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Comment 2 of 2, added on March 25th, 2005 at 10:48 AM.
I've read that this poem was written after Sylvia Plath heard the news, via
words in a phone call from a friend, of Ted Hughes' infidelity. I'd like
to see more formal research on this poem online but am having a hard time
finding it.
JG from United States
Comment 1 of 2, added on January 19th, 2005 at 7:24 PM.
At first one is taken back by the extreme difference between the title:
Words and the first line of the work: Axes. But at times words can be like
axes, if they are used cruelly. One might assume that Sylvia was being
troubled by something who had said something cruel to her. She even goes as
far to compare words with Quartering in the last line of the first stanza.
The rings of the tree may be compared to how words effect us over and over
again. One might be hurt by words but the initial sting may last for quite
some time. The mirror that is trying to re-establish itself seems, in one
sense, to represent the effect harsh words have in breaking us up-into
pieces. Lastly, "the indefatigable hoof-taps"...what an incredible word
choice!
This poem is what caused me to be interested in her poetry and has given me
more respect for poetry as a whole. Thank you for reading my understanding
of this poem.
Jennifer from United States
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I've read that this poem was written after Sylvia Plath heard the news, via
words in a phone call from a friend, of Ted Hughes' infidelity. I'd like
to see more formal research on this poem online but am having a hard time
finding it.
JG from United States