Wuthering Heights – Sylvia Plath Cameron Martin

Key Themes The Sublime – Nature is very much in control and has once again reclaimed what was stolen by mankind. Power – A transition of nature controlling much of the power and the narrator struggling against it. To nature relying on the narrator. Isolation – Rather than being completely alone the isolation comes in a form of indifference to the narrators surroundings.

Use of themes. These themes are used to display not only the power and beauty of nature but also wider and more complex issues. Some of these evolve directly around nature whereas others are more abstract than the literal meaning. One of these more complex issues is the expectations of society and the pressure it places upon the shoulders of the narrator. Another is the nihilism, where it is easy to blend into a crowd, or follow the sheep path. However this does not present true individuality or peace.

The Sublime “Weighting the pale sky with a soldier colour” There are many connotations of this line which relate it to the sublime. However, the use of soldier is the pinnacle message and suggests the power of nature is of the equivalent to that of an army. The use of weighting suggests nature has the power to influence something as great as the sky and that it can overcome the vast horizons previously set. Each of these showcase the sublime, through the beauty of nature and its power this line represents the deserved respect for nature.

Power “Pours by like destiny, bending” Such a line suggests that nature holds so much power that it has the ability to shape the future. Or alter the very fabric of time. Lowering it to the level of a stream of water. “Everything in one direction” Suggests that nature is fully in control, and that nothing has the ability to alter the direction in which nature chooses to follow. Each line displays natures power and what the narrator is struggling to fight against or become a part of .

Isolation “The sky leans on me, me the one upright” Despite this also showing a change in power the line displays that nature and the narrator are of two different directions. Where the sky is horizontal the narrator stands upright. However this showcases the capability of the narrator and this is what sets her apart from nature. “To funnel my heat away” This line suggests that nature is trying to seize control of the narrator and consume them into being one with nature, removed of identity and smeared into the great picture that has been painted.

Summary Throughout the poem nature is very much displayed as a great power which is of a very different state than the narrator. It is suggested that nature conveys the role of society and the role that Plath is expected to fall into. However over time the poem changes and we see that although the narrator desires isolation they too want to be part of something greater. Not to be ignored and completely invisible to others but acknowledged by the few who think alike. Hence the use of sheep and how they have the effect of drawing the narrator inward towards their way of life.