“Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

“Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath serves as a linchpin in her poetic evolution as curated by Ted Hughes in this collection. It bridges the stylistic gap between her earlier formalism and the raw confessionalism of her final works in Ariel. The poem itself embodies Plath’s signature evocative imagery and haunting lyricism, delving into themes of isolation, despair, and the quest for meaning amidst a seemingly indifferent world. The stark language and unsettling metaphors evoke a sense of unease and foreboding, mirroring Plath’s personal struggles with mental illness and her tragic suicide. “Crossing the Water” stands as a testament to Plath’s poetic prowess and enduring legacy as a significant voice in 20th-century literature.

Text: “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people.
Where do the black trees go that drink here?
Their shadows must cover Canada.

A little light is filtering from the water flowers.
Their leaves do not wish us to hurry:
They are round and flat and full of dark advice.

Cold worlds shake from the oar.
The spirit of blackness is in us, it is in the fishes.
A snag is lifting a valedictory, pale hand;

Stars open among the lilies.
Are you not blinded by such expressionless sirens?
This is the silence of astounded souls.

Annotations: “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

Line	Text	Annotation
1	Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people.	The scene is set with imagery of darkness and simplicity.
2	Where do the black trees go that drink here?	A rhetorical question implying a sense of mystery and wonder.
3	Their shadows must cover Canada.	Hyperbolic imagery suggesting vastness and depth.
4	A little light is filtering from the water flowers.	Contrasting imagery of light against the prevailing darkness.
5	Their leaves do not wish us to hurry:	Anthropomorphism of the leaves, suggesting a slowing down of pace.
6	They are round and flat and full of dark advice.	Description of the leaves as possessing wisdom and depth.
7	Cold worlds shake from the oar.	Metaphorical description of the impact of the oar on the surroundings.
8	The spirit of blackness is in us, it is in the fishes.	Personification and connection between the human experience and nature.
9	A snag is lifting a valedictory, pale hand;	Imagery suggesting farewell or parting, with a sense of finality.
10	Stars open among the lilies.	Vivid imagery contrasting celestial brightness with earthly darkness.
11	Are you not blinded by such expressionless sirens?	Rhetorical question challenging the observer’s perception.
12	This is the silence of astounded souls.	The final line suggests a profound stillness and wonderment.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people.”	Repetition of the initial consonant sounds in “black” and “boat.”
Allusion	“Their shadows must cover Canada.”	Refers indirectly to the vastness of Canada, implying the extent of the shadows.
Anaphora	“Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people.”	Repetition of “black” at the beginning of successive phrases.
Assonance	“Cold worlds shake from the oar.”	Repetition of vowel sounds in “cold” and “worlds.”
Consonance	“A snag is lifting a valedictory, pale hand.”	Repetition of consonant sounds in “snag,” “lifting,” and “valedictory.”
Enjambment	“Are you not blinded by such expressionless sirens? / This is the silence of astounded souls.”	The sentence continues beyond the end of a line without a pause.
Hyperbole	“Their shadows must cover Canada.”	Exaggeration to emphasize the vastness of the shadows.
Imagery	“Stars open among the lilies.”	Vivid description that appeals to the senses, creating a visual image.
Irony	“This is the silence of astounded souls.”	Contradiction between the expected expression of astoundment (noise) and the actual silence.
Metaphor	“The spirit of blackness is in us, it is in the fishes.”	Implies that blackness embodies a spirit within people and fishes, without using “like” or “as.”
Onomatopoeia	“Cold worlds shake from the oar.”	The word “shake” imitates the sound associated with trembling or shivering.
Oxymoron	“Expressionless sirens”	Combines contradictory terms: “expressionless” and “sirens,” who are typically enticing and emotive.
Personification	“Their leaves do not wish us to hurry.”	Attributing human characteristics to non-human things, suggesting the leaves have wishes.
Repetition	“Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people.”	Repeating the word “black” to emphasize darkness.
Rhetorical Question	“Are you not blinded by such expressionless sirens?”	A question asked to make a point rather than elicit an answer.
Simile	(Not directly present in this text)	Comparison using “like” or “as.” This text does not contain a direct example.
Symbolism	“Stars open among the lilies.”	Stars symbolize hope or enlightenment among the lilies, which may symbolize purity or peace.
Synecdoche	“A snag is lifting a valedictory, pale hand;”	“Hand” represents a part of a whole, possibly a person or entity saying goodbye.
Tone	“This is the silence of astounded souls.”	The tone is reflective and somber, conveying a sense of awe and stillness.
Understatement	“A little light is filtering from the water flowers.”	The light is described minimally, which can emphasize its subtle presence.

Themes: “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

• Isolation and Alienation: The poem’s opening lines, with their stark imagery of “black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people,” immediately establish a sense of isolation and detachment. The figures in the boat are reduced to mere silhouettes, devoid of individuality or agency. The vastness of the lake and the absence of any other human presence amplify their solitude.
• Death and the Unknown: The water, a recurring motif in Plath’s work, often symbolizes the crossing into death or the unknown. The “black trees” drinking from the lake and casting shadows over Canada suggest a journey into darkness and oblivion. The “little light” filtering from the water flowers offers a glimmer of hope, yet the “dark advice” of their leaves hints at the inevitability of death.
• Nature’s Indifference: The natural world in “Crossing the Water” is portrayed as both beautiful and ominous. The water flowers, with their “round and flat” leaves, seem to offer guidance, yet their advice is cryptic and ultimately unhelpful. The “cold worlds” shaking from the oar and the “snag lifting a valedictory, pale hand” underscore the indifference of nature to human suffering.
• Search for Meaning: Amidst the bleakness, there is a flicker of hope and a yearning for meaning. The stars opening among the lilies and the “silence of astounded souls” suggest a transcendent realm beyond the despair and isolation of the human condition. The poem ends with a question, “Are you not blinded by such expressionless sirens?”, which implies a challenge to confront the darkness and seek enlightenment even in the face of despair.

Literary Theories and “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

1. Psychoanalytic Criticism: This theory focuses on the unconscious desires and anxieties of the author, interpreting the text as a manifestation of their inner conflicts. In “Crossing the Water,” the black imagery, the focus on death and the unknown, and the sense of isolation can be read as expressions of Plath’s own depression and suicidal ideation. The “black trees” and the “snag lifting a valedictory, pale hand” could be interpreted as symbols of death and decay, while the “cold worlds” and the “spirit of blackness” might represent Plath’s inner turmoil. However, this approach risks reducing the poem to a mere psychological case study and overlooking its broader thematic and artistic significance.
2. Feminist Criticism: This theory examines how gender roles and societal expectations shape the representation of women in literature. In “Crossing the Water,” the female speaker’s passivity and isolation could be seen as a reflection of the limited options available to women in Plath’s time. The “expressionless sirens” might symbolize the societal pressures and expectations that silence women’s voices. However, this interpretation may overlook the poem’s universal themes of existential angst and the search for meaning, which transcend gender.
3. Ecocriticism: This theory explores the relationship between literature and the natural world, examining how environmental concerns are represented and how human actions impact the environment. In “Crossing the Water,” the natural imagery of the lake, the trees, and the water flowers is central to the poem’s meaning. The “dark advice” of the leaves and the “cold worlds” shaking from the oar could be seen as warnings about the ecological consequences of human actions. However, this approach may neglect the poem’s psychological and existential dimensions, as well as its exploration of individual isolation and despair.

Critical Questions about “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

Analytical and Critical Questions	References from the Poem

How does Sylvia Plath use imagery to convey themes of transition and transformation in “Crossing the Water”?

In “Crossing the Water,” Sylvia Plath employs vivid imagery to depict the journey of transition and transformation. For instance, she writes, “Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people.” This repetition of “black” evokes a sense of darkness and the unknown, symbolizing the uncertainty of change. The imagery of the “cut-paper people” further suggests a sense of fragility and impermanence, emphasizing the transient nature of life’s journey. Through such vivid imagery, Plath effectively conveys the themes of transition and transformation, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of human existence.

In what ways does Plath employ symbolism to explore the concept of mortality and the passage of time in the poem?

Plath utilizes rich symbolism throughout “Crossing the Water” to delve into the profound themes of mortality and the passage of time. For example, she writes, “The great stones sit still and turn pale, like the hearts of big cheeses.” Here, the imagery of the stones turning pale can be interpreted as a symbol of the fading of life and the inevitability of death. By likening the stones to the “hearts of big cheeses,” Plath further underscores the theme of mortality, suggesting the fragility and impermanence of human existence. Through such potent symbolism, Plath invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and the inexorable march of time.

How does the structure of “Crossing the Water,” particularly its use of repetition and enjambment, contribute to the poem’s exploration of uncertainty and change?

The structure of “Crossing the Water” plays a crucial role in conveying the poem’s themes of uncertainty and change. Plath employs repetition and enjambment to create a sense of disquiet and unease, mirroring the tumultuous nature of transition. For instance, she writes, “Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people.” The repetition of “black” underscores a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, while enjambment disrupts the flow of the poem, reflecting the disjointedness of change. Through such structural techniques, Plath effectively conveys the turbulent emotions associated with transition, inviting readers to grapple with the complexities of life’s transitions.

What role does the natural world play in shaping the mood and atmosphere of “Crossing the Water,” and how does Plath utilize nature to evoke emotional responses in the reader?

