“The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

“The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath first appeared in Ariel, her posthumous poetry collection published in 1965. The poem explores themes of power, fear, control, and the struggle for liberation, using the metaphor of a bee box filled with buzzing, chaotic energy to reflect inner turmoil and psychological distress. Plath’s vivid imagery and striking metaphors capture a deep sense of anxiety and entrapment, as the speaker wrestles with her authority over the locked box and its ominous, unseen contents. The poem’s haunting tone and exploration of control versus freedom make it a popular choice in textbooks, as it offers rich opportunities for literary analysis. The line, “I am no source of honey / So why should they turn on me?” exemplifies the speaker’s uncertain relationship with power—both the fear of wielding it and the desire to relinquish it.

Text: “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

I ordered this, clean wood box
Square as a chair and almost too heavy to lift.
I would say it was the coffin of a midget
Or a square baby
Were there not such a din in it.

The box is locked, it is dangerous.
I have to live with it overnight
And I can’t keep away from it.
There are no windows, so I can’t see what is in there.
There is only a little grid, no exit.

I put my eye to the grid.
It is dark, dark,
With the swarmy feeling of African hands
Minute and shrunk for export,
Black on black, angrily clambering.

How can I let them out?
It is the noise that appalls me most of all,
The unintelligible syllables.
It is like a Roman mob,
Small, taken one by one, but my god, together!

I lay my ear to furious Latin.
I am not a Caesar.
I have simply ordered a box of maniacs.
They can be sent back.
They can die, I need feed them nothing, I am the owner.

I wonder how hungry they are.
I wonder if they would forget me
If I just undid the locks and stood back and turned into a tree.
There is the laburnum, its blond colonnades,
And the petticoats of the cherry.

They might ignore me immediately
In my moon suit and funeral veil.
I am no source of honey
So why should they turn on me?
Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free.

The box is only temporary.

