The applicant
The applicant is a poem from Sylvia Plath's collection of poems entitled Ariel. The applicant was written in the 1960s, and it outlines society's expectations of not only women, but also men, back in the time., although the poem focuses more on the stereotypes of a woman. In this poem, Plath attacks the forces in society, which believed that everyone is to conform to marriage. She also challenges the roles of men and women in society in the 1960s.
Symbols in this poem include symbols of women and a symbol of identity for males. Women in this poem are not referred to as humans but rather as objects. For instance, in the 2nd stanza, the word 'thing' suggests objectification of women, also in the 2nd stanza, the word "hand" suggests labour in the form of housework, or even helping husbands. Thus, women are expected to server and look out for their husbands. Further down in the poem, the words "paper" Silver gold, and the phrase "a living doll" all suggest objectification of women. Women in this poem are objectified as they are not given a voice, and this can be paralleled to the roles of women in the 1960s, which is to be subservient to their husbands. Also, in stanza 3, the line "and do whatever you tell it" suggests robotism of women and total dominance of males over females. In addition, in stanza 6, the line naked as paper to stark suggests men should write on their wives and do whatever they wish with them. This is highly devocatry to females but it also suggests subservient. Lastly, in stanza 3, the line "bring teacups and roll away headaches" highlights that women are expected to server their husbands, and make things better for them.
As for the symbol of identity for males, the word '"suit' paints us an image of a businessman returning home from work, and this highlights that men are to bring home the bacon. Roles of men and females have been defined, and both genders have been pidgin holed into society expectations of them.
The 2 main themes in
Symbols in this poem include symbols of women and a symbol of identity for males. Women in this poem are not referred to as humans but rather as objects. For instance, in the 2nd stanza, the word 'thing' suggests objectification of women, also in the 2nd stanza, the word "hand" suggests labour in the form of housework, or even helping husbands. Thus, women are expected to server and look out for their husbands. Further down in the poem, the words "paper" Silver gold, and the phrase "a living doll" all suggest objectification of women. Women in this poem are objectified as they are not given a voice, and this can be paralleled to the roles of women in the 1960s, which is to be subservient to their husbands. Also, in stanza 3, the line "and do whatever you tell it" suggests robotism of women and total dominance of males over females. In addition, in stanza 6, the line naked as paper to stark suggests men should write on their wives and do whatever they wish with them. This is highly devocatry to females but it also suggests subservient. Lastly, in stanza 3, the line "bring teacups and roll away headaches" highlights that women are expected to server their husbands, and make things better for them.
As for the symbol of identity for males, the word '"suit' paints us an image of a businessman returning home from work, and this highlights that men are to bring home the bacon. Roles of men and females have been defined, and both genders have been pidgin holed into society expectations of them.
The 2 main themes in