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I ordered this, this clean wood box Square as a chair and almost too heavy to lift - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
I ordered this, this clean wood box Square as a chair and almost too heavy to lift. I would say it was the coffin of a midget Or a square baby Were there not such a ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:I ordered this, this clean wood box Square as a chair and almost too heavy to lift - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Identify an image that you like in the above poem and explain why you like it.
Answer
One powerful image from Sylvia Plath's poem is the 'clean wood box.' This image evokes a sense of containment and safety juxtaposed with danger, as it holds an unknown threat. The description of the box being 'locked' and 'dangerous' instills a feeling of entrapment, which resonates deeply, as it mirrors the emotional struggles one may face. The vividness of the 'clean wood' contrasts sharply with the dark, chaotic imagery that surrounds it, enhancing its significance as a symbol of potential and confinement. The duality represented by the box reflects the complexities of the human experience and evokes a strong emotional response.
Step 2
Describe a feeling or emotion expressed by the poet in this poem. Support your answer with reference to the poem.
Answer
A prevailing emotion in this poem is fear, rooted in the poet's relationship with the box. The line 'I have to live with it overnight' suggests a sense of dread and anxiety about what lies within. This fear is compounded by the imagery of the 'African hands' and 'black on black, angry clambering,' evoking feelings of chaos and a lack of control. The poet's desperation is evident as she grapples with her inability to release the bees, indicative of a deeper struggle for self-identity and freedom, contributing to an environment where fear dominates.
Step 3
Explain what you think the poet means when she says, "I am not a Caesar".
Answer
When the poet states 'I am not a Caesar,' it signifies her rejection of authority and control. It reflects her desire to distance herself from the oppressive power associated with a ruler, suggesting that she does not want to dictate or control the bees, akin to how a Roman leader would. The statement encapsulates her struggle with autonomy and her reluctance to assume the burdens of leadership or dominance, instead yearning for freedom and a more egalitarian relationship with her chaotic thoughts represented by the bees.