delicate and fleeting. Even the "tiger faced pansy" is an unexpected and perhaps jarring element, hinting at a wilder, less tamed beauty woven into the delicate scene.

Personal Vision Versus Accepted Norms

The poem also subtly explores the theme of individual vision versus accepted norms. The repeated phrase "Polly's tree" emphasizes the personal and subjective nature of this creation. It is not "a family tree, nor a tree of heaven," meaning it doesn't adhere to societal expectations of heritage or religious significance. Instead, it is a product of Polly's unique imagination, a space where "quartz-flake, feather and rose" can marry, blending the mineral, the animal, and the floral in a way that defies conventional categorization. This suggests a celebration of individual creativity and the power to construct one's own reality, independent of outside influences.

Symbols of Ephemeral Beauty and Fragility

Several recurring symbols reinforce the poem's themes. The "ghost flower" and "frost-breath" color symbolize the ephemeral and transient nature of beauty. These images evoke a sense of fragility and impermanence, reminding the reader that this beautiful creation is delicate and easily lost. The "silver-haired seed of the milkweed," described as "frail as the halo rayed round a candle flame," further emphasizes this fragility. The comparison to a candle flame's halo suggests a soft, gentle light, easily extinguished. The "cobweb ribbed like a hand" is a particularly evocative image; it suggests both the delicate craftsmanship and the potentially fleeting nature of the entire construct. Is the hand Polly's, or perhaps the hand of some other creator? The cobweb image raises questions about the nature of creation and the vulnerability of artistic endeavors.

Conclusion: A Testament to Imagination's Power

In conclusion, "Polly's Tree" is a testament to the power of imagination and the beauty of unconventional creation. Plath crafts a whimsical world populated with delicate images and symbols, emphasizing the fragility and fleeting nature of beauty. The poem celebrates individual vision, contrasting Polly's unique creation with societal norms. Ultimately, "Polly's Tree" reminds us of the importance of nurturing our own creative spaces and finding beauty in the unexpected, even if it is as fragile as "frost-breath" or a "cobweb ribbed like a hand." The poem's significance lies in its quiet celebration of the personal and the imaginative, even amidst the potential for loss and impermanence.