Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Sylvia Plath's "Cinderella," the age-old fairy tale is reinterpreted through a modern, somewhat cynical lens. Plath deploys vivid imagery and poignant metaphors to dissect the fleeting nature of enchantment and the undercurrents of unease that course through seemingly perfect moments. The poem opens with a focus on the prince leaning towards the girl, whose "green eyes slant," immediately deviating from the traditional representation of Cinderella as the epitome of innocence and purity.

The poetic atmosphere is rich in color and texture. The "scarlet heels" and "hair flaring in a fan/Of silver" not only animate the girl as a figure of allure but also signify a certain flamboyance that sits in contrast to her eventual guilt. Even the violins are "tilted," and they span a "revolving tall glass palace hall," which gives a sense of instability to the enchanting setting. The "rose candles flicker," an ephemeral light that casts its glow on the lilac wall, captures a brief but vivid moment in time. The guests are likened to wine sliding "into light," underscoring the intoxicating allure of the scene but also hinting at its transitory nature.

Yet, amidst this setting of opulence and romance, where "glided couples all in whirling trance" seem to be lost in time, the clock's impending strike of midnight brings a jarring reality into the fantastical realm. The "strange girl all at once/Guilt-stricken halts," introducing a tone of foreboding. Unlike the traditional Cinderella, who leaves the ball reluctantly but with dignity, this version clings to the prince as if she's done something wrong, echoing a sentiment more existential than fairy tale. It's a powerful image that renders her more a tragic figure than a romantic one, bringing to the forefront the complexities of her feelings in the face of reality's impending encroachment.

The concluding lines mention the "hectic music and cocktail talk" and "the caustic ticking of the clock," tying together the worlds of adult social rituals and childhood tales. "Cocktail talk" suggests a sophistication that children's stories don't possess, while "caustic ticking" emphasizes that the clock is more than a neutral indicator of time; it's a harmful, abrasive force that eats away at the dream, rendering it temporary and tinged with an unavoidable bitterness.

"Cinderella" stands as a reflective, modern take on a traditional tale, filled with Plath's characteristic psychological depth and capacity for probing the unsettling corners of seemingly idyllic experiences. Rather than providing the escapism that fairy tales often offer, this poem challenges the reader to confront the uncomfortable reality that enchantment is temporary and often fraught with complexities. By doing so, Plath opens up a space for examining not just the tales we tell, but also the emotional and psychological intricacies that those tales might gloss over.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...