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THE ARRIVAL OF THE BEE BOX 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
THE ARRIVAL OF THE BEE BOX 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... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:THE ARRIVAL OF THE BEE BOX 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
What impression of the poet, Sylvia Plath, do you get from reading this poem?
Answer
From reading this poem, Sylvia Plath conveys a sense of confinement and struggle. The bee box serves as a powerful metaphor for her internal conflicts, showcasing her feelings of anxiety and entrapment.
The imagery of the 'clean wood box' contrasting with its dangerous nature reflects her tumultuous state of mind. The comparison of the box to a 'coffin of a midget' further emphasizes the constricting reality of her existence. Plath's experience is palpable as she grapples with the chaos within, represented by the bees whose 'unintelligible syllables' haunt her.
Moreover, the juxtaposition of the speaker's desire for freedom with her feeling of being overwhelmed illustrates her battle against societal expectations and personal demons. The plea for understanding and the desire to reclaim agency resonate deeply, highlighting Plath's profound struggles with her identity and the pressures surrounding her.
Step 2
What words or phrases from the poem especially help to create that impression for you?
Answer
Several words and phrases enhance the impression of Sylvia Plath’s tumultuous emotional landscape. Phrases like 'the box is locked, it is dangerous' evoke a feeling of confinement and peril, capturing the essence of the emotional struggle.
Additionally, 'I have to live with it overnight' underscores the persistent nature of her anxiety, suggesting a sense of inevitability associated with her predicament. The metaphor of the bees as a 'Roman mob' adds to the chaotic atmosphere, illustrating how overwhelmed she feels.
The line 'I am no source of honey' poignantly captures her feelings of worthlessness and alienation, while 'the box is only temporary' introduces a glimmer of hope, suggesting the possibility of eventual release from her emotional and situational confines.