Sylvia Plath's 'Ariel' is a posthumous poetry collection that delves into themes of death, rebirth, identity, and the female experience. Edited by Ted Hughes, it includes poems like 'Daddy', 'Lady Lazarus', and the titular 'Ariel', reflecting Plath's critique of patriarchal society and her personal struggles. The collection is known for its intense imagery and emotional depth, contributing to Plath's legacy in modern American literature.
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"Ariel" was published after Plath's death and has become a significant work in modern American literature
Hughes' Role as Editor
Plath's husband, Ted Hughes, edited the collection, which has been subject to scrutiny
Omitted Poems
Hughes rearranged and omitted several poems, adding to the controversy surrounding the collection
"Ariel" is characterized by intense emotion, bold imagery, and themes of death, rebirth, identity, and the female experience
The collection is not divided into formal sections, but can be thematically divided
Reflective vs. Confrontational
The earlier poems focus on personal history and identity, while the later poems are more aggressive and confrontational
Themes of Self-Destruction and Resurrection
The later poems, written closer to Plath's death, address themes of self-destruction and resurrection
The poems in "Ariel" are unified by Plath's exploration of her psyche and her critique of societal expectations, particularly those placed upon women
Reference to Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
The title "Ariel" alludes to the character in Shakespeare's play, who longs for freedom, a theme that resonates with Plath's desire for liberation
Hebrew Meaning
"Ariel" means 'Lion of God' in Hebrew, possibly alluding to themes of power and struggle
Personal Symbol
The title also refers to Plath's own horse, adding a personal element to the title
The title "Ariel" reflects the complexity of the themes addressed in the collection, including the quest for personal freedom and transformation of the self
The controversial poem 'Daddy' explores Plath's complex relationship with her father and feelings of betrayal
'Lady Lazarus' uses the motif of resurrection to comment on personal suffering and the objectification of women
'Tulips' contrasts the serenity of hospitalization with the demands of life and motherhood
'The Applicant' satirizes the commodification of marriage and societal expectations placed upon men and women
These poems, along with the rest of the collection, showcase Plath's incisive commentary on personal and societal issues, solidifying "Ariel" as a seminal work in American poetry
00
The poetry collection '______' by Sylvia Plath was released posthumously in ______.
Ariel
1965
01
The poem '______' from Sylvia Plath's 'Ariel' is known for its critique of ______ society.
Daddy
patriarchal
02
Thematic bifurcation in 'Ariel'
Early poems: reflective on personal history/identity. Later poems: aggressive, themes of self-destruction/resurrection.
