Smith

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 “Guilt-

stricken” 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.

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