WHAT are we set on earth for ? Say, to toil;
Nor seek to leave thy tending of the vines
For all the heat o’ the day, till it declines,
And Death’s mild curfew shall from work assoil.
God did anoint thee with his odorous oil,
To wrestle, not to reign; and He assigns
All thy tears over, like pure crystallines,
For younger fellow-workers of the soil
To wear for amulets. So others shall
Take patience, labor, to their heart and hand
From thy hand and thy heart and thy brave cheer,
And God’s grace fructify through thee to
The least flower with a brimming cup may stand,
And share its dew-drop with another near.

Summary

In Sylvia Plath’s poem “Work,” she talks about the purpose of life and the importance of working hard. She says that our job on Earth is to work diligently until we die, and we shouldn’t try to avoid it. Plath believes that God has given us tasks to do and expects us to do them well, like caring for plants or crops.

Plath uses the idea of God’s blessing, comparing it to oil that gives us strength for our work. She says that instead of trying to be powerful leaders, we should focus on doing our jobs well and helping others. She believes that the tears we shed while working are valuable, like precious crystals, and they will help those who come after us.

The poem ends on a hopeful note, saying that when we work hard and are kind to others, it makes the world a better place. Plath uses the image of a flower sharing its dew with another flower nearby to show how our actions can spread kindness and make a difference.

Overall, “Work” is a poem that celebrates the value of hard work and the importance of helping others. Plath suggests that by doing our jobs well and being kind, we can make the world a better and more beautiful place for everyone.

Analysis

In Sylvia Plath’s poem “Work,” she explores the idea of purpose and labor in human life. Plath suggests that our existence is defined by toil and responsibility, symbolized by the metaphor of tending to vines in a vineyard. This imagery conveys a sense of enduring effort and dedication required throughout life.

Plath introduces religious imagery, portraying God’s anointing as a source of strength and guidance for our work. This suggests a divine purpose behind our tasks, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities with diligence and commitment.