The Applicant

 First, are you our sort of a person?
Do you wear
A glass eye, false teeth or a crutch,
A brace or a hook,
Rubber breasts or a rubber crotch,

Stitches to show something's missing? No, no? Then
How can we give you a thing?
Stop crying.
Open your hand.
Empty? Empty. Here is a hand

To fill it and willing
To bring teacups and roll away headaches
And do whatever you tell it.
Will you marry it?
It is guaranteed

To thumb shut your eyes at the end
And dissolve of sorrow.
We make new stock from the salt.
I notice you are stark naked.
How about this suit----

Black and stiff, but not a bad fit.
Will you marry it?
It is waterproof, shatterproof, proof
Against fire and bombs through the roof.
Believe me, they'll bury you in it.

Now your head, excuse me, is empty.
I have the ticket for that.
Come here, sweetie, out of the closet.
Well, what do you think of that ?
Naked as paper to start

But in twenty-five years she'll be silver,
In fifty, gold.
A living doll, everywhere you look.
It can sew, it can cook,
It can talk, talk , talk.

It works, there is nothing wrong with it.
You have a hole, it's a poultice.
You have an eye, it's an image.
My boy, it's your last resort.
Will you marry it, marry it, marry it.

Form: Dramatic Monologue Comments

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August 30, 2026 at 6:21 AM
"The Applicant" by Sylvia Plath is an intriguing piece. The poem dives into themes of identity, societal roles, and the commodification of individuals. It's thought-provoking and showcases Plath's distinctive style with a dark, and satirical tone. In this poem, Plath seems to question the expectations placed on people, particularly in the context of marriage and societal norms. The idea of someone needing artificial parts, like a glass eye or rubber items, highlights how superficial qualities are often prioritized over genuine human characteristics. The poem's narrative voice plays the role of an evaluator, almost like a salesman, coldly assessing the applicant's suitability. The imagery of offering an empty hand or a suit that's proof against all sorts of dangers underlines the poem's critique of conforming to predetermined roles without considering true individuality or emotion. The repetitive insistence on marriage suggests a pressure to conform to societal standards regardless of personal fit or happiness. Plath's use of stark images and a somewhat mechanical tone creates a powerful commentary on how society can strip away personal uniqueness in favor of uniformity. It's a deep and reflective piece that encourages readers to think about the roles they play and how much of themselves they are willing to trade for acceptance.
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