Annotations: “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

Line from the Poem	Explanation
I ordered this, clean wood box	The speaker has deliberately chosen to own this mysterious box, implying responsibility or curiosity.
Square as a chair and almost too heavy to lift.	The box is sturdy and solid, yet its weight suggests something burdensome or difficult to handle.
I would say it was the coffin of a midget	A disturbing image comparing the box to a small coffin, hinting at death or entrapment.
Or a square baby	Another unsettling image, likening the box to something unnatural or eerie.
Were there not such a din in it.	The noise inside makes the box seem alive and chaotic, creating a sense of unease.
The box is locked, it is dangerous.	The box is both confined and a threat, symbolizing something that must be controlled or contained.
I have to live with it overnight	The speaker is stuck with the box, implying an ongoing struggle or responsibility.
And I can’t keep away from it.	There is a compulsion to stay near the box, even though it is disturbing.
There are no windows, so I can’t see what is in there.	The lack of visibility creates mystery and anxiety, reinforcing the idea of the unknown.
There is only a little grid, no exit.	A small opening suggests a restricted and controlled environment, reinforcing the theme of entrapment.
I put my eye to the grid.	The speaker is curious but cautious, trying to understand what is inside.
It is dark, dark,	Repetition emphasizes the complete lack of light, symbolizing ignorance or fear.
With the swarmy feeling of African hands	A controversial metaphor describing the bees as foreign and overwhelming.
Minute and shrunk for export,	Suggests something being controlled, commercialized, or oppressed.
Black on black, angrily clambering.	The imagery of restless, dark movement emphasizes chaos and confinement.
How can I let them out?	The speaker questions their power over the box, considering releasing the contents.
It is the noise that appalls me most of all,	The speaker is most disturbed by the sound, implying a fear of uncontrolled voices or forces.
The unintelligible syllables.	The noise is incomprehensible, possibly symbolizing confusion, fear, or suppressed voices.
It is like a Roman mob,	Compares the bees to an unruly crowd, highlighting disorder and potential violence.
Small, taken one by one, but my god, together!	Individually weak but collectively powerful, emphasizing the strength in unity.
I lay my ear to furious Latin.	The bees’ noise is likened to an ancient, aggressive language, reinforcing chaos and authority.
I am not a Caesar.	The speaker denies being a powerful ruler, suggesting a lack of control or reluctance to wield power.
I have simply ordered a box of maniacs.	The speaker realizes they have willingly invited chaos into their life.
They can be sent back.	Contemplates the possibility of getting rid of the problem easily.
They can die, I need feed them nothing, I am the owner.	The speaker has ultimate control over the box’s contents, but their tone suggests moral conflict.
I wonder how hungry they are.	Curiosity about the potential danger of the bees, symbolizing unpredictable power.
I wonder if they would forget me	The speaker questions their importance in the eyes of the contained power.
If I just undid the locks and stood back and turned into a tree.	A desire to detach from responsibility, imagining transformation into something passive and natural.
There is the laburnum, its blond colonnades,	A serene, beautiful image, contrasting with the chaos of the box.
And the petticoats of the cherry.	Another soft, delicate image, reinforcing an escape into nature.
They might ignore me immediately	The speaker considers the possibility of being insignificant to the bees.
In my moon suit and funeral veil.	References protective clothing, hinting at fear and a sense of mourning or isolation.
I am no source of honey	The speaker acknowledges that they have nothing valuable to offer the bees.
So why should they turn on me?	Expresses both fear and a rationalization that they might not be in danger.
Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free.	The speaker envisions taking control and offering liberation, suggesting both power and mercy.
The box is only temporary.	Ends on a note that implies transience—either the burden will pass, or the speaker will take action soon.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Allusion	“I lay my ear to furious Latin. I am not a Caesar.”	Refers to Roman history, suggesting the speaker’s lack of control over a chaotic crowd.
Ambiguity	“They might ignore me immediately in my moon suit and funeral veil.”	The phrase “moon suit” could imply a beekeeper’s outfit, but “funeral veil” hints at death or mourning.
Anaphora	“I wonder how hungry they are. I wonder if they would forget me.”	The repetition of “I wonder” emphasizes the speaker’s uncertainty and fear.
Assonance	“Square as a chair and almost too heavy to lift.”	The repetition of vowel sounds in “square” and “chair” creates a rhythmic effect.
Caesura	“I have simply ordered a box of maniacs. / They can be sent back.”	The period marks a strong pause, emphasizing the speaker’s control over the situation.
Consonance	“My god, together!”	The repetition of the “g” sound adds emphasis and urgency.
Contrast	“Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free.”	The contrast between “sweet God” and the previous fear and violence shows the speaker’s shifting emotions.
Dark Imagery	“Black on black, angrily clambering.”	The description creates an ominous, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Diction (Word Choice)	“It is the noise that appalls me most of all, the unintelligible syllables.”	The word “appalls” conveys deep fear, and “unintelligible” suggests confusion and a lack of understanding.
Enjambment	“They might ignore me immediately / In my moon suit and funeral veil.”	The continuation of the sentence onto the next line without punctuation mirrors the speaker’s nervous thoughts.
Extended Metaphor	The bee box as a symbol for the mind or psychological turmoil.	The entire poem revolves around the box as a metaphor for inner chaos or oppression.
Hyperbole	“I have simply ordered a box of maniacs.”	The speaker exaggerates the behavior of the bees, intensifying the sense of chaos.
Irony	“I am no source of honey, so why should they turn on me?”	The speaker wonders why the bees would attack, yet they fear them, showing an ironic contradiction.
Juxtaposition	“Laburnum, its blond colonnades, and the petticoats of the cherry.”	The beautiful imagery contrasts with the previous fear and chaos of the bees.
Metaphor	“The box is locked, it is dangerous.”	The box symbolizes repression, psychological distress, or hidden emotions.
Personification	“I put my eye to the grid. It is dark, dark.”	The darkness is given an active, ominous presence.
Repetition	“Dark, dark,”	Repetition emphasizes the intensity of the darkness and fear.
Symbolism	“The box is only temporary.”	The box represents temporary struggles, oppression, or mental distress.
Tone Shift	From fear in “How can I let them out?” to power in “Tomorrow I will be sweet God.”	The tone moves from anxiety and helplessness to control and resolution.

Themes: “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

• Power and Control
  In “The Arrival of the Bee Box,” Sylvia Plath explores the theme of power and control through the speaker’s relationship with the locked box. The speaker initially appears to have authority, having “ordered” the box, yet they quickly realize that the contents—the buzzing, chaotic bees—are beyond their control. The line, “The box is locked, it is dangerous,” suggests an awareness of the latent power within. The tension between possessing control and fearing the consequences of unleashing it reflects broader struggles with dominance and submission, both psychologically and socially. The speaker’s ultimate declaration, “Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free,” indicates an oscillation between fear and a desire to exercise divine-like authority over the box’s contents, mirroring existential and personal struggles with autonomy and oppression.
• Fear and Anxiety
  “The Arrival of the Bee Box” captures an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety, as the speaker is disturbed by the presence of something uncontrollable and ominous. The poem’s imagery, particularly “It is dark, dark, with the swarmy feeling of African hands, minute and shrunk for export,” evokes claustrophobia, panic, and an inability to fully grasp or understand the forces at play. The “din” within the box represents not only physical noise but also the turmoil within the speaker’s mind, making it a powerful metaphor for internal anxiety. The fear of unlocking the box, of confronting what lies within, mirrors the human fear of facing inner demons, difficult emotions, or even societal unrest. This theme is further emphasized through the speaker’s helplessness, as they are drawn to the box yet terrified by its contents, illustrating the complex relationship between fear and curiosity.
• Mental and Emotional Entrapment
  The theme of mental and emotional entrapment is deeply embedded in “The Arrival of the Bee Box,” with the locked box serving as a metaphor for the speaker’s mind. The bees trapped within symbolize repressed thoughts, suppressed emotions, or overwhelming psychological distress. The line “There are no windows, so I can’t see what is in there. There is only a little grid, no exit,” suggests a feeling of being trapped, mirroring the experience of depression or mental illness where there seems to be no clear way out. The speaker’s inability to ignore the box and their obsessive need to observe it reflect the compulsive nature of intrusive thoughts and emotional burdens. Even when considering setting the bees free, the speaker hesitates, showing the inner conflict between wanting relief and fearing the consequences of confronting suppressed emotions.
• Liberation and Transformation
  By the end of “The Arrival of the Bee Box,” the speaker shifts from fear to a sense of empowerment, suggesting a theme of liberation and transformation. The bees, initially perceived as a threat, become something the speaker can release and control. The final lines, “Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free,” indicate a transition from helplessness to a god-like role of decision-making and power. This shift can be interpreted as a desire for personal liberation—whether from fear, societal expectations, or emotional turmoil. The imagery of nature in “There is the laburnum, its blond colonnades, and the petticoats of the cherry,” contrasts with the earlier claustrophobic images, reinforcing a movement toward freedom and self-acceptance. However, the phrase “The box is only temporary” leaves an ambiguous ending, suggesting that liberation is not absolute but rather a fleeting or ongoing process.

Literary Theories and “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

Literary Theory	Application to “The Arrival of the Bee Box”	Reference from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory (Freudian Analysis)	The poem can be analyzed as an exploration of the speaker’s subconscious mind, where the locked bee box represents suppressed thoughts, fears, and psychological turmoil. The tension between wanting to control the box and fearing its contents mirrors the struggle between the conscious and unconscious self. The imagery of confinement and uncontrollable noise reflects internalized distress, possibly linking to Plath’s own struggles with mental illness.	“The box is locked, it is dangerous. / I have to live with it overnight / And I can’t keep away from it.” (Shows repression and compulsion, key elements in psychoanalysis.)
Feminist Theory	The poem can be read as a commentary on female oppression and the struggle for autonomy. The speaker’s fear of the bees and their potential for destruction may symbolize patriarchal control and the confined role of women in society. The final assertion of power, where the speaker envisions becoming a “sweet God,” suggests an attempt at reclaiming agency.	“Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free.” (Implies the desire to transcend oppression and assert control, resonating with feminist themes.)
Existentialist Theory	The poem embodies existential themes of individual freedom, isolation, and the search for meaning. The speaker grapples with their control over the box and whether to release the bees, reflecting the burden of choice and responsibility. The ambiguous resolution suggests an ongoing struggle with existence and personal agency.	“They can be sent back. / They can die, I need feed them nothing, I am the owner.” (Demonstrates existentialist concerns of autonomy, free will, and responsibility.)
Postcolonial Theory	Some of the poem’s imagery, particularly the controversial line comparing the bees to “African hands, minute and shrunk for export,” can be examined through a postcolonial lens. This metaphor evokes themes of colonial exploitation and commodification of marginalized groups. The chaotic, trapped bees may symbolize oppressed peoples, while the speaker’s power over them reflects colonial authority.	“With the swarmy feeling of African hands / Minute and shrunk for export.” (This line can be analyzed as a reference to historical exploitation, aligning with postcolonial criticism.)

