1. Symbolism: The poem extensively uses symbols to convey deeper meanings. The seal here symbolizes the inevitability of death and the transience of human life. Other symbols include the "black snout," representing death, and the "white breast," symbolizing life and purity.
2. Imagery: Vivid imagery is a distinctive feature of the poem. Plath paints a vivid picture of the seal, its movements, and the environment it inhabits. The imagery is often unsettling and grotesque, reflecting the harsh reality of death and decay.
3. Personification: The poem personifies the seal, attributing human emotions and qualities to it. This technique allows the seal to represent human experiences, including vulnerability and mortality.
4. Assonance and Consonance: Plath uses assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) and consonance (repetition of consonant sounds) to create a rhythm and musicality in the poem. For instance, the repetition of "s" and "t" sounds in lines like "Black snout blown, the black flippers beat" creates a sense of rhythm.
5. Enjambment: Enjambment, where sentences and phrases run over from one line to another without punctuation, is frequently employed in the poem. This technique enhances the flow of the poem and creates a sense of urgency and breathlessness, reflecting the speaker's emotional state.
6. Dark and Mournful Tone: The poem is marked by a pervasive sense of darkness, grief, and mourning. The speaker's tone is somber, melancholic, and contemplative as they reflect on the inevitability of death and the frailty of human existence.
"Seal Poem" effectively uses symbolism, imagery, personification, and sound devices to convey a profound exploration of mortality and the human condition, showcasing Sylvia Plath's mastery of poetic craft.