Poem Analysis - Two Sisters Of Persephone

A Dichotomy of Destinies: Introduction

Sylvia Plath's "Two Sisters of Persephone" presents a stark contrast between two sisters, embodying opposing paths of womanhood. The poem explores themes of choice, fertility, intellectualism, and the societal pressures placed upon women. The tone is initially observational, almost clinical, but gradually shifts to a more judgmental and melancholic one, particularly in its depiction of the "wry virgin." The poem leaves the reader pondering the value and consequences of each sister's chosen life.

The Price of Choice: Themes of Fulfillment and Sacrifice

One major theme is the contrast between different paths to fulfillment. The sister "without" finds her satisfaction in nature, sexuality, and motherhood, seemingly fulfilling a traditional feminine role. Imagery like "bronzed as earth" and "sun's bride" connects her intimately to the natural world and its cycles. Conversely, the sister "within" seeks fulfillment through intellectual pursuits, symbolized by the "mathematical machine." However, her "barren enterprise" suggests that this path is ultimately unfulfilling, leading to isolation and bitterness. Another theme is the exploration of societal expectations. The poem seems to critique the limited options available to women at the time, where intellectual pursuits and traditional domesticity were often presented as mutually exclusive. The poem hints that society may be judging and limiting women by assigning specific roles in which they are expected to perform. Finally, the poem speaks to the theme of the destructive nature of repression. The "wry virgin," having denied her natural instincts and societal expectations of childbirth, becomes physically and emotionally withered, a stark contrast to the fertile sister who embraces her role as "sun's bride."

Symbols of Fertility and Desiccation

The poem employs powerful symbols to highlight the differences between the sisters. The poppies, with their "red silk flare / Of petaled blood," are a potent symbol of fertility, passion, and the life force, all associated with the sister who embraces her sexuality and becomes a mother. In contrast, the "mathematical machine" symbolizes cold logic, sterile intellectualism, and a life devoid of passion. The "lemon," with its bitter and sallow qualities, represents the emotional and physical decay of the virgin sister, a consequence of her choice to reject traditional femininity and nature. The image of her going "graveward with flesh laid waste" further underscores the destructive consequences of her barren existence.

A Question of Judgement: Nature vs. Intellect

A vivid image throughout the poem is the contrast between light and darkness. The sister "without" exists in sunlight with "ticks blown gold/Like pollen on bright air," while the sister "within" inhabits a "dark wainscoted room." This imagery emphasizes the different emotional and spiritual states of each woman. The sister of nature possesses an abundance and is able to have pride for "she bears a king," the one within becomes "bitter/And sallow as any lemon." Plath seems to suggest that the path of intellectualism, detached from nature and human connection, can lead to a kind of living death. One might question whether this comparison presents an overly judgmental view of the intellectual sister. Is her life truly "laid waste," or is there value in her pursuits that the poem overlooks?

Concluding Thoughts: A Legacy of Unease

In conclusion, "Two Sisters of Persephone" is a poignant exploration of the conflicting choices and societal pressures faced by women. Through vivid imagery and contrasting symbols, Plath presents a compelling, albeit somewhat unsettling, portrait of two distinct paths, each with its own rewards and sacrifices. The poem lingers in the mind, prompting reflection on the nature of fulfillment, the limitations imposed by societal expectations, and the potential consequences of rejecting one's natural instincts. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to provoke discussion about the complexities of female identity and the enduring struggle for self-determination.