Critical Questions about “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

• How does the bee box function as a metaphor for the speaker’s psychological state?
• In “The Arrival of the Bee Box,” the bee box serves as a powerful metaphor for the speaker’s inner turmoil and psychological distress. The box is described as locked and dangerous, symbolizing thoughts or emotions that have been repressed and cannot be easily confronted. The line “There are no windows, so I can’t see what is in there. / There is only a little grid, no exit.” suggests feelings of claustrophobia, entrapment, and an inability to fully understand or escape from one’s own mind. The bees inside, described as “a box of maniacs,” can be seen as intrusive thoughts or chaotic emotions that the speaker fears losing control over. The tension between wanting to keep the bees contained and considering setting them free mirrors the struggle between repression and expression. This aligns with a psychoanalytic reading of the poem, where the box symbolizes the unconscious mind, filled with unresolved fears and anxieties.
• What role does power and control play in the speaker’s relationship with the bee box?
• Power and control are central themes in “The Arrival of the Bee Box,” as the speaker struggles between feeling authoritative and powerless over the box’s contents. The speaker initially claims ownership over the box, stating, “I ordered this, clean wood box,” which implies an intentional act of control. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes evident that the speaker is afraid of what they have acquired, as seen in “The box is locked, it is dangerous. / I have to live with it overnight / And I can’t keep away from it.” The paradox of wanting to both manage and avoid the box reveals a crisis of control. By the end, the speaker envisions themselves as a god-like figure, stating, “Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free,” suggesting an attempt to reclaim authority. However, the statement also introduces ambiguity—does setting them free indicate real control, or does it signal surrender? The fluctuating dynamic between power and helplessness reflects broader existential concerns about autonomy and dominance over one’s life and emotions.
• How does the poem use imagery to create a sense of entrapment and oppression?
• Plath employs vivid and often unsettling imagery to establish a feeling of entrapment and oppression in “The Arrival of the Bee Box.” The box itself is a confined space with “no windows” and “only a little grid, no exit,” reinforcing the idea of inescapability. The bees inside are described as “angrily clambering,” evoking a chaotic and frenzied atmosphere. The line “It is the noise that appalls me most of all, / The unintelligible syllables” adds to the sense of disorientation, as the speaker is overwhelmed by a force that they cannot fully comprehend or control. Furthermore, the bees’ noise is likened to “a Roman mob,” which portrays a collective, uncontrollable force that could turn violent if unleashed. This oppressive imagery not only reflects the speaker’s psychological distress but can also be interpreted through feminist and postcolonial lenses, symbolizing societal constraints or the voices of the marginalized demanding release.
• What is the significance of the speaker’s transformation at the end of the poem?
• The ending of “The Arrival of the Bee Box” marks a significant shift in the speaker’s perception of their relationship with the box and its contents. Initially, the speaker is dominated by fear, uncertain about whether they can handle the swarm inside. However, in the final stanza, they declare, “Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free.” This transformation can be read in multiple ways. On one hand, it suggests a newfound sense of empowerment—the speaker chooses to take action rather than remain passive in their fear. On the other hand, it raises the question of whether setting the bees free is an act of power or an act of surrender. The statement “The box is only temporary.” reinforces this ambiguity, as it implies that the problem (or emotional turmoil) is not permanent, yet it does not clarify whether the release will bring resolution or chaos. This transformation could symbolize personal liberation, the acceptance of one’s struggles, or even a moment of resignation, making the poem’s conclusion deeply complex and open-ended.

