Introduction to Sylvia Plath’s Ariel
Welcome to your study guide for the Selected Poems from Ariel (1965). Sylvia Plath is one of the most famous poets of the 20th century, and the Ariel collection is her most celebrated work. These poems were written during a period of incredible creative energy and are known for their vivid, sometimes shocking imagery and deep emotional honesty.
For your Cambridge International AS Level (Paper 1, Section B), you need to understand not just what Plath is saying, but how she says it. This means looking closely at her word choices, the shapes of her poems, and the feelings they create. Don't worry if the poems feel "dark" or "intense" at first—that's part of their power! We will break them down step-by-step.
The 28 Prescribed Poems
For the 2027 and 2028 examinations, you must focus on these specific poems:
Morning Song; Sheep in Fog; The Applicant; Lady Lazarus; Tulips; Cut; Elm; Poppies in October; Ariel; Death & Co.; Getting There; Medusa; The Moon and the Yew Tree; A Birthday Present; Letter in November; The Rival; Daddy; You're; Fever 103 degrees; Stings; Little Fugue; Years; The Munich Mannequins; Paralytic; Balloons; Poppies in July; Kindness; Edge.
Key Themes in Ariel
To help you organize your thoughts, it is useful to group the poems by their main ideas. Here are the big themes you will encounter:
1. Motherhood and Family
Plath explores the complex feelings of being a parent. It isn't always "perfect" or "happy" in her poems; it can be overwhelming or strange.
Example: In "Morning Song," she describes the birth of a baby not with typical "cuteness," but by comparing the baby to a "fat gold watch." This shows a mix of awe and a sense of responsibility.
Example: "Balloons" shows the temporary, fragile joy children bring into a house.
2. Identity and the "Self"
Many of these poems are about the struggle to find or maintain a sense of who you are.
Example: In "Lady Lazarus," the speaker feels she is constantly "dying" and being "reborn" for an audience. It deals with the idea of suffering as a performance.
Example: "Ariel" describes a horse ride that turns into a feeling of becoming one with the wind and the light—a total loss of the "old" self.
3. Nature: Friend or Foe?
Plath often uses nature (plants, animals, the moon) to reflect her internal feelings.
Example: In "Tulips," the bright red flowers are seen as aggressive and loud because the speaker wants the "whiteness" and silence of the hospital.
Example: "The Moon and the Yew Tree" uses a cold, distant moon to represent a lack of comfort or religion.
4. Power and Conflict
Some poems deal with the feeling of being controlled by others or by history.
Example: "Daddy" uses very heavy, historical imagery to describe a daughter’s attempt to break free from the memory and influence of her father.
Quick Review: When writing your essay, try to identify which theme the examiner is asking about and choose 2-3 poems that fit that theme perfectly.
Plath’s "Toolbox": Analysis of Style (AO2)
To get high marks, you must analyze writer's choices. Here are the "tools" Plath uses most often:
Metaphor and Simile
Plath rarely describes things literally. She uses metaphors to make you see the world in a new, often startling way.
Analogy: Think of her metaphors like a filter on a camera. She doesn't just show you a flower; she puts a "red fire" filter on it to change how you feel about it.
Vivid and Violent Imagery
She often uses "sharp" words—words related to cutting, bleeding, or coldness. In the poem "Cut," a simple kitchen accident is described with epic, historical language. This makes small personal events feel huge and significant.
Structure and Rhythm
Notice how many poems use short stanzas (like three-line stanzas called tercets). This often creates a fast, driving pace, as if the speaker is breathless or rushing.
Check: Is the poem's rhythm steady like a heartbeat, or is it broken and nervous? This tells you about the speaker's state of mind.
Tone
The "voice" in the poems changes constantly. It can be:
- Detached/Clinical: Like a doctor watching a patient ("Paralytic").
- Sarcastic/Biting: Mocking society’s expectations ("The Applicant").
- Ecstatic: Full of intense energy ("Ariel").
Key Takeaway: Never just say what a poem is about. Always say: "Plath uses [metaphor/imagery/structure] to create the effect of [feeling/idea]."
Step-by-Step Approach to a Poem
Don't worry if a poem like "The Munich Mannequins" or "Fever 103 degrees" seems confusing at first. Use this checklist:
- The Title: What does it suggest? (e.g., "The Rival" suggests a conflict).
- The "Speaker": Who is talking? Is it Plath herself, or a character she has created?
- The Setting: Is it a hospital? A field? A kitchen? How does the setting affect the mood?
- The Shift: Does the mood change halfway through? Look for words like "But," "Now," or a change in stanza length.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Treating the poems only as a diary: While Plath’s life was difficult, these are works of art. Focus on her skill as a writer, not just her biography. The exam marks you on AO2 (Analysis), not history.
2. Ignoring the "B" question: