Love and Desire: The poem starts with a direct address to the beloved, expressing a desire for them that borders on obsession. The speaker wants to "possess" the other person, to "own" them entirely. This desire is both passionate and possessive.
Fear and Insecurity: The speaker fears losing the beloved and expresses a sense of vulnerability and insecurity. The line "If I am ever lost to you" reveals a deep fear of abandonment. This fear stems from a feeling of being incomplete without the other person.
Anger and Resentment: The poem also displays a sense of anger and resentment, particularly in the lines "If I am ever lost to you, / Remember, I have been yours, / Body and spirit, and you have done / Little to earn me." Here, the speaker seems to blame the beloved for not adequately reciprocating their intense love.
Desperation and Sacrifice: The speaker is willing to go to great lengths to maintain the relationship, even suggesting a sacrificial act ("I would go down to the sea / And take my life in my hands"). This desperate attempt to keep the beloved reflects a deep sense of attachment and the fear of losing them.
Control and Manipulation: The poem exhibits a desire for control over the beloved. The speaker wants to shape the other person's thoughts and feelings, stating "Never let them say / You did not love me." This desire for control can be interpreted as a form of manipulation, highlighting the speaker's need for validation and reassurance.
Overall Tone: The poem's tone is intense, passionate, and even a bit disturbing. It reveals a complex emotional landscape with a mixture of love, fear, anger, and desperation.
Important Note: It's crucial to remember that Plath's poems often explore the darker aspects of human experience. While "To" might seem to be a love poem, it also reflects a distorted and unhealthy obsession. It's essential to interpret the poem with sensitivity and awareness of the complexity of Plath's own personal struggles.