She has foldedThem back into her body as petalsOf a rose close when the garden Stiffens and odours bleedFrom the sweet, deep throats of the night flower. The moon has nothing to be sad about, Staring from her hood of bone.
In the poem "Ariel" by Sylvia Plath, the imagery conveys a sense of transformation and introspection. The speaker likens herself to a rose, suggesting an inner beauty that is concealed, mirroring how petals fold away when the garden becomes still. This reflects themes of repression and the struggle to express one’s true self in a world that can be harsh and demanding.
The mention of the moon implies a detached observer, remaining unaffected by the surrounding emotions. This significant contrast enhances the poem's exploration of solitude and the complexities of identity, as the speaker grapples with internal conflict and the desire for freedom, evoking a poignant sense of melancholy amidst the yearning for release.