Metaphors
by Sylvia Plath (1932-1963)
I’m a riddle in nine syllables,
An elephant, a ponderous house,
A melon strolling on two tendrils,
O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
This loaf’s big with its yeasty rising.
Money’s new-minted in this fat purse.
I’m a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
I’ve eaten a bag of green apples,
Boarded the train there’s no getting off.
1. Count the number of syllables in each line, then count the number of lines.
2. Like its first metaphor, this poem is a riddle to be solved by identifying the literal
terms of its metaphors. After you have identified the speaker (“riddle,” “elephant,”
“house,” “melon,” “stage,” “cow”), identify the literal meanings of the related
metaphors (“syllables,” “tendrils,” “fruit,” “ivory,” “timbers,” “loaf,” “yeasty rising,”
“money,” “purse,” “train”).
 Speaker
 “riddle”
:
 “elephant”
:
 “house”
:
 “melon”
:
 “stage”
:
 “cow”
:
 Metaphors
 “syllables”
:
 “tendrils”
:
 “fruit”
:
 “ivory”
:
 “timbers”
:
 “loaf”
:
 “yeasty rising”
:
 “money”
:
 “purse”
:
 “train”
:
3. How should the last line be interpreted?