Introduction
Death is a universal experience that has been explored in literature for centuries. However, not many authors have taken on the perspective of the dead to speak on the topic. In this essay, we will compare and contrast two readings: “A Note on My Son’s Face” by Toi Derricotte and “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath.
Summary
The poems present the theme of the relationship between parents and children (Nield 50). They employ various literary devices, including imagery, tone, and speaker, to present their respective themes.
In “A Note on My Son’s Face,” Derricotte uses the image of her son’s face to illustrate her connection and love for him. She says, “There is nothing like the sight / of your own child’s face, / nothing in the world.” (Derricotte line 3-8). This quote reveals that the sight of her son’s face brings her immense joy and love. The speaker’s tone is one of affection and adoration for her child, which enhances the poem’s theme.
Similarly, in “Daddy,” the poet uses the image of her father to explore her complicated relationship with him. The speaker describes her father as a Nazi and a vampire, which suggests that he is both dangerous and oppressive.
Similarities
Both poems share similarities in their themes. They both explore the complex and emotional relationships between parents and children. Derricotte’s poem exemplifies the unconditional love and affection that accompany parenthood. In contrast, Plath’s poem illustrates the harm that can result from a parent’s emotional distance or abuse (Nield 30). It is therefore evident that the existing similarity lies in the themes of the poem, which relate to the existing relationship that a parent can have with their children.
Differences
The differences between the poems lie in how the themes are presented. Derricotte’s poem is written from the perspective of a mother. In contrast, Plath’s poem is written from the perspective of a daughter. Additionally, Derricotte’s poem is more celebratory, while Plath’s poem is more critical and angry (Derricotte lines 1-4). Derricotte’s poem portrays a more compassionate relationship, whereas Plath’s poem depicts a very constrained existing relationship between a parent and their child.
Shared Message
The common theme in both poems is the importance of parental relationships and their profound impact on a child’s life. Both poems suggest that these relationships can be complicated, but they are crucial to a child’s emotional development. In interpreting this message, it is important for parents to be present and loving in their children’s lives. In case such a compassionate relationship is not developed, parent might have a constrained relationship with their children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both “A Note on My Son’s Face” and “Daddy” primarily examine the complex relationship between a parent and their child, utilizing diverse literary techniques to convey their messages. While the poems share the fundamental idea that parental relationships are crucial to a child’s emotional growth, their presentation, style, and use of devices are distinct. Ultimately, readers may interpret the poems in various ways, discovering new themes, symbols, or perspectives that extend beyond the central parent-child dynamic.
Works Cited
Derricotte, Toi. I: New & Selected Poems. University of Pittsburgh Press, 2019.
Nield, Christopher. “Pan/Pun: Doubletake and Double Exposure in ‘Daddy’ by Sylvia Plath.” Plath Profiles: An Interdisciplinary Journal for Sylvia Plath Studies, 2021.