"Morning Song" by Sylvia Plath is a poignant and emotionally charged poem that explores the complex and bittersweet experience of becoming a mother. The poem is written from the perspective of a new mother who is struggling to connect with her newborn baby and find meaning in the experience of motherhood.
The first line of the poem, "Love set you going like a fat gold watch," immediately establishes the speaker's love for her baby. The metaphor of a "fat gold watch" suggests that the baby is something valuable and precious, something that the speaker values deeply. The use of the word "fat" also suggests that the baby is healthy and thriving, further emphasizing the speaker's love for her child.
In the second line, the speaker reflects on the baby's physical appearance and how it has changed since the moment of birth. She describes the baby as "newly born," implying that the baby is still in the early stages of life and has yet to develop its own personality and identity. The speaker also notes that the baby's "feet, down to the heel," are "bare," suggesting that the baby is vulnerable and dependent on the care and protection of the speaker.
The third line of the poem introduces the theme of the speaker's struggle to connect with her baby. She describes the baby as "perfectly plain," implying that she does not yet see the baby as an individual with its own unique qualities and characteristics. The use of the word "plain" suggests that the speaker is struggling to see the beauty in her baby and connect with it on a deeper level.
The fourth line of the poem further explores the theme of the speaker's struggle to connect with her baby. She describes the baby as a "new statue," implying that the baby is still and unmoving, like a statue. The use of the word "new" suggests that the speaker is still getting to know the baby and is not yet fully comfortable with its presence.
In the final lines of the poem, the speaker reflects on the complexity of the experience of motherhood and the range of emotions that it brings. She describes the baby as both "tiny" and "mauled," suggesting that the baby is both fragile and vulnerable, but also strong and resilient. The use of the word "mauled" also suggests that the speaker is overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of motherhood, as if she has been "mauled" by the experience.
Overall, "Morning Song" is a powerful and emotionally charged poem that explores the complex and bittersweet experience of becoming a mother. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, the speaker captures the range of emotions that come with this experience, from love and joy to confusion and exhaustion. The poem ultimately celebrates the beauty and complexity of motherhood, even as it acknowledges the struggles and challenges that come with it.