The Poetry of Sylvia Plath is Intense, Deeply Personal and Quite Disturbing', Do you Agree? Give Reason for Your Answer.

 

Sylvia Plath is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the 20th century. Her work is often characterized by its intensity, its deeply personal nature, and its disturbing subject matter. In this essay, we will explore whether these characteristics are present in Plath's poetry, with reference to four of her most famous works: "Morning Song," "Words," "The Rival," and "Crossing the Water."

Firstly, let us consider the intensity of Plath's poetry. This is certainly a key feature of her work, and is evident in all four of the poems we will be discussing. In "Morning Song," for example, the speaker's emotions are raw and powerful, as she grapples with the experience of motherhood. She describes the baby's cries as "new as a spruce in the morning," an image that evokes the intensity of the moment. Similarly, in "Words," Plath explores the intensity of her own creative process, describing the act of writing as a kind of madness. She writes: "The speaker is melting, / melting and in me / the wax heads bow in candles / of no light."

Secondly, let us consider the deeply personal nature of Plath's poetry. This is also a key feature of her work, as she frequently draws on her own experiences and emotions in her writing. In "The Rival," for example, Plath explores the complex emotions she feels towards another woman who she sees as a rival for her husband's affections. She writes: "The woman is perfected. / Her dead / Body wears the smile of accomplishment." This image is deeply personal, and suggests that Plath is struggling with feelings of insecurity and jealousy.

Finally, let us consider the disturbing nature of Plath's poetry. This is perhaps the most controversial aspect of her work, as some readers have found her subject matter to be disturbing and even perverse. In "Crossing the Water," for example, Plath explores the theme of death, describing it in vivid and unsettling terms. She writes: "Black lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people. / Where do the black trees go that drink here? / Their shadows must cover Canada." This image is unsettling, and suggests that Plath is preoccupied with the darker aspects of life and human experience.

In conclusion, it is clear that the poetry of Sylvia Plath is intense, deeply personal, and at times disturbing. These characteristics are evident in all four of the poems we have discussed in this essay, and are a testament to Plath's skill as a poet. While her work may not be to everyone's taste, it is undeniable that she has made a significant contribution to the field of modern poetry, and remains an important and influential voice in the literary world.