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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I was given this little collection by my boyfriend so that I could have some reading material for my 7-hour bus ride home.

However, it wasn't until later that I would pick it up and actually go through it.

This collection, assembled by Sylvia's ex-husband Ted Hughes, is truly a gem. You never expect to come across something like this. The entries are not only beautifully written but also provide profound insights into Plath's mind, which is typical of her works.

Poems such as "I Am Vertical" reveal her eagerness and longing to simply lie on the ground and become one with the flowers and trees. It implies that she desired to die and merge with them rather than just look and stare at them. It also shows her aversion to standing like a kind of exhibition.

Sylvia had a remarkable ability to express her emotions through symbolic words, and she did so with great skill in these poems.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in Sylvia Plath's works or in exploring the depths of human emotions through poetry.
July 15,2025
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The original description "just hauntingly beautiful" is rather concise and leaves a lot of room for expansion. Here is an expanded version:

The scene before my eyes was just hauntingly beautiful.

The gentle breeze caressed my face, as if whispering secrets of long past.

The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over everything.

The distant mountains were outlined in soft hues, looking almost like a painting.

The lake in the foreground was mirror-smooth, reflecting the sky and the surrounding landscape with perfect clarity.

It was a sight that took my breath away and made me feel a sense of peace and wonder.

I stood there, lost in the beauty of it all, reluctant to leave.

This moment would stay with me forever, a memory of something truly magical.

July 15,2025
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Some people may consider certain works to be the most beautiful, utterly moving prose. They are like stars that open among the lilies, captivating and enchanting. However, others may view the same works as lackluster, mediocre, and bland. It's as if they are not blinded by the expressionless sirens that others find so alluring.


Take, for example, the lines "Your absence is inconspicuous; Nobody can tell what I lack." from "Parliament Hill Fields". Some may see deep meaning and a profound sense of longing in these words, while others may simply pass them by without a second thought.


Similarly, the lines "Stars open among the lilies. Are you not blinded by such expressionless sirens? This is the silence of astounded souls." from "Crossing the Water" may evoke different emotions and interpretations in different people.


Ultimately, the beauty and value of a piece of prose are subjective and depend on the individual reader's perspective and sensibilities. What one person finds to be the most beautiful and moving, another may find to be lackluster and mediocre.

July 15,2025
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Her poems are truly beautiful.

The way in which Plath could artfully put words together is simply delightful.

It is quite evident that poetry was most definitely her forte, not prose.

Her poetic expressions have a unique charm and power that draw the readers in and make them沉浸 in the beauty of her words.

Each line seems to be carefully crafted, like a precious gemstone, shining with its own光芒.

Plath's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through poetry is remarkable.

Her works are a testament to her extraordinary talent and creativity in the realm of poetry.

Whether it is the vivid imagery, the rhythmical flow, or the profound meanings hidden within, her poems never fail to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

They are a source of inspiration and a joy to read, time and time again.

July 15,2025
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Plath is truly at her best in the poem "Finisterre". The way she weaves words together creates a vivid and almost tangible atmosphere. The poem seems to transport the reader to a desolate and mysterious place. Plath's use of imagery is masterful, painting a picture of the harsh landscape and the emotions that it evokes. The lines are filled with a sense of longing and a touch of melancholy. Her choice of words gives the poem a rhythm that is both captivating and haunting. It's as if she is able to capture the essence of the place and the human experience in just a few short stanzas. "Finisterre" is a prime example of Plath's talent as a poet, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

July 15,2025
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Plath's poems in this collection are truly remarkable. They are like holding an ice cube in your hand, both painful and raw. She bravely confronts the things that most people shy away from: the changing of the seasons, the harsh realities of life, and the delicate fragility of our existence. The objects she writes about, such as a barrette, a candle, and a mirror, are beautiful precisely because they are temporary, and this temporariness also brings pain.


Some of my favorite poems in this collection include "Insomniac," "The Babysitters," "Candles," "Mirror," and "Who." Her language is always inspiring, as seen in these lines:


"Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness/ In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman/Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish."


"October's the month for storage."


"The hoops of blackberry stems made me cry/Now they light me up like an electric bulb/For weeks I can remember nothing at all."


"They are the last romantics, these candles:/Upside-down hearts of light tipping wax fingers/"


"So we bobbed out to the island. It was deserted--/A gallery of creaking porches and still interiors/Stopped and awful as a photograph of somebody laughing/But ten years dead."


"On this bald hill the new year hones its edge/Faceless and pale as china"


"The night sky is only a sort of carbon paper/Blueblack, with the much-poked periods of stars/Letting in the light, peephole after peephole"


"Crossing the Waters" is a must-read for all poetry lovers, fans of Plath, and those who appreciate beauty. It is just as powerful (if not more so) than "Colossus" or "Ariel."

July 15,2025
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Almost every line has a surprise.

This statement holds true in many aspects of life. Whether it's in a book, a conversation, or an experience, there are often unexpected elements that catch us off guard.

In literature, authors use various techniques to create surprises within the text. They might introduce a new character suddenly, or reveal a plot twist that changes the entire story.

In conversations, people may say something completely unexpected, which can lead to new perspectives or ideas.

Even in our daily experiences, there can be surprises. We might encounter a beautiful scenery while taking a walk, or receive a kind gesture from a stranger.

These surprises add excitement and depth to our lives. They make us look forward to what's coming next and keep us engaged with the world around us.

So, the next time you encounter a surprise, embrace it and see where it takes you. You might be amazed at what you discover.
July 15,2025
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I am not entirely certain whether it is due to my deficiency in poetic knowledge or the language barrier since I am not a native English speaker. However, I have this distinct feeling that his collection failed to move me deeply enough.

Perhaps it is because I am not fully attuned to the subtleties and nuances of the English language when it comes to poetry. Or maybe I simply haven't yet developed the refined sensibility required to truly appreciate the depth and beauty of his works.

Nevertheless, I am determined to try and encounter Plath again in the future. I believe that with more exposure and a better understanding of the language and the art of poetry, I might be able to uncover the hidden gems within his collection and have a more profound and meaningful experience.

I am hopeful that through continuous learning and exploration, I will be able to break through these barriers and gain a greater appreciation for the works of great poets like Plath.
July 15,2025
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I really liked the story "In Plaster." It was a captivating and engaging piece of writing. The author did a great job of描绘 the characters and their emotions in a vivid and detailed way. The setting of the story was also very well-described, which made it easy for me to imagine myself in that particular place. The plot was interesting and kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. I found myself empathizing with the main character and her struggles. The writing style was流畅 and easy to read, which added to the overall enjoyment of the story. Overall, "In Plaster" was a great read and I would highly recommend it to others.

July 15,2025
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Clear, chilling, and beautiful.

The hoops of blackberry stems, once a source of such intense emotion that they made me cry, now have a completely different effect. They light me up like an electric bulb, filling me with a strange kind of warmth and energy. It's as if something has shifted within me, and these stems that were once so painful have become a source of inspiration and wonder. For weeks, I can remember nothing at all, but now, in this moment, the beauty and power of these blackberry stems are seared into my memory. They are a reminder that even the things that cause us pain can, in time, become something beautiful and life-giving.

I stand here, lost in thought, marvelling at the transformation that has taken place. The clear, cold air nips at my cheeks, but I don't feel the cold. Instead, I am filled with a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that there is still so much beauty and wonder in the world waiting to be discovered.
July 15,2025
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In plaster!!

This poem stands out as the best in the collection for me.

The way it is written is truly captivating.

The use of vivid imagery and powerful language draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are right there in the moment.

The emotions expressed in the poem are raw and真实, making it easy to connect with on a deep level.

It has a certain rhythm and flow that adds to its beauty and makes it a pleasure to read aloud.

Overall, this poem is a masterpiece that showcases the author's talent and creativity.

It is a poem that I will continue to come back to and enjoy time and time again.

I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates good poetry.

July 15,2025
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When you are depressed, everything seems to lose its color and charm. The world around you appears pale and uninteresting. The things that once brought you joy now seem unwanted and burdensome.

You may find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, lacking the energy and motivation to face the day. Simple tasks that were once routine now feel like insurmountable obstacles.

Your thoughts may be filled with self-doubt and negative emotions, making it hard to see any glimmer of hope. You may withdraw from social activities, isolating yourself from the people who care about you.

However, it's important to remember that depression is a treatable condition. With the right support and treatment, you can start to see the world in a more positive light again. Reach out to your loved ones, seek professional help, and take small steps towards improving your mental health. You are not alone, and there is always hope.
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