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Jamie Smith
Mrs. Crowell
ENG3UI (either 02 or 05)
(either 5 or 9) October 2012
D.R.I.F.T. Analysis Assignment: “Cinderella” by Sylvia Plath
Introductory Statement
Cinderella is the ultimate princess; she comes from nothing, and she dreams of
having everything. Sylvia Plath’s poem “Cinderella” echoes our cultural understanding of
longing, the desire for love, and the pursuit of that which is forbidden or unattainable.
This poem represents our fear of losing the very dreams that we wish for the most.
Ultimately, “Cinderella” reminds us that we may not always be able to find a happy
ending.
Diction
Throughout the poem, Plath uses elevated language to create a sense of fantasy.
Her word choices are simple, and yet, Plath utilizes old-fashioned terminology that
transports the reader into a world of formal dancing and dining wherein “the rondo
slows” and “a million flagons' shine.” In literal terms, the poem is about a dance and a
courtship between “The prince” who “leans into the girl in scarlet heels” (Plath).
Figuratively, the reader can interpret the poem as a story of sadness about forbidden love
and unattainable dreams as the girl “clings to the prince” (Plath) and desperately attempts
to hold onto that which is not rightfully hers.
Rhyme and Rhythm
Plath uses a traditional sonnet structure and rhyme scheme in “Cinderella.” This
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particular rhyme scheme parallels the formalized and well-rehearsed dancing of the
“glided couples all in whirling trance” (Plath). Ultimately, the rhyme and rhythm of this
poem evokes a sense of illusion and fantasy in the dizzying world of dance and love. The
girl is easily absorbed in her dreams until it is “near twelve” (Plath) and she remembers
that her night is quickly coming to an end.
Imagery
Throughout the poem, Plath uses imagery to create a sense of escape and a
longing for the forbidden or unattainable. The reader is invited into a room “Where
guests slide gliding into light like wine; / Rose candles flicker on the lilac wall” (Plath).
The simple mention of wine provides the reader with a sensory indication that evokes a
lack of sensibility and a lack of judgment. The girl is willing to surrender to her wishes
and dreams, despite the fact that reality will ultimately shatter her illusion of love.
Form
“Cinderella” is written as a traditional sonnet, a form of poetry that is often
associated with intense emotion and feeling. “Cinderella” is about love and loss. Hence,
the final stanza of the poem represents the abrupt ending to her night and her fantasy: “As
amid the hectic music and cocktail talk / She hears the caustic ticking of the clock”
(Plath). The form of the poem itself parallels the ending of the story and the
disintegration of the girls dream.
Tone
“Cinderella” begins with a feeling of hope and innocence. The reader
voyeuristically observes the beginnings of a love affair as “The prince leans to the girl in
scarlet heels, / Her green eyes slant, hair flaring in a fan” (Plath). The reader is invited
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into a secret world between two people that is illuminated within “The whole revolving
tall glass palace hall” (Plath). And yet, as the poem continues, the feelings of happiness
and love evaporate as a sense of desperation and sadness overshadows the “Guiltstricken” girl who “halts, pales, clings to the prince” (Plath). The final lines of the poem
reiterate the message that dreams do not always come true.
Concluding Statement
Overall, “Cinderella” is a poem about escape and fantasy. Plath constructs a world
wherein Cinderella is caught up in a dance of love that ends abruptly in loss and sadness.
This poem reminds the reader that fairytales do not always have a happy ending.
Original Image
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Works Cited
Plath, Sylvia. “Cinderella.” Sylvia Plath Collected Poems. Ed. Ted Hughes.
London: Faber and Faber Ltd. 1981. 303. Print.