Literary Works Similar to “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

1. “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath – Similar in its confessional style, dark imagery, and exploration of power dynamics, oppression, and psychological turmoil.
2. “The Thought-Fox” by Ted Hughes – Shares a metaphorical representation of creativity and the subconscious, using an animal (a fox) as Plath uses bees to symbolize uncontrolled inner thoughts.
3. “I Felt a Funeral in My Brain” by Emily Dickinson – Explores themes of psychological distress, entrapment, and mental breakdown, much like the chaotic and oppressive atmosphere in “The Arrival of the Bee Box.”
4. “Ariel” by Sylvia Plath – Examines themes of liberation, personal transformation, and conflicting emotions, similar to the speaker’s evolving stance on control in “The Arrival of the Bee Box.”
5. “The Jaguar” by Ted Hughes – Focuses on confinement and suppressed energy, much like the trapped bees in Plath’s poem, symbolizing a force on the verge of breaking free.

Representative Quotations of “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“I ordered this, clean wood box”	The speaker establishes that they have willingly acquired the box, suggesting a sense of ownership and control.	Existentialism – Highlights individual choice and responsibility over one’s burdens.
“The box is locked, it is dangerous.”	The speaker acknowledges that the box contains something potentially harmful, creating tension between curiosity and fear.	Psychoanalysis – The locked box symbolizes repressed emotions or trauma that the speaker cannot confront.
“There are no windows, so I can’t see what is in there. / There is only a little grid, no exit.”	The lack of visibility adds mystery and fear, reinforcing themes of entrapment and suppression.	Feminist Criticism – Can represent the constraints placed on women, with no clear escape from societal oppression.
“I put my eye to the grid. / It is dark, dark,”	The speaker attempts to understand the contents of the box, but is met with obscurity and fear.	Psychoanalysis – The darkness represents the unknown or unconscious mind, which remains inaccessible.
“With the swarmy feeling of African hands / Minute and shrunk for export”	A controversial metaphor comparing the bees to exploited labor, reinforcing a sense of dehumanization.	Postcolonial Theory – Suggests themes of racial and economic exploitation, mirroring colonial oppression.
“It is the noise that appalls me most of all, / The unintelligible syllables.”	The speaker is overwhelmed by the sound of the bees, which they cannot comprehend.	Linguistic Theory / Deconstruction – Highlights the breakdown of language and meaning, where communication becomes chaotic and uncontrollable.
“It is like a Roman mob, / Small, taken one by one, but my god, together!”	The speaker compares the bees to a volatile, collective force, emphasizing their unpredictability.	Political Theory – Reflects fears of mass movements or revolutions, where individual elements become powerful when unified.
“I have simply ordered a box of maniacs.”	The speaker expresses regret and fear about their choice, acknowledging the uncontrollable nature of the contents.	Psychoanalysis – Suggests a loss of control over one’s thoughts, paralleling mental illness or anxiety.
“Tomorrow I will be sweet God, I will set them free.”	The speaker shifts from fear to empowerment, contemplating releasing the bees.	Existentialism – Represents the moment of self-determination, where the speaker chooses to take control of their fate.
“The box is only temporary.”	The speaker acknowledges that the situation is not permanent, introducing a sense of hope or resignation.	Metaphysical Philosophy – Implies that suffering, fear, and even control are transient states in the human experience.

Suggested Readings: “The Arrival of the Bee Box” by Sylvia Plath

1. Buell, Frederick. “Sylvia Plath’s Traditionalism.” Boundary 2, vol. 5, no. 1, 1976, pp. 195–212. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/302025. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
2. SPIVACK, KATHLEEN. “Some Thoughts on Sylvia Plath.” The Virginia Quarterly Review, vol. 80, no. 2, 2004, pp. 212–18. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26445711. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
3. Luck, Jessica Lewis. “Exploring the ‘Mind of the Hive’: Embodied Cognition in Sylvia Plath’s Bee Poems.” Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature, vol. 26, no. 2, 2007, pp. 287–308. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20455330. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
4. Plath, Sylvia. “The arrival of the bee box.” Ariel: The Restored Edition (1999): 84-85.