Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
36(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
I hadn't read Plath for approximately 30 years. When I came back to her works, it was truly an eye-opening experience.

I had completely forgotten just how austere and severe her writing could be, yet at the same time, how bone-deep brave she was.

In her collection, there are poems that are fierce and fearsome, as if they are ready to leap off the page and confront you.

And then there are those that are simply beautiful, with words that flow like a gentle river.

What's truly remarkable is that sometimes, these two qualities exist within the same poems.

It's as if Plath had the ability to capture the most intense emotions and the most delicate beauty all in one stroke.

Reading her poems again has made me realize just how talented and unique she was as a poet.

Her words have the power to move and inspire, even after all these years.

I'm so glad that I decided to revisit her works and rediscover the magic that lies within them.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Everyone knows that Sylvia Plath is a talented writer.

However, this collection of poems not only showcases her remarkable writing skills but also reveals her inner turmoils and faults, such as racism. It is truly disheartening to discover this aspect of her, especially since I am a big fan of her work.

Nevertheless, when we look beyond her flaws and focus on her kinder side, we can see that her poems beautifully depict the melancholy that surrounds motherhood, life, and being a woman. The highly charged words she uses land perfectly on the pages, creating a powerful impact. Some of my personal favorites include "Lady Lazarus," "Tulips," and "The Moon and the Yew Tree."

RIP Sylvia Plath. It's a pity that she is no longer with us. I wonder if she would have loved Nikki Haley. Maybe she would have found some kindred spirit in her.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I couldn't help but laugh at the comment on Goodreads that said, "Date I finished this book." Because for me, I'm never truly finished with it.

Ariel and Ariel: The Restored Edition holds such profound meaning that I've dedicated the past eight years to its study. It all began when I uncovered its fascinating correlation to tarot and the Qabalah. This exploration ultimately led to the creation of Fixed Stars Govern a Life: Decoding Sylvia Plath (2015, Stephen F. Austin State U Press).

You can get a taste of it by reading the introduction and first chapter here: https://www.academia.edu/10659711/Exc.... Or, if you want more in-depth information, you can visit www.fixedstarsgovernalife.com.

This journey of discovery has been an enriching one, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in the future.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I used to have a deep love for poetry. However, over time, I gradually drifted away from it. Now, I have a strong desire to read more of it. I had once read "The Bell Jar" and was truly captivated by Plath's raw and intense emotion. So, I thought starting with her poems would be a great choice. And I wasn't let down!

Reading these poems is no easy task. They are filled with anger, spite, and an almost obsessive preoccupation with death. In fact, I had to reread most of them because the first time around, they seemed to go right over my head. I'm not sure if this was due to the highly personal nature of the poems or because I needed to reacquaint myself with the rhythm and flow of reading poetry.

I'm really glad I chose to read the restored addition. The introduction by Sylvia Plath's daughter, Freida Hughes, was an excellent addition. It was fascinating to see things from her perspective and learn about how some of the poems were omitted from the original edition to avoid offending neighbors and relatives.

Among all the poems, my favorite was "Elm", but I also had a great appreciation for "Lady Lazarus" and "Cut". These poems truly展现 Plath's unique talent and her ability to convey complex emotions in a powerful and evocative way.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Sylvia Plath's significance is so much more than just her tragic death.

She was an absolute f*cking genius. Her poetry was a raw and powerful exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of depression, identity, and the search for meaning.

Plath's words had the ability to cut through the surface and expose the deepest emotions and experiences. Her writing was both beautiful and disturbing, captivating readers with its intensity and honesty.

Despite her short life, she left behind a body of work that continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and poets. Her unique voice and vision have made her an icon in the world of literature.

It is a tragedy that we lost her so young, but her legacy will live on forever.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I have an intense love, a profound love for Sylvia Plath. Among the favorites in this collection are: "Barren Woman" (a shoutout to Markus Zusak's "I Am the Messenger"), "Lady Lazarus," "Tulips," "Elm," "The Night Dances," "The Detective," "Ariel," "The Rival," and "Daddy." "Lady Lazarus" and "Tulips" hold a special place as two of my all-time favorite Plath poems. I am truly glad that I picked up the restored edition.

The handwritten drafts in the second half of the book were simply incredible to behold. It was as if I was given a peek into Plath's creative process, seeing her thoughts and words in their raw and original form. The restored edition added a new dimension to my understanding and appreciation of her work. It made me realize the depth and complexity of her genius, and how her poems were crafted with such care and precision.

Each poem in this collection is a masterpiece in its own right, and I find myself constantly returning to them, discovering new meanings and interpretations with each reading. Sylvia Plath's work will always be a source of inspiration and wonder for me.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Out of all the poems, my absolute favourite is "Morning Song". It holds a special place in my heart.

There are also other honorable mentions such as "Letter in November", "The Rival", "Tulips", and "Berck-Plage". Each of these poems has its own unique charm and beauty.

The lines from "Morning Song" that I love so much are: "I am flushed and warm. I think I may be enormous. I am so stupidly happy. My wellingtons, Squelching and squelching through the beautiful red." They paint a vivid picture in my mind.

Another wonderful line is: "If the moon smiled, she would resemble you." It is such a beautiful and imaginative comparison. These poems truly have the power to touch our hearts and souls and transport us to different worlds.

I find myself constantly coming back to them, losing myself in their words and emotions. They are like precious treasures that I will always cherish.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I read each of the poems in the Ariel collection at least three times through before officially setting the book down. I analyzed, discussed, researched, and listened. At times I felt enlightened, saddened, and/or frustrated. There is so much that I probably missed, but from what I did get, I loved.

Though I felt frustrated at times, this was a great reading experience. I don't really read poetry, and I would like to get more practice in the exercise. I am already eager for the day I revisit this collection in the future.

Some of my favorites include "Morning Song", which beautifully captures the essence of a new beginning. "The Applicant" is a thought-provoking piece that makes you question the nature of relationships and society. "Lady Lazarus" is a powerful and intense poem that explores themes of life, death, and resurrection. "Tulips" is a vivid and sensory description of the beauty and transience of flowers. "The Moon and the Yew Tree" creates a mysterious and atmospheric mood. "A Birthday Present" is a touching and personal reflection on growing up. "The Arrival of the Bee Box" is an exciting and somewhat terrifying account of a new and unknown experience. "Stings" is a poignant and painful exploration of the consequences of love. And "Wintering" is a beautiful and meditative poem about the cycle of life.

The introduction and following interview by her daughter, Frieda Hughes, was refreshing and lovely. It added an extra layer of depth and understanding to the collection. Definitely not something to skim or skip.

If you enjoy poetry at all, this collection is a must read. It will take you on an emotional and intellectual journey that you will not forget.
July 15,2025
... Show More
One of the most remarkable poets to have ever been adored by the power of the pen is Sylvia Plath.

My personal favorite among her works was “Elm”. It is truly captivating.

What makes it even more special is that Plath’s daughter, Frieda, not only wrote the foreword but also included a poem she composed about the film “Sylvia”.

In this poem, Frieda poignantly describes how society continuously kills her mother over and over again.

It is a heart-wrenching perspective that adds another layer of depth to our understanding of Plath’s life and work.

The relationship between mother and daughter is beautifully intertwined in this literary tribute, making it all the more moving and significant.

Plath’s influence continues to resonate through the ages, and Frieda’s contribution serves as a powerful reminder of her mother’s enduring legacy.

July 15,2025
... Show More
In my intro poetry class, there was a vegan who indulged in excessive cocaine use.

She had a rather unique way of writing her poetry. All of her works were titled in a certain manner, such as “porcelain” and “doll house”.

Her style of writing was so distinct that it actually had a negative impact on me. It completely turned me off of this particular source material.

I found it difficult to connect with her poetry or understand the deeper meanings she might have been trying to convey.

The combination of her lifestyle choices and her writing style made it a rather unappealing experience for me in that poetry class.

Perhaps if she had approached her writing from a different perspective or had a more conventional lifestyle, I might have been more receptive to her work.

But as it stands, her actions and her poetry left a sour taste in my mouth and made me less interested in exploring this particular type of source material further.

July 15,2025
... Show More

A beautiful (albeit controversial) collection that showcases Plath's last and predominantly greatest poems, which are among the finest in the English language of the 20th century. There is simply no justification for not being intimately acquainted with the words within. Moreover, memorizing significant portions of these poems was directly accountable for numerous instances of getting laid during college. If it proved successful for me at Georgia F'n Tech, it can surely work for you too!

The power of these poems lies not only in their literary excellence but also in their ability to evoke intense emotions and create a profound connection. Plath's unique style and her unflinching exploration of themes such as depression, identity, and love make her work truly captivating. By familiarizing oneself with these words, one can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and perhaps even find inspiration in the face of life's challenges.

So, don't hesitate to delve into this remarkable collection. Let the words of Sylvia Plath transport you to a world of beauty, pain, and ultimately, liberation. Who knows, maybe it will have the same magical effect on you as it did on me.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Genius is a term that is often used to describe individuals who possess extraordinary intellectual or creative abilities.

Geniuses are known for their remarkable insights, innovative ideas, and the ability to solve complex problems with ease.

They have a unique way of looking at the world and seeing things that others may not notice.

Geniuses can be found in various fields such as science, art, music, and literature.

Some of the most famous geniuses in history include Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have had a profound impact on the world as we know it.

However, being a genius is not just about having a high IQ or being naturally talented.

It also requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning.

Geniuses often spend countless hours studying, practicing, and experimenting to perfect their craft.

They are not afraid to take risks and try new things, even if it means failing along the way.

In conclusion, genius is a rare and valuable quality that is essential for the progress and development of society.

We should celebrate and encourage the geniuses among us and provide them with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.