Poem Analysis - Rhyme

A Tale of Greed and Guilt

Sylvia Plath's "Rhyme" is a darkly humorous and unsettling poem about frustrated avarice and the moral complexities of exploiting others. The poem centers around a speaker's conflicted relationship with a goose that refuses to lay its golden eggs, leading to a contemplation of violence and ultimately, guilt. The initial tone is one of frustration and a kind of mocking disdain, shifting to a chilling calculation and finally culminating in moral unease and perhaps, self-loathing. The poem explores themes of greed, exploitation, and the corrosive effect of wealth.

The Allure and Corruption of Riches

One of the central themes is the corrupting influence of wealth and the desire for it. The goose, described as having a "gut's/Honeycombed with golden eggs," becomes a symbol of untapped potential wealth. The speaker's fixation on this potential profit drives their resentment and even violent thoughts. The "golden eggs" are not simply a source of livelihood but a representation of a deeper, more insidious greed. This greed is further emphasized by the comparison of the goose to "taloned hags" who "jangle their great money bags," suggesting that the pursuit of wealth can be a dehumanizing and predatory endeavor.

Imagery of Cruelty and Moral Conflict

The poem is rich in vivid and disturbing imagery that underscores the speaker's internal conflict. The image of the speaker honing a knife creates a sense of impending violence. This is juxtaposed with the goose's "humbly done" plea for pardon, which throws the speaker into moral turmoil. The line, "I'd turn this keen/Steel on myself before profit/By such a rogue's/Act," highlights the speaker's self-awareness and guilt. However, this moment of conscience is quickly undermined by the allure of the goose's "shining" feathers, hinting that greed may ultimately triumph over morality. The final image of the "smoking slit" and "ruby dregs" is open to interpretation, perhaps suggesting a violent act has taken place and the lingering consequence.

The Ambiguous Symbolism of the Goose

The goose itself is a complex symbol, representing both the potential for wealth and the victim of exploitation. It embodies untapped potential and the frustration of unrealized gain. The poem raises questions about the ethics of exploiting living beings for profit. Is the goose merely an object to be used for its eggs, or does it have inherent worth? The speaker's internal struggle suggests an awareness of the goose's vulnerability and a moral unease about their own predatory impulses. Is it possible the goose represents innocence itself in the face of capitalistic and monetary corruption?

A Disquieting Conclusion

"Rhyme" concludes with a lingering sense of unease and ambiguity. The final image of the goose's "ruby dregs" leaves the reader to ponder the consequences of the speaker's actions. The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and the moral compromises one might make in the pursuit of wealth. Ultimately, Plath's poem is a disturbing yet compelling exploration of human nature, highlighting the conflict between our desires and our conscience, and showing that the allure of profit can lead to violence and self-destruction.