Poem Analysis - Sonnet To Satan

Introduction: A Descent into Darkness

Sylvia Plath's "Sonnet to Satan" is a darkly compelling exploration of evil, not as a simple force, but as a powerful artistic and intellectual influence. The poem drips with a tone of awe mixed with horror, a recognition of Satan's power to invert and corrupt. Plath uses vivid, almost hallucinatory imagery to paint a portrait of a world where darkness reigns supreme. The poem presents a steady and unwavering intensity, maintaining its focus on the destructive and transformative power of its subject from beginning to end. There are no shifts in tone or mood, just an intensifying deep dive into a shadowed realm.

The Theme of Inversion: Turning Light into Dark

One of the central themes of the poem is the inversion of traditional values. Plath depicts Satan as a force that systematically undermines light, order, and creation. The very first lines establish this, with the "moonly mind" and the "counterfeit eclipse," suggesting a world where the moon, usually a source of reflected light, now mimics the extinguishing of the sun. The phrase "bright angels black out over logic's land" further exemplifies this, implying that even the forces of good are susceptible to Satan's influence, leading to the collapse of reason and order. The image of "god's radiant photograph" being turned "to shade" is a particularly striking example of this theme, as it presents the divine creation as being deliberately obscured and corrupted.

Satan as Creator: A Perverse Genesis

Plath provocatively reimagines Satan not just as a destroyer, but as a perverse kind of creator. The lines "Commanding that corkscrew comet jet forth ink/ to pitch the white world down in swiveling flood" suggest a deliberate act of artistic creation, using dark imagery to overwhelm the pure and innocent. The image of the "steepling snake" invading "the dilate lens of genesis" implies that Satan has infiltrated the very moment of creation, imprinting his "flaming image" onto the birth of existence. This isn't merely destruction; it is a re-writing of the fundamental narrative, suggesting that evil is not just an external force, but an inherent aspect of reality itself. Plath's poem positions Satan as the architect of an alternative genesis, where the "birthspot" is stained with his mark, a mark that cannot be erased, "with characters no cockcrow can deface."

The Symbolism of the Darkroom and the Lens

The poem is rich with potent symbols, particularly the darkroom and the lens. The "darkroom of your eye" serves as a powerful metaphor for the mind of Satan, a place where images are developed in negative. This suggests that Satan's perspective is inherently inverted, viewing the world through a filter of darkness and distortion. The "dilate lens of genesis" can be interpreted as the point of origin, the moment of creation that Satan manipulates. By invading this lens, Satan gains the power to control how reality is perceived and imprinted, ensuring that his image is forever present in the world. These images paint a picture of Satan’s power over perception and reality.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Darkness

In conclusion, "Sonnet to Satan" is a chillingly powerful poem that delves into the seductive allure and destructive potential of evil. Plath's masterful use of imagery and symbolism paints a vivid portrait of Satan as a force of inversion, capable of corrupting not just the physical world, but the very foundations of creation. The poem's enduring significance lies in its exploration of the complex relationship between good and evil, suggesting that darkness is not simply an absence of light, but a potent and creative force in its own right. The poem’s ability to cast Satan as an influential figure highlights the potential of destructive forces that persist within human nature.