Reading poetry has always seemed like a fruitless endeavor for me, much like engaging in futile detective work. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the profound impact this collection had on me!

“Ariel”, Sylvia Plath’s most renowned poetry collection, was penned in a “blood jet” of creativity just before her tragic suicide in 1963. The collection chronicles her emotional upheavals in the aftermath of her crumbling marriage, the suffocating effects of domestic life, the solace of motherhood, and her conflicting attractions to both rebirth and self-destruction.

After her death, her husband Ted Hughes became the curator of the (unpublished) Ariel poems. Regrettably, he “sanitized” the collection by eliminating what he considered “confrontational” poems and substituting them with other “less offensive” ones. These missing poems, which were later released in subsequent collections, included those that depicted him unfavorably (e.g. “The Jailer”, “The Rabbit Catcher”), commented on his infidelity (e.g. “A Secret”, “The Other”, “The Detective”), or insulted acquaintances of the couple (e.g. “Lesbos”).

This restored edition (published recently in 2004) for the first time restores Plath’s original arrangement. Personally, I found the “missing” poems to be some of the most raw and evocative in the entire collection. For instance, in “The Rabbit Catcher”, Plath describes a windy walk in the wild where she encounters rabbit snares and envisions the game keeper waiting with almost sexual anticipation for the death of his prey. The symbol of the rabbit snares evolves into a metaphor for her marriage towards the end of the poem:

And we too had a relationship -
Tight wires between us,
Pegs too deep to uproot, and a mind like a ring
Sliding shut on some quick thing,
The constriction killing me also.

In another poem, “The Courage of Shutting-Up”, Plath portrays the trauma of publicly remaining silent about her husband's affair. Her tongue is compared to a relic that has been dried and hung up, similar to taxidermy, and she likens this state of forced silence to that of:

A country no longer heard of,
An obstinate independency
Insolvent among the mountains.

Many of the poems in this collection are filled with vivid, inventive imagery, explosive symbolism, and memorable opening lines (e.g. My night sweats grease his breakfast plate as the opening to “The Jailor”). While reading, I could easily spend an entire evening dissecting a single poem, delving into the various layers of meaning and supplementing with online research.

Overall, this was a deeply moving, unsettling, and enlightening reading experience, well worth the effort. It is highly recommended, even for those new to poetry like me.

Mood: Melancholy and hopeful to equal degrees
Rating: 9/10

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I'm extremely glad that I made the choice to read The Restored Edition of Ariel. This collection is truly remarkable for its versatility.

Each poem has two copies. The first one contains some annotations by Ted Hughes, which offer valuable insights and interpretations. The second copy is a reproduction directly taken from Plath's typewritten editions, giving a more authentic feel.

Moreover, there is a wealth of extra content. For example, there are notes that Sylvia made on some of the more well-known poems in Ariel. This added an extra layer of interactivity to the reading experience. I found myself constantly moving backward and forward through the book, reading each poem multiple times, carefully checking for annotations and differences in the texts.

But beyond the unique edition of the book, Ariel itself is an absolutely breathtaking collection of poems. Although I'm not typically a big enthusiast of poetry, Plath's work is truly worthy of admiration. She manages to be both macabre and tender, and her honesty shines through in every line.

I'm not pretending that I understood every single aspect of the content in Ariel, but that's precisely one of the things that I loved about it. It challenges the reader and invites further exploration. I'm certain that this book is one that I will continue to take down from the shelf and reread for many years to come.

I understand why this is well praised. It has certain merits that have earned it acclaim.

However, we should also talk about certain lines that are definitely not alright. There might be some aspects within the work that are not as perfect as they seem at first glance.

Perhaps there are some expressions or ideas that could be improved upon or reevaluated. It is important to have a comprehensive view and not simply focus on the positive aspects.

By also considering the areas that need attention, we can have a more in-depth understanding and appreciation of the work. This way, we can offer more constructive feedback and help to further enhance its quality.

We should strive to be objective and fair in our assessment, taking into account both the good and the not-so-good aspects. Only then can we truly understand the value and potential of the work.

This is a very strong collection indeed.

However, it just doesn't happen to be of my personal preference.

Moreover, it is not very easy to read.

In fact, I've had a significant amount of trouble understanding most of the content within it.

The language used might be a bit too complex or perhaps the concepts presented are not something that I am familiar with.

Despite its strength, it fails to resonate with me on a personal level.

Maybe with more time and effort, I could gain a better understanding, but for now, it remains a collection that I find somewhat challenging to engage with.

Nonetheless, I can still appreciate the quality and the work that has gone into creating it.

It's just that it doesn't quite fit my reading style and interests at the moment.

This is definitely the coolest book I own. It has a unique charm that吸引 me from the moment I laid eyes on it. The cover is eye-catching, with vibrant colors and an interesting design that makes it stand out on my bookshelf. Once I opened it, I was immediately drawn into its pages. The content is engaging and full of fascinating stories and ideas. It takes me on a journey through different worlds and perspectives, expanding my knowledge and imagination. I find myself constantly coming back to this book, eager to discover more. It's not just a book, but a source of inspiration and entertainment. I'm truly grateful to have it in my collection.

Love Plath's poems!

Sylvia Plath's poetry is truly a remarkable and captivating body of work. Her words have the power to transport readers into a world of intense emotions, vivid imagery, and profound insights.

Each poem seems to be a window into her tortured soul, revealing her struggles with mental illness, her complex relationships, and her search for meaning and identity.

Plath's use of language is both beautiful and raw, with a unique cadence and rhythm that draws the reader in and holds their attention. Her poems are filled with powerful metaphors and symbols that add depth and layers of meaning.

