Analyzing Sylvia Plath's Poem The Applicant

“Will you marry it?”

--a short story written after Sylvia Plath’s poem “The Applicant” Awakened by my brothers’ and sisters’ loud snoring, I got out of my room to drink a cup of water. It was then I saw my mother dozing off on the wooden chair when I walked passed the living room. This was the eighth time of this month, also the 16th time of these three months. I didn’t bother to wake her up and tell her to sleep in her room because I know my mom well. She was a strong and stubborn woman. She would not go back to her room until she saw that my father had walked in. I tiptoed down to my room, or to be more specifically, to the room we children all share, trying not to make noise. Lying on my bed, I thought about my father, how he used to take

It was hot and dusty outside. My mom and I were sitting on the wooden bench, waiting for the matchmaker. The servants brought us some cold green tea to cool us off. In a far distance, I saw two ladies walking toward us. I remember them because one lady wore a long light pink silk dress with yellow embroidery on the side of her sleeves. The two ladies were looking at my face without talking. They were scrutinizing me. “What’s your name?” the other lady who looked really old questioned. Then, I came to realize the lady in fancy dress might be my future mother-in-law and the other was the matchmaker. “My name is Mei. Mei Chen.” I answered politely and robotically. “Clean voice. Mei, are you nearsighted or farsighted?” the matchmaker asked again. “My eyes are perfectly well, ma’am.” I replied. “Great. Do you have any false teeth, leg, arm and so forth?” “No ma’am. I’m perfectly healthy and fine.” The matchmaker smiled and nodded approvingly. The matchmaker later claimed, “ In Chinese zodiac, a sheep for a rabbit. This is an ideal marriage combination. Mrs. Wang, I think this person right here is the perfect choice for your son. I’m sure she can bring you a grandson.” Mrs. Wang whispered in loud voice, saying that maybe I was defiant or rebellious. My mom laughed and interrupted, “She’s not. I guarantee you she’s not. My daughter can cook, embroider and farm. If you think that’s not enough, she’s a fast learner!” And the matchmaker added, “She is as docile as a sheep. Very obedient. She will grow up to be a strong, gentle sheep. Clever and has filial piety. Most importantly, she will grow up to be a diligent worker who serves and treats you well in your old age.” Mrs. Wang looked at me and knitted her brows in deep thoughts. I turned my head to Mother. She looked desperate. I knew my family was in dire need of cash. I knew by marrying a man, Mother would receive betrothal money, and she