Elm - Plath

Question 1

Themes

Answer 1

◍ Isolation
◍ nature
◍ mental anguish

Question 2

What’s the tree?

Answer 2

The elm tree serves as a central metaphor in the poem, symbolizing different aspects of the speaker’s emotional state.

Question 3

’ I do not fear it: I have been there’

Answer 3

◍ Conveys her overwhelming depression by referring to her suicidal intentions and rock bottom
◍Shows the speakers strength to have survived horrible emotions

Question 4

‘i am terrified by this dark thing that sleeps in me’

Answer 4

◍ reflects on the intensity of her mental suffering
◍ perhaps Plath is terrified of what she may do to herself in a moment of darkness. is terrified of how her depression controls her mind.