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. 

AA
Answered by Amishta A. English tutor

2916 Views

See similar English GCSE tutors

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does Shakespeare make the audience sympathise with Macbeth?


Read the below passage; how does Steinbeck present the relationship between George, Lennie and Slim?


How does Blake's 'London' express ideas of oppression and authority?


How does the jungle in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" function as both a character and a setting?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning