Poem Analysis: Mirror by Sylvia Plath, The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Life by George Herbert

By Yirao Zhang

Introduction

Mirror by Sylvia Plath, The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Life by George Herbert offer profound and diverse perspectives on universal themes such as identity, isolation, the passage of time, mortality, and the ongoing struggle for autonomy. Although these works emerge from distinct historical and cultural moments, they converge in their exploration of the human condition and the various pressures society exerts on individuals. Despite the differences in context, each poem shares a common interest in how individuals navigate their environments and confront the relentless passage of time. Through a careful analysis of these texts, I will investigate the nuanced approaches each poet takes to addressing these shared concerns. This will involve an examination of key symbols, imagery, and rhetorical devices within each poem. In Plath’s Mirror, the mirror functions both as a literal object and a rich metaphor for self-reflection and identity. In Tennyson’s The Lady of Shalott, the tapestry and river become central symbols that frame the protagonist's isolation and fate. Herbert’s Life employs natural imagery, such as flowers, alongside contemplations of death to explore the tension between transience and eternity. By closely analyzing the language, symbolism, and imagery in each work, I will demonstrate how these elements contribute to broaden reflections on personal identity, isolation, and the inevitability of death. Furthermore, I will explore how these themes are contextualized within the specific historical and cultural backgrounds of each poet, allowing for a deeper understanding of how personal and societal forces shape the experiences depicted in the poems.

Sylvia Plath’s Mirror

Overview

Sylvia Plath’s Mirror offers a haunting and introspective meditation on self-perception, aging, and identity. By giving voice to the mirror itself, Plath creates a powerful narrative vehicle through which she explores a woman’s internal struggle with her reflection. This struggle delves into deeper anxieties around appearance and self-worth, as the protagonist confronts the inevitable passage of time and the changes that come with it. The mirror, a symbol of unwavering impartiality, reflects the woman’s growing discomfort with her aging face, offering no judgment or distortion. Through metaphor, personification, and symbolism, Plath amplifies the emotional depth of the protagonist’s experience. Ultimately, the poem delivers a profound commentary on identity, self-awareness, and societal pressures, particularly regarding the value placed on women’s beauty as they age. The intricate layers of the poem reflect the broaden tension between individual and societal struggles with identity and time’s relentless advance.

In the analysis that follows, I will examine key elements in Plath’s poem: the role of the mirror, the theme of identity and self-reflection, the passage of time, and the rhetorical devices she uses. By breaking down these components, I aim to show how they work together to capture the protagonist’s struggles, and, by extension, highlight broaden societal pressures reflected in the poem.

The Role of the Mirror:

1.??? An Objective Narrator

At the center of Sylvia Plath's Mirror is the mirror itself, which serves as an objective narrator. From its perspective, the mirror describes itself as "silver and exact," emphasizing its role as a clear and impartial reflector of reality. It offers no flattery or distortion, presenting an unembellished truth to the woman gazing into it. The mirror’s self-description—"I am not cruel, only truthful"—is crucial to understanding its role. Though the truth it reveals may be painful, the mirror’s intentions are not malicious. It simply delivers an unchanging reality that the protagonist must face, even if it is unsettling. This unflinching honesty forms the core of the mirror’s function, standing as a contrast to the self-deception the protagonist wishes to maintain.

2.??? Identity and the Societal Pressure on Women

The mirror becomes a potent symbol for self-examination and the search for identity. As the woman continuously gazes into the mirror, she seeks an authentic image of herself but is met with anxiety as it reflects her aging. The stark, unfiltered truth presented by the mirror heightens her discomfort, reminding her of the inevitable changes time brings. Plath uses this tension to comment on the societal pressures women face to maintain certain beauty standards. The line, “A woman bends over me, searching my reaches for what she really is,” encapsulates the woman’s internal conflict. Her desperate search for a sense of self within the mirror’s reflection reveals a broaden commentary on how society’s expectations shape female identity. This mirrors the real-life struggle many women face when their self-worth is tied to their physical appearance, particularly as they age. Plath’s portrayal of this anxiety highlights the painful intersection of self-perception and societal pressure, which threatens the woman’s sense of identity.

