Family Reunion by Sylvia Plath

Family Reunion

Jim White at a Mexican Celebration

"Fat always, and out of breath, A greasy smack on every cheek From Aunt Elizabeth; There, that's the pink, pleased squeak Of Cousin Jane, out spinster with The faded eyes And hands like nervous butterflies; While rough as splintered wood Across them all Rasps the jarring baritone of Uncle Paul; The youngest nephew gives a fretful whine And drools at the reception line.


Like a diver on a lofty spar of land Atop the flight of stairs I stand. A whirlpool leers at me, I cast off my identity And make the fatal plunge."

Connection:


In the poem "Family Reunion," Sylvia Plath highlights common stereotypes of certain family members. Many of us can relate to the characters she has described because they exist in our very own families. This poem is identical to one of my favourites scenes from the movie "McFarland." The movie is based off a true story and it involves building a team of young Mexican cross country runners, coached by Jim White. After a great victory, one of the families hold a celebration and invite their coach to their latina dinner. The coach is different from the rest of his athletes because he is a caucasian from New York whereas McFarland consists of strictly Mexican families. In the poem, Sylvia Path says, "Rasps the jarring baritone of Uncle Paul," and "I cast off my identity." In this scenario, Jim White puts his differences aside and joins the celebration of the family. The family welcomes him as the raspy uncle as he takes part in their family dinner. Jim White adapts himself to their culture and he makes himself content by doing so. However, in the poem Sylvia Plath states the line, "I cast off my identity," with a negative connotation. She is forced to hide her personal self so that she can adjust to her family reunion and their typical stereotypes. She emphasizes this verse, making it almost sound like it's the last of her. It's evident that she is hiding herself, but she simply has no choice but to cope with her family. In this connection, Jim White alters his preferences so that he can be a part of the Mexican culture. He enjoys putting his differences aside, however his attitude greatly contrasts to Sylvia Plath's true intentions.