As someone who has an intense love for The Bell Jar, it truly pains me a great deal to admit that I just don't know if Sylvia Plath's poetry is meant for me. To be completely honest, a significant portion of it simply went right over my head.

Plath made use of numerous large and complex words that I not only didn't know how to pronounce but also had no clue about their meanings. Reading the poetry aloud felt like attempting to recite tongue twisters. And indeed, I could have looked up the words I didn't know, but there seemed to be a new one almost every other line. Taking the time to look them up would, first of all, consume a great deal of time and, secondly, completely disrupt my immersion in the poem. Trying to understand these poems felt more like doing homework than enjoying literature. I must confess that I may simply not be intelligent enough to fully appreciate this collection of poetry.

The poems were highly complex. There were a few that I liked and mostly understood. My favorite was probably All the Dead Dears. I was quite surprised by the large number of poems that were about barnyard animals, which I've discovered is not my favorite subject matter in poetry. Besides that, there was also a significant amount of imagery involving dead animals, which is also not to my liking.

I'm hesitant to give this book two stars because I idolize Plath so much. However, I think it's more of a case of "it's not you, Sylvia. It's me." Perhaps reading Plath's journals will provide me with more profound insights into her poetry, and maybe someday I will return to this collection armed with a dictionary and a fine-toothed comb, ready to truly dissect and understand the essence of what's going on here.

I truly wish I understood poetry. It seems to be a magical realm that holds so much beauty and depth. The words are carefully chosen and arranged to create vivid images and evoke powerful emotions. When I read a poem, I often feel like I'm on the verge of grasping something profound, but it slips away just as quickly. I long to be able to analyze the structure, the rhythm, and the hidden meanings within the lines. To understand how the poet uses language to convey their message and connect with the reader on a deeper level. Maybe with more study and exposure, I will one day be able to unlock the secrets of poetry and fully appreciate its magnificence.

Plath’s first book of poetry was published (quite coincidentally) on 31 October 1960. At that time, she was still very much influenced by Hughes.

All the hallmarks of her later work can be found here, yet there is also room for her to grow and develop. There is a slight self-consciousness as well.

The rich imagery and word choice in this book make it best to be read straight through. It is like a showering of impressions and free associations. After that, one can return to each poem anew to collect its treasures.

This first book serves as an important milestone in Plath’s literary career, showing both her potential and the influence that Hughes had on her at that stage. It is a work that invites readers to explore and discover the unique beauty and depth within each poem.

These poems were beyond incredible.

They seemed to transport the reader to another world, a world filled with vivid imagery, profound emotions, and unique perspectives.

Each line was carefully crafted, like a precious gem, shining with beauty and meaning.

The poets had a remarkable ability to capture the essence of life, love, nature, and all the other complex aspects of the human experience.

Their words had the power to move the heart, inspire the mind, and touch the soul.

Whether it was a sonnet, a haiku, or a free verse, these poems were a testament to the power of language and the art of poetry.

They will continue to be cherished and studied for generations to come, as they offer a glimpse into the genius of the poets who created them.

Truly, these poems were a literary masterpiece that defied description and left the reader in awe.

This is the first collection of poems published by Sylvia Plath.

Often, we don't always fully understand the meaning of what we read, but we always feel something.

Her work is extremely organic, alive, and sensory. We can sense the matter, the humidity, the water, the power of the waves, the wind, the earth, and the emotions.

We can see the crabs walking in front of us.

It's not surprising that she counts Emily Dickinson among her references.

Plath's poems have a unique charm that draws readers in and makes them experience a world full of vivid imagery and intense emotions.

Her use of language is masterful, allowing us to feel as if we are right there in the midst of the scenes she描绘s.

Whether it's the beauty of nature or the turmoil of the human heart, Plath's poems capture it all with a rare authenticity and power.

Reading her work is like embarking on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, and it's an experience that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

I haven't read a book of poetry since perhaps high school.

And, to be honest, I picked this book up merely to fulfill a requirement that I read a "Staff Pick" for my library's adult summer reading program.

I wasn't overly impressed by Plath's work, despite knowing that she is extremely famous in the world of poetry.

I simply didn't possess the patience to deeply delve into the meaning of the poetry.

Her imagery, at certain moments, was indeed fascinating. However, I found the topics of the poems, such as nature, love, and death, to be rather dry.

It will likely be a considerable while before I decide to pick up a book of poetry once again.

Maybe I need to find a different poet or a different style of poetry that will truly capture my interest and engage my emotions.

Until then, I'll stick to other genres that I find more enjoyable and easier to understand.

I know. She was widely heralded as a genius. People around me would rave about her extraordinary talent and the depth of her works.

However, whenever I listened to her speak or tried to understand her art, I just didn’t get half of what she was saying. It felt like I was missing some crucial connection or key to unlock the true essence of her creativity.

I realize now that it was my fault, not hers. My own limitations and lack of knowledge in certain areas impeded my appreciation of her artistry. I felt a sense of frustration and inadequacy, but also a determination to try harder to understand and truly appreciate the beauty and genius that she possessed.

I know that with time and effort, I can improve my understanding and gain a deeper appreciation for her remarkable talent.

A poor month for park-sleepers and lovers.

Even our shadows are blue with cold.

Cold. Stark. Dewey. Gauze for fog. What should be a crisp, clean morning is actually spurious of fragrant past and dust motes of now. It's like sitting on a damp log for too long without realizing that the ants are up your leg and all over your skin and there is more dirt around you than you'd like to be in.

Plath plays with language through sound and observation. I imagine her taking lots of walks through the woods. Turning over mushrooms, watching the still water form circles by way of diving bells and striders. Or seeing the pure air form breath, giving Mother Nature life, a body, and a purpose. Most of the poems come with a vagueness to them, but it's nice, once in a while, to get lost in a stroll in the woods. It's a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world and just soak in the beauty and mystery of nature. Plath's words bring this experience to life, making us feel as if we are right there with her, exploring the woods and all its wonders.

This is the city where men are mended.

It is a place filled with hope and possibility. Here, those who have been broken, whether by life's hardships, personal failures, or emotional turmoil, come seeking restoration.

The city offers a plethora of resources and support systems. There are counseling centers where trained professionals listen and guide, helping men to understand their emotions and find ways to heal.

There are also self-help groups where like-minded individuals come together to share their experiences and offer mutual encouragement.

In addition, the city is home to various educational institutions that provide opportunities for men to learn new skills and gain knowledge, empowering them to take control of their lives and create a better future.

This city truly is a haven for men in need of mending, a place where they can find the strength and courage to face their challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

The Colossus and Other Poems has firmly hoisted itself into the upper echelon of my Plath favourites.

Her collection of poetry is teeming with the boggy, rotting, natural world. It is filled with death and decay, as well as unnamed gods of starlight and animals.

Plath never shied away from the unglamorous discourse of the cycle of life. She also didn't avoid any moments wherein there lies doubt. For example, Enough for fingernails to make half-moons / Redden in white palms no labor reddens.

A litany of marvellous, visceral verses awaits anyone hoping to tackle this short collection. It offers some of the most morbid and morose takes on life, death, and all that lies between.

It is a collection that delves deep into the darker aspects of existence, yet also manages to find beauty and power within that darkness. It is a must-read for any lover of poetry or anyone interested in exploring the human condition.

4.5
She's Literally a Comedian

She is truly a remarkable comedian. With her unique sense of humor and natural ability to make people laugh, she has become a favorite among audiences. Her comedic style is a blend of wit, charm, and relatable anecdotes that keep everyone entertained from start to finish. Whether she's performing on stage or in a casual setting, she has an uncanny ability to lighten the mood and bring joy to those around her. Her talent for making people laugh is not only a gift but also a passion that she pursues with great dedication. She is constantly working on new material and perfecting her craft, always striving to improve and bring more laughter to the world. In a world where stress and worry can often take over, she is a welcome breath of fresh air, a comedian who reminds us all to not take life too seriously and to find the humor in every situation.

Perhaps The Colossus is not quite as enduring as some of her other remarkable works. However, it still manages to firmly stand as a haunting testament that is filled with an abundance of beautiful poetry.

Sylvia Plath had an uncanny ability to reach out and speak directly to a devastated soul. Her words possess a unique power that can bring both comfort and pleasure, even in the deepest and most profound darkness.

Reading her work is like embarking on a journey through the recesses of the human psyche, where she fearlessly explores the depths of emotions and experiences. The Colossus, with its vivid imagery and poignant language, serves as a prime example of her literary genius.

Although it may not have achieved the same level of immortality as some of her more renowned pieces, it still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of those who appreciate the beauty and power of poetry.