What is the significance of Cerberus in Sylvia Plath's poem "Fever 103"?
There's also an Allusion to Dantes Inferno with his use of Ceberus, the three day, three nights, and the rise to paradise. Cerberus is the monster that guards the fourth circle of hell which holds the gluttons. I'd looked up the other Dante allusions
To understand the significance of Cerberus in Sylvia Plath's poem "Fever 103," we need to first analyze the context of the poem and then explore the mythology of Cerberus.
1. Context of the poem:
"Fever 103" is one of Plath's later works and is known for its intense and vivid imagery. It was written during a period of personal turmoil and reflects themes of illness, despair, and mortality. Plath frequently used mythological allusions in her poetry, drawing from various sources to amplify her ideas and emotions.
2. Mythology of Cerberus:
Cerberus is a monstrous three-headed dog from Greek mythology. According to the myth, he guards the entrance to the Underworld, preventing the dead from escaping and the living from entering. Cerberus is often depicted as a fearsome and relentless guardian. His presence symbolizes the boundary between life and death, emphasizing the finality and inevitability of mortality.
3. Significance in "Fever 103":
In "Fever 103," the mention of Cerberus serves to enhance the poem's theme of despair and impending death. Plath describes herself as being consumed by a feverish state, feeling as if she's in a borderland between the living and the dead. The reference to Cerberus represents the inner demons, the relentless torment, and the inescapable suffering that she is experiencing.
By invoking the image of Cerberus, Plath suggests that she is trapped in a state of emotional and psychological anguish, unable to find relief or escape. The presence of Cerberus also adds to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the poem, amplifying the sense of impending doom and despair.
Understanding the significance of Cerberus in "Fever 103" requires an examination of the poem's context, Plath's use of mythological allusions, and the symbolism associated with Cerberus. This understanding helps us dissect the deeper meaning behind Plath's words and the emotions she conveys through her poetry.