Sylvia Plath - Key Quotes Flashcards
Morning Song - Plath is referring to the arrival of her newborn Freida. This signifies a new chapter in Plath’s life. The image of a mother and newborn baby sharing this moment, with their voices fusing together is extremely powerful.
“Our voices echo, magnifying your arrival”
Child - Plath intends on giving her son a life he deserves yet feels conflicted as she doesn’t feel she’s able to do so.
“I want to fill it with colour and ducks “
Child - Plath believes that she is failing as a mother. Due to her rocky mental state, she feels the need to shield her child from her negativity.
“Stalk without wrinkle // Not this troublous wringing of hands”
Poppies in July - The dark shift is immediately noticed, suggesting Plath’s affliction and anger.
“Little poppies, little hell flames, do you do no harm?”
Poppies in July - Plath has also reached a point of exhaustion,
She ultimately wishes for the “dulling and stilling” effect of the drugs.
“Where are your opiates, your nauseous capsules?”
Mirror - Plath talks about the effect that societal pressure has on women. The woman she is speaking about is dissatisfied with the appearance she sees in her reflection.
“She rewards me with tears and agitation.”
Morning Song - Plath prioritises her baby’s well-being over her own rest as that is expected from a mother.
“One cry, and I stumble from bed,”
Arrival of the Beebox - Plath’s own mind is a danger to herself, she is left stuck with her own depressive thoughts.
“It is dangerous // I have to live with it overnight”
Arrival of the Beebox - indicates that Plath’s thoughts will soon escape her tormented mind. (Pandora’s Box)
“The box is only temporary”
Poppies in July - wishes to alleviate her mental torment with physical pain instead.
“If I could bleed, or sleep”
