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An Analysis of ‘ To Time ’ by Sylvia Plath
Eve Gates analysis the poem ‘ To Time ’ by Sylvia Plath , focusing on numerous themes and attitudes towards the concept of time and its impact on people .
‘ To Time ’ is a Shakespeareanstructured sonnet written by renowned poet Sylvia Plath , published in 1952-1953 . In short , the poem depicts time as an unstoppable force which moves through ages and history with no regard for life itself as it drains the world of joy , essence and happiness . Initially , In order to fully grasp the ideations and images constructed in this powerful poem , it is necessary to firstly understand the significance of its structure . This poem can be categorised as a Shakespearean sonnet ; it consists of fourteen lines , with an ababcdcdefefgg rhyme scheme , finishing prominently with a rhyming couplet , as well as conforming to the three quatrains and a couplet structure . This can be considered the defining feature of said poem ; subsequently , ‘ there is no octave ( sestet ) to this structure ’.
The structure also possesses , in most cases , a meter of iambic pentameter , which is a classic conventional feature of sonnets . However , this is normally restrictive to a poet due to limitations on length and meter . This could be considered reflective of one of the main themes of the poem ; it is relevant to the ideology of time slipping quickly and quietly away , restricting and limiting the abilities and experiences of people and life itself as time gradually ages them . Moreover , the five stressed syllables compress the heavy , dark , unavoidable fact of death and gradual insignificance , whilst the consistent rhythm is reflecting the way in which life is followed through for everyone , for all species , for all generations - birth , life , death . Plath is reminding the reader that they can neither change nor control the way in which time is the ruler .
ENGLISH LITERATURE
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