The Passage of Time: The Lake as a Symbol of Depth

The theme of the passage of time is frequently explored in English poetry, particularly within religious verse. The inclination to sacralize time may stem from its perennial significance to humanity. As David Sound illustrates in his analysis of Eliot's Four Quartets: "To Eliot's sensibility, the Christian life offered a candid recognition of the reality that the human condition does not involve an inevitable progression, but rather, as Barth describes it, 'walking upon a ridge between time and eternity that is narrower than a knife edge.'" (p. 1367, 2014) Plath deepens the theme of aging by introducing the mirror as a lake in the second stanza: “Now I am a lake.” This shift symbolizes the depth and complexity of self-reflection. The lake’s imagery evokes something deeper, suggesting that what the woman sees in the mirror extends beyond mere surface appearances. However, this depth brings distress rather than solace, as she sees her younger self drowned in the water: “In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman.” The loss of her youthful identity becomes apparent, overtaken by the inevitable passage of time. The lake metaphor underscores the overwhelming sense of being submerged in one’s changing reflection, as if the woman’s youth is swallowed by time, leaving only the reality of her aging body.

Rhetorical Devices

Metaphor and symbolism are critical to the emotional power of Mirror. The mirror itself is a metaphor for self-examination and the often-painful quest for identity. The protagonist’s gaze into the mirror is not merely a physical act, but a deeper search for a truthful image of herself. As the mirror “sees her back and reflects it faithfully,” it forces the woman to confront the stark truth of her aging, with no room for self-delusion. This confrontation makes the mirror both a revealing tool and a source of discomfort, as the protagonist is unable to escape the inevitabilities it presents.

Plath also uses symbols such as the candle and the moon, which the woman turns to in search of a softer, more forgiving light. Both the candle and the moon, associated with dim, flattering light, offer an illusion of beauty. They are “liars” in the poem, as they provide only a temporary escape from the mirror’s harsh reality. The woman’s turn toward these softer lights reflects a desire to avoid the truth the mirror exposes, seeking instead a distorted but comforting vision of her former self. However, the mirror’s role as the harbinger of reality persists, dismissing these illusions and maintaining its position as the voice of truth.

Sylvia Plath’s Mirror masterfully delves into the complex themes of aging, self-perception, and societal expectations. Through her use of metaphor and symbolism, Plath creates a poignant reflection on the passage of time and humanity’s desire to resist its effects. The mirror, with its unwavering honesty, forces both the woman and the reader to confront difficult truths about identity as shaped by physical appearance and aging. This confrontation evokes unease, reminding us how time alters our self-image and sense of self-worth. As the protagonist gazes into the mirror, her reflection becomes a painful reminder of her changing identity, shaped by both internal perceptions and external societal pressures. Plath’s exploration of these universal themes resonates deeply, offering a timeless commentary on the human condition and the societal forces that complicate our understanding of beauty, identity, and worth.

Alfred Lord Tennyson’s The Lady of Shalott: Isolation, Artistry, and Freedom

Overview

Alfred Lord Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott is a renowned poem that delves deeply into themes of isolation, freedom, and artistic expression. Set within the world of Arthurian legend, the poem tells the story of a mysterious lady who is cursed to weave images on her loom without ever looking directly at the external world. She views life only through a mirror that reflects the bustling activity of Camelot, but her longing to experience the world firsthand drives her to a tragic fate. With its vivid imagery and symbolic narrative, the poem has captivated readers for generations and left an indelible mark on art and literature. Through this analysis, I aim to explore how the poem reflects Victorian values while simultaneously critiquing societal norms, with particular focus on the role of symbolism and imagery in conveying its central themes.

Victorian Aesthetic Values and Individualism

In the Victorian era, society was shaped by a mix of romanticism, sentimentality, and strict moral codes. These ideals found expression in art, where beauty and elegance were held in high regard. As industrialization progressed, a counter-movement emerged—one that emphasized “art for art's sake” and celebrated individualism. This Aesthetic Movement rejected utilitarian values, advocating for beauty and creative self-expression as ends in themselves. Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott both aligns with and challenges these aesthetic and social principles. On the one hand, the poem reflects the romantic fascination with medieval themes and the Victorian ideal of creating art for aesthetic pleasure. On the other hand, it critiques the societal constraints that limited women’s autonomy and celebrates the pursuit of individualism.

The poem embraces romantic and medieval influences, which were highly valued by Victorian audiences. Its setting within the Arthurian world, coupled with its use of rich, descriptive language, evokes a sense of enchantment and nostalgia. For instance, Tennyson’s description of the Lady's surroundings—“Four gray walls, and four gray towers”—and her weaving of the tapestry, mirror the era’s appreciation of aesthetic beauty and refinement. Yet, the poem also exposes the isolation and creative confinement that women, and by extension artists, often faced during this time. The Lady is confined to a tower and denied any direct experience of the world. Her isolation symbolizes the restrictions placed on women’s freedom and creative expression.

Tennyson critiques the rigid social conventions of his time, particularly those that constrained individual freedom. The Lady's ultimate decision to abandon her tower and seek direct experience, even at the cost of her life, represents her desire for personal autonomy. Her rebellion against societal expectations becomes a poignant statement about the tension between individual fulfillment and societal conformity. This defiance reflects the Victorian struggle between adhering to traditional values and embracing new ideas of self-expression and personal freedom

Symbolism and Imagery: The Mirror, the Curse, and the River Journey

Symbolism and imagery contributes to the aesthetic impact of the poems by creating a sense of beauty and melancholy. The vivid descriptions engage the reader's senses, while the symbolism adds depth and layers of meaning. A concise and useful introductory look at symbolism is offered in Wellek and Warren's Theory of Literature, Chap. 15, including a wide bibliography and some review of recent attitudes toward the subject in theory and criticism. The symbol, in the modern sense Wellek and Warren are chiefly concerned with, is a more privileged and particular version of imagery, more vibrant and inclusive (Robert G. Cohn, 1974). The Lady of Shalott is rich in symbolism and imagery, which work together to convey themes of isolation, artistry, and freedom while creating a lasting aesthetic impact. The lady, the mirror, the curse, and the tapestry, are the symbols employed in the poem. The Lady of Shalott symbolizes the creative individual who is isolated from the outside world. She represents the poet who observes life from a distance but cannot fully engage with it. Her confinement in the tower signifies her isolation and detachment from society.

The Mirror

The mirror in the poem serves as the Lady's only link to the outside world. It reflects life as she sees it, but only through shadows and images, never allowing her to directly participate.

She left the web, she left the loom

She made three paces thro' the room

She saw the water-flower bloom,

She saw the helmet and the plume,

She look'd down to Camelot.

Out flew the web and floated wide;

The mirror crack'd from side to side;'The curse is come upon me,' cried

The Lady of Shalott.

The mirror symbolizes the separation between art and life, between observation and experience. As the Lady gazes into it, she creates her own version of the world through her tapestry. But this artistic creation is ultimately incomplete—it is only a reflection of life, not life itself. When the mirror shatters, it represents the Lady’s break from her isolated existence and her yearning to fully engage with reality. This moment marks her defiance of the curse, a symbol of societal constraints that prevent her from living authentically.

The Curse

The curse in the poem symbolizes the restrictions placed on individuals, particularly women and artists, by societal expectations.

On either side the river lie

Long fields of barley and of rye,

That clothe the wold and meet the sky;

And thro' the field the road runs by

To many-tower'd Camelot;

The yellow-leaved waterlily

The green-sheathed daffodilly

Tremble in the water chilly

Round about Shalott.

The Lady’s seclusion on the island of Shalott is a direct result of the curse, which isolates her from the vibrant world outside. This reflects the Victorian ideal of women as passive observers rather than active participants in society. The curse also represents the conflict between creative impulse and societal demands, as the Lady is forced to live in isolation, her artistic talents confined to creating reflections of the outside world rather than experiencing it firsthand.

The River Journey, The Thematic Depth: Isolation, Artistry, and Freedom

The imagery in the poem further emphasizes these themes, first, the lady's confinement in the tower, surrounded by the river, fields, and the sound of reapers, creates an atmosphere of isolation and seclusion. The imagery of the desolate landscape reinforces her separation from the vibrant world outside (Isolation):

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,

Little breezes dusk and shiverThro' the wave that runs forever

By the island in the river.

This imagery creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere by describing the movement of the trees and the gentle breeze on the flowing river. It enhances the isolation of the lady and sets the stage for the events to come.

Second, the vivid descriptions of the lady's tapestry, her weaving process, and the colors and scenes depicted within it evoke the imagery of artistic creation. The tapestry becomes a visual representation of her artistic vision (Artistry):

She lives with little joy or fear.

Over the water, running near,

The sheepbell tinkles in her ear.

Before her hangs a mirror clear,

Reflecting tower'd Camelot.

And as the mazy web she whirls,

She sees the surly village churls,

And the red cloaks of market girls

Pass onward from Shalott.

Sometimes a troop of damsels glad,

An abbot on an ambling pad,

Sometimes a curly shepherd lad,

Or long-hair'd page in crimson clad,

Goes by to tower'd Camelot:

And sometimes thro' the mirror blue

The knights come riding two and two:

She hath no loyal knight and true,The Lady of Shalott.

But in her web she still delights

To weave the mirror's magic sights,

For often thro' the silent nights

A funeral, with plumes and lights

And music, came from Camelot:

Or when the moon was overhead

Came two young lovers lately wed;

'I am half sick of shadows,' said

The Lady of Shalott.

Third, the river journey toward Camelot symbolizes the Lady's longing for freedom and a desire to experience life directly. The vibrant imagery of the natural world and the excitement she feels during her journey contrasts with her previous isolated existence (Freedom):

With a steady stony glance—

Like some bold seer in a trance,

Beholding all his own mischance,

Mute, with a glassy countenance—

She look'd down to Camelot.

It was the closing of the day:

She loos'd the chain, and down she lay;

The broad stream bore her far away,

The Lady of Shalott.As when to sailors while they roam,

By creeks and outfalls far from home,

Rising and dropping with the foam,

From dying swans wild warblings come,

Blown shoreward; so to Camelot

Still as the boathead wound along

The willowy hills and fields among,

They heard her chanting her deathsong,

The Lady of Shalott.

A longdrawn carol, mournful, holy,

She chanted loudly, chanted lowly,

Till her eyes were darken'd wholly,

And her smooth face sharpen'd slowly,

Turn'd to tower'd Camelot:

For ere she reach'd upon the tide

The first house by the water-side,

Singing in her song she died,

The Lady of Shalott.

The Lady of Shalott stands as a powerful exploration of the tensions between isolation, artistic expression, and freedom. Through its rich symbolism and evocative imagery, Tennyson critiques the restrictive norms of Victorian society while celebrating the human desire for autonomy and personal fulfillment. The Lady’s tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of the costs of defying societal expectations, but it also highlights the transformative power of individual expression. By weaving together themes of isolation, artistry, and freedom, Tennyson invites readers to reflect on the timeless struggles between tradition and progress, conformity and individualism. In doing so, The Lady of Shalott continues to resonate with audiences, offering a profound commentary on the human condition and the complexities of creative expression.

Life by George Herbert: A Meditation on Mortality and Eternal Salvation

Overview

While life on earth is fleeting, George Herbert’s Life meditates on mortality with the promise of eternal life through Christian faith, intertwining profound religious themes with a masterful use of rhetorical devices to convey the transient nature of human existence and the hope of salvation. This poem, written in the early 17th century, reflects Herbert’s deep religious convictions and provides readers with spiritual comfort, illustrating the fragility of earthly life and the enduring grace offered by God. This analysis explores the religious undertones of Life and how Herbert’s use of metaphor, personification, imagery, and euphemism enriches the poem’s meditation on death and salvation.

Religious Context and Themes

The 17th century was an era where religion dominated much of European thought, shaping artistic, literary, and political discourse. As the Anglican Church solidified its influence, theological reflections found fertile ground in poetry, especially in the works of religious poets like George Herbert. This historical and cultural backdrop plays a significant role in shaping the religious themes in Life. According to Martz, during this period, meditation was deeply influenced by the “Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola,” which permeated European spirituality (1955). These meditative practices profoundly impacted Herbert’s writing, providing him with the tools to explore existential themes through the lens of Christian belief.

Life, therefore, is more than a poem about the inevitable passage of time; it reflects Herbert’s theological reflections on death, human frailty, and eternal salvation. As an Anglican priest, Herbert imbued his poetry with themes central to Christian doctrine: the ephemerality of life, the inevitability of death, and the promise of eternal life. The poem’s central message offers a reassuring perspective on mortality, one that emphasizes God’s grace and the hope of salvation. This message speaks not only to Herbert’s personal faith but also to the broaden spiritual landscape of 17th-century England, where society grappled with the uncertainties of life and death through the lens of religious devotion.

Transience of Earthly Life

Herbert begins the poem by reflecting on the fleeting nature of life through the metaphor of flowers. In the lines:

But Time did beckon to the flowers, and they

By noon most cunningly did steal away,

And withered in my hand.

The speaker meditates on how time causes flowers—symbols of life’s beauty and fragility—to wither by midday, representing the transience of human existence. This metaphor captures the Christian belief that life on earth is impermanent, a temporary gift that fades with the passage of time.

Mortality and Death

Herbert also focuses on the inevitability of death, which he describes in lines such as:

Who did so sweetly death’s sad taste convey,

Making my mind to smell my fatal day.

Here, the speaker contemplates the inevitability of death, yet Herbert does not present death as something terrifying. Instead, it is something that “sweetly” approaches, softening the grim reality of mortality. By acknowledging death’s certainty, Herbert invokes Christian beliefs about preparing for the afterlife, encouraging readers to view their inevitable demise not with fear, but with acceptance and hope.

Hope of Eternal Life

In the Christian worldview, earthly death is not the end but a passage to eternal life. Herbert reinforces this comforting notion in the following lines:

Farewell dear flowers, sweetly your time ye spent,

Fit, while ye lived, for smell or ornament,

?And after death for cures.

Even after death, the flowers—representing human life—retain their value, just as the soul remains after the body decays. This notion mirrors the Christian belief in the soul’s immortality and the promise of eternal life, where death becomes not an end but a transition.

Rhetorical Devices: Enhancing Themes

Herbert’s rhetorical devices not only beautify the poem but also deepen its thematic resonance. The use of metaphor, personification, imagery, and euphemism draws readers into the meditation on life and death, adding layers of meaning that guide them toward spiritual reflection.

Metaphor

Herbert employs the metaphor of a posy (a small bouquet of flowers) to symbolize life:

I made a posy, while the day ran by.

The posy represents the fragility and beauty of human life, highlighting its temporary nature. Just as flowers bloom and fade quickly, human life is fleeting and delicate, a brief moment in the vastness of eternity.

Personification

Time is personified as an active force that beckons to the flowers, causing them to wither:

But Time did beckon to the flowers, and they

By noon most cunningly did steal away.

In this image, Time is not merely a passive backdrop but a deliberate agent of decay. By giving time a willful role, Herbert emphasizes its dominion over life, echoing the Christian belief that human existence is subject to divine will.

Imagery

The poem’s vivid imagery further enriches the meditation on mortality, particularly in the lines:

Making my mind to smell my fatal day.

This metaphorical use of smell evokes a sensory connection to death, making the concept of mortality tangible. Herbert’s careful imagery bridges the abstract idea of death with the reader’s everyday experience, reinforcing the inevitability of life’s end.

Euphemism

Herbert uses euphemism to soften the stark reality of death. In the phrase “Time’s gentle admonition,” the poet refers to the approach of death, but presents it in a gentle, almost reassuring manner. This technique aligns with the Christian belief that death is a natural part of God’s plan, not something to be feared but accepted as a transition toward eternal life.

In Life, George Herbert masterfully intertwines religious themes and rhetorical devices to create a meditation on mortality that offers both comfort and spiritual insight. Through metaphors like the posy, personification of time, and the use of vivid imagery, Herbert underscores life’s ephemerality while simultaneously pointing toward the eternal hope of salvation. The poem reflects Herbert’s deep Christian faith and serves as a testament to his belief in the possibility of eternal grace.

By softening the harsh realities of death through euphemism and offering a perspective that transcends earthly concerns, Herbert invites readers to embrace life’s fragility with the assurance that something greater awaits beyond the grave. In this way, Life remains a timeless reflection on the human condition, exploring the delicate balance between earthly existence and the promise of eternal life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sylvia Plath’s Mirror, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s The Lady of Shalott, and George Herbert’s Life are deeply interconnected in their exploration of identity, isolation, and the passage of time. Through the use of powerful metaphors, symbols, and imagery, each poem delves into the human struggle to reconcile the self with the inevitability of change and mortality. While Plath focuses on the internal anxiety brought on by the relentless passage of time, Tennyson offers a narrative of artistic isolation and the consequences of stepping beyond prescribed societal boundaries. Herbert, in contrast, provides a reflection on mortality that is deeply embedded in Christian theology, offering the promise of eternal life as a counterpoint to the fleeting nature of earthly existence. Together, these poems offer a rich tapestry of reflection on the human condition, engaging with themes of identity, artistic creation, and the tension between life and death.

Bibliography

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3. Martz, Louis Lohr. The Poetry of Meditation: A Study in English Religious Literature of the Seventeenth Century. Yale University Press, 1954.

4. Soud, David. "'The Greedy Dialectic of Time and Eternity': Karl Barth, T. S. Eliot, and 'Four Quartets'." English Literary History, vol. 81, no. 4, Winter 2014, pp.1363-1391.

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