Explore emotive language in Plath's "Daddy".

Plath's poem, Daddy consists of 16 stanzas, each five lines, making a total of 80 lines. The metre is roughly tetrameter, four beats, but contains pentameter with a mix of stresses. Enjambment gives the feeling that the narrator is enmeshing her feelings with her thoughts and she’s unable to control herself or her dictation. A reflection on how this is a sentimental and personal poem for her. Assonance is also used; sound of the steam train throughout - choo choo - oo oo, glue, you, do, du, shoe, two, screw, through, gobbledygoo, Jew, blue, Achoo. This repeated refrain gives the poem energy and conjures up the image of the train chuffing its way to the final destination. The narrator uses direct address to address her father. using words like you, a direct approach which brings the reader closer to the action. I never could talk to you seems to come right from the daughter's heart. Sylvia Plath is hinting at a lack of communication, of instability and paralysis. 

Answered by Amishta A. English tutor

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