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Genius Annotation

In a rare, simple and predominantly positive poem, Plath offers a tribute to her two children. Through the imagery of balloons, the poem captures the innocent curiosity of children. However, there is a more sinister interpretation in that the the balloons could represent the fragility of happiness. One might almost speculate that Plath had a premonition of the future.There is greater irony still in that her baby boy suffered depression as an adult and committed suicide in midde age.

Structure
She uses her characteristic organisated structure of unrhymed five-line stanzas. Here there are six of them. The lines are of irregular length and the predominant colour imagery provides unity.

Imagery
Colours predominate; red, green, pink etc. This is a welcome change from the gloom of, say, the ‘Bee’ sequence of poems, where black and white are used extensively. The peacock’s feather is also colourful, though its symbolism complex. Plath also uses animal imagery to describe the balloons, linking them to the world of childhood.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

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