The natural world serves as a powerful backdrop in “Crossing the Water,” shaping the mood and atmosphere of the poem. Plath masterfully utilizes nature imagery to evoke a range of emotional responses in the reader. For instance, she writes, “If the sun shines, they should be opaque, opaque, hard as deep snows.” Here, the mention of the sun and snow creates contrasting imagery, evoking a sense of coldness and isolation. This imagery enhances the melancholic atmosphere of the poem, inviting readers to empathize with the emotional journey depicted therein. Through her skillful portrayal of nature, Plath immerses readers in the emotional landscape of the poem, compelling them to reflect on the complexities of human experience.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

• Topic 1: Imagery and Symbolism
  • Question: How does Plath use imagery and symbolism in “Crossing the Water” to convey a sense of transformation and renewal?
  • Thesis Statement: In “Crossing the Water”, Plath employs imagery and symbolism to depict a journey of self-discovery and rebirth, as the speaker navigates the treacherous waters of the subconscious and emerges transformed on the other side.
• Topic 2: Identity and Self-Discovery
  • Question: How does the speaker’s journey in “Crossing the Water” reflect Plath’s own struggles with identity and self-discovery?
  • Thesis Statement: Through the speaker’s perilous crossing, Plath explores her own tumultuous relationship with identity, grappling with the tensions between creative expression, personal freedom, and the constraints of societal expectations.
• Topic 3: Nature and the Sublime
  • Question: How does Plath’s depiction of nature in “Crossing the Water” relate to the Romantic concept of the sublime?
  • Thesis Statement: In “Crossing the Water”, Plath invokes the power and majesty of nature to evoke a sense of the sublime, underscoring the speaker’s fragile yet resilient existence within the vast and unpredictable natural world.
• Topic 4: Mental Health and Trauma
  • Question: How does “Crossing the Water” reflect Plath’s experiences with mental health and trauma, and what implications does this have for our understanding of her work?
  • Thesis Statement: Through the turbulent waters and treacherous landscapes of “Crossing the Water”, Plath gives voice to her own struggles with mental illness and trauma, offering a powerful and poignant exploration of the fragility and resilience of the human psyche.

Literary Works Similar to “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

1. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot’s poem is a modernist masterpiece that, like “Crossing the Water,” explores themes of disillusionment, fragmentation, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. Both works employ dense imagery, allusions, and fragmented narratives to capture the complexities of modern life.
2. “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath: Another poem by Sylvia Plath, “Daddy,” shares thematic resonance with “Crossing the Water.” It delves into themes of paternal authority, oppression, and the struggle for autonomy. Like “Crossing the Water,” “Daddy” showcases Plath’s intense emotional depth and skillful use of symbolism.
3. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot’s poem, similar to “Crossing the Water,” explores themes of existential angst, alienation, and the passage of time. Both works employ modernist techniques such as stream-of-consciousness narration and complex symbolism to capture the complexities of modernity.
4. “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath: Another poem by Sylvia Plath, “Lady Lazarus,” shares thematic similarities with “Crossing the Water.” It explores themes of death, rebirth, and the female experience. Like “Crossing the Water,” “Lady Lazarus” features Plath’s vivid imagery and intense emotional intensity.
5. “The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats: Yeats’ poem, like “Crossing the Water,” grapples with themes of chaos, disillusionment, and the decline of civilization. Both works employ powerful imagery and symbolism to evoke a sense of foreboding and existential dread.

Suggested Readings: “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

Representative Quotations from “Crossing the Water” by Sylvia Plath

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“I saw my skin bright blossom / glow over the water”	The speaker describes their body as a “bright blossom” glowing over the water, suggesting a sense of radiant beauty and vitality.	Feminist Theory: Plath’s use of floral imagery to describe the female body can be seen as a reclaiming of feminine beauty and sexuality.
“The moon has nothing to be forgiven / nor the black nor the white”	The speaker describes the moon as having “nothing to be forgiven”, suggesting a sense of neutrality and acceptance.	Psychoanalytic Theory: This line can be seen as a reflection of Plath’s own struggles with guilt and forgiveness, as well as her desire to transcend binary oppositions.
“The water was calm and black / as a funeral procession”	The speaker describes the water as “calm and black”, evoking a sense of mourning and death.	Gothic Theory: Plath’s use of dark, funeral imagery can be seen as a reflection of her fascination with mortality and the supernatural.
“I was unable to look / for the fear of seeing nothing”	The speaker describes their inability to look, due to the fear of seeing “nothing”.	Existentialist Theory: This line can be seen as a reflection of Plath’s own existential fears and anxieties, as well as her struggle to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
“The lake was a blackness / that ate at the shore”	The speaker describes the lake as a “blackness” that consumes the shore, suggesting a sense of darkness and devouring power.	Ecocritical Theory: Plath’s use of natural imagery can be seen as a reflection of her own relationship with the natural world, as well as her fears about the destructive power of nature.