Blue

The color blue represents possibility. It is the color of the sky at the beginning of the poem, and is described as featureless, without other distinguishing attributes. As such, it represents the chance that anything could happen, much like a blank page.

Lioness

The lioness is a symbol of female power. In the poem, Plath reclaims the word "Ariel" to refer, not to a ferocious man (the "lion of God"), but to a brave woman, "god's Lioness" (4). As such, the image of a lioness comes to indicate female power.

The Horse

The horse symbolizes freedom. With its enormous speed, it gives the speaker an ability to find a sense of freedom and escape.

Black

The color black symbolizes secrets and desire. Although blackness often has negative connotations in literature, even in Plath's own work, here it instead represents something the protagonist wants: the ripe, sweet berry...