Research Paper On Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath: Mad Girl’s Love Song Sylvia Plath was one of the most admired poets and writers of the 20th century, who left a significant mark in the literature world. Her audience was captivated by her controversial work, which comprised depressing ideas and themes (“Sylvia Plath,” Poets.Org). Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 27, 1932, Plath became the daughter of Aurelia Schober and Otto Plath (Poets.Org). She experienced several adversities in her childhood and adulthood that influenced her work and poems. Around 1940, Plath endured an extremely traumatic experience, of losing of her stern father, Otto Plath, at the age of eight; he passed away after struggling to fight diabetes (Mondragon). Also, the father and daughter had an afflicting relationship when he was alive (Mondragon). As a young child, Plath had difficulty grasping and accepting her father’s death; her conflicted emotions regarding his passing would significantly impact her-- and her work-- for the rest of her life (Mondragon).

In 1950, Plath enrolled in Smith College and excelled in her studies; however, during this time (1953), she endured severe depression and attempted suicide by swallowing pills (“Sylvia Plath,”Poetry Foundation). She survived the suicide attempt, was hospitalized, and underwent electroshock therapy as treatment, for in her lifetime there were no effective/proper medications available to help treat depression; she recorded her experiences while recovering and the breakdowns she endured afterward, which also impacted her work (Poetry