Whether it's the haunting "Daddy" or the poignant "Lady Lazarus," Plath's poems have the ability to move and inspire. They are a testament to her genius as a poet and a reminder of the power of words to express the inexpressible.

I find myself constantly returning to her poems, each time discovering something new and being deeply touched by her honesty and vulnerability. Plath's poetry will always hold a special place in my heart and continue to inspire me as a writer and a human being.

Abrumadora, cruda, dolorosa.

The note reflects how much I managed to embrace and understand of all that Sylvia Plath encompasses. It excites me to return one day and gather even more from her garden.

Sylvia Plath's works are like a vast and complex universe. Her words have the power to touch the deepest recesses of our souls, making us feel a range of emotions from abject horror to profound beauty.

When I read her poetry and prose, I am transported to a world that is both familiar and strange. It is a world where pain and suffering are palpable, yet there is also a glimmer of hope and redemption.

I feel a connection to Plath that I cannot quite explain. Her words speak to me on a level that few other writers can. They make me question my own beliefs and values, and they force me to confront my own demons.

I look forward to the day when I can return to her garden and explore it further. I know that there is still so much to discover, so much to learn from her.

Until then, I will continue to read and study her works, allowing her words to inspire and guide me on my own journey.

Ariel is, without a doubt, still my all-time favorite poetry collection, even though I have lowered its rating. However, I no longer feel the same deep connection to the collection as I did when I was a teenager.

Plath's madness and darkness truly resonated with me as a depressed teenager. And while I still firmly believe that this collection contains some of the best poems I've ever read, such as "Lady Lazarus" and "Daddy," I don't consider it one of my absolute favorite books anymore.

Some of the poems in Ariel have so many layers that, unfortunately, they remain unravelled to me. I now look at Plath with new eyes, and although this doesn't diminish her status as a poet in any way, I simply don't find the same connection with the collection as a whole.

It might seem a bit sad, but I'm also glad that I've gone through that phase and can now happily say that I don't relate to the presence of madness and death in Ariel in the same way I did as a teenager. This shows that I've grown and changed, and perhaps my perspective on life and art has evolved as well.

I love Plath's words with all my heart.

Her words are like a song, yet deeply hurtful. Some of her poems may not be as outstanding as the others. I think they lack concision. Instead of being confined to fewer, more powerful words, they seem to be spilled all over to create alliterations and a recurrence of sounds.

Nevertheless, I still loved it. I especially liked "Barren Woman", "Lady Lazarus" and "Tulips". I still adore her.

Her works have a unique charm that draws me in. The way she expresses her emotions and thoughts is both profound and captivating.

Even though there may be some flaws in her poems, they do not overshadow the beauty and significance of her words.

Plath's poetry is a reflection of her inner world, and I am honored to be able to explore it through her words.

I will continue to read and study her works, and I believe that I will discover more treasures within them.

Honesty is a trait that can have a profound impact on a person's life.

It is often regarded as a virtue, but it can also have its downsides. If you are not already in a dark place, honesty can sometimes drag you down into it.

This is a concept that I find quite interesting, especially when considering the works of Sylvia Plath.

I must admit that I'm not all that familiar with her, but the foreword by Frieda Hughes provided some valuable background and perspective.

It gave me a better understanding of Plath's life and the themes that she explored in her writing.

Through Frieda Hughes' words, I was able to see how Plath's honesty and her willingness to confront the darker aspects of her life and the human condition influenced her work.

It made me wonder about the role of honesty in our own lives and how it can shape our experiences and our relationships with others.

Overall, the foreword by Frieda Hughes was a fascinating read and it has piqued my interest in Sylvia Plath's work.

I look forward to delving deeper into her writing and exploring the complex themes that she presents.

I’ve officially finished reading Ariel (the restored version) by Sylvia Plath.

This is the second work of hers that I’ve delved into, following The Bell Jar. Now, having the opportunity to compare both, I can precisely identify the reasons why I’ve always had difficulties with her writing.

Sylvia Plath is like an H&M cabin mirror that reflects a misshapen, dimly lit, and only vaguely similar silhouette of myself. At first glance, it appears familiar as it explores relatable themes such as depression, anxiety, and womanhood. However, this mirror is so distorted by the form of her words and their artificially inflated nature that the emotional impact is akin to that of an ill-fitting pair of fast fashion jeans.

Rarely, certain parts manage to fit the fissures of my emotional wounds and express complex feelings and relationships with eloquence (as seen in poems like Daddy or Lady Lazarus). But for the most part, it feels incomplete, as if the seamstress didn't have the time to sew the interior, the framework of the collection. In most of the poems, the distorted mirror transforms into an impenetrable concrete wall, overly focused on technique and metaphors to be relevant, thus keeping the reader at a distance.

In summary, it seems to me that Plath, even in her lowest and most wretched moments, was afraid of being truly seen.

I have this intense desire.

I want to take these poems right off the page and snort them.

It's as if the words hold a magical allure that I can't resist.

The beauty and power of the poems seem to leap out at me, demanding my full attention.

I long to absorb their essence, to let them flow through my veins and intoxicate my senses.

Maybe it's the rhythm, the cadence, or the profound emotions they convey.

Whatever it is, it has a hold on me that I can't break.

I imagine the words filling my lungs, expanding my mind, and transporting me to another world.

A world where beauty and truth reign supreme, and where I can lose myself in the wonder of language.

So, I stand here, with these poems in my hands, ready to take that leap and experience them in the most visceral way possible.