Poem Analysis - Three Women

Sylvia Plath's "Three Women" is a powerful and emotionally raw poem that delves into the complex experiences of womanhood, specifically focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. Through the distinct voices of three women, the poem explores themes of creation, loss, identity, and societal expectations. The tone is largely introspective and confessional, shifting between moments of hopeful anticipation, profound despair, and resigned acceptance. The poem is not divided into stanzas but rather sections of free verse allowing a stream of consciousness to dominate the poem.

Historical Context and Societal Expectations

Written in 1962, "Three Women" reflects the societal pressures and limited roles available to women in mid-20th century America. Plath herself struggled with depression and the demands of being a wife and mother while pursuing her literary ambitions. This conflict is echoed in the poem's portrayal of women grappling with their identities and their place in a world often defined by male expectations. The Second Voice's internal conflict about work and child-bearing most accurately illustrates the historical context of this poem.

Thematic Threads: Creation, Loss, and Identity

One of the central themes is the duality of creation and loss. The First Voice, representing the traditional view of motherhood, embraces the generative power of her body with a sense of calm acceptance. In contrast, the Second Voice embodies loss, both in the sense of miscarriage or abortion and in the loss of her own sense of self and independence. The Third Voice grapples with the emotional turmoil of pregnancy, feeling unprepared and resentful, thus the act of creation is tinged with a feeling of loss. Identity is also central. Each woman struggles to reconcile her personal desires and ambitions with the societal role of wife and mother. The Second Voice's struggle is particularly acute, as she feels suffocated by the expectations placed upon her. The Third Voice seeks to define herself outside of motherhood, striving for intellectual and personal fulfillment. She wishes to leave the identity behind her in the hospital, and is even described as a "wound walking out of the hospital".

Symbolic Imagery: Moon, Blood, and Flatness

Plath employs rich and evocative imagery to convey the emotional landscape of the poem. The moon, a traditional symbol of femininity and cycles, appears repeatedly, representing both fertility and the passage of time. Blood is another potent symbol, associated with both life and death, creation and destruction. It signifies the visceral reality of childbirth and the physical and emotional pain experienced by the women. The imagery of "flatness," particularly in the Second Voice's sections, symbolizes the oppressive nature of societal expectations and the emotional deadening that can result from suppressing one's true self. The use of flatness here is used to highlight the jealousy of men "They are so jealous of anything that is not flat!".

Conflicting Interpretations

The poem's ending, with the First Voice embracing motherhood, the Second Voice resigned to a life of quiet desperation, and the Third Voice attempting to reclaim her independence, can be interpreted in various ways. Is Plath suggesting that there is no single "right" way to be a woman or a mother? Or is she highlighting the conflicting pressures and anxieties that women face in a patriarchal society, leaving the reader to ponder the complex and often contradictory nature of female experience?

Concluding Insight

"Three Women" is more than just a poem about pregnancy and childbirth; it is a profound exploration of the female psyche, a haunting portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of womanhood in a world that often seeks to define and confine. Through its powerful imagery, confessional tone, and multifaceted perspectives, the poem continues to resonate with readers today, offering a glimpse into the enduring complexities of female identity and the enduring power of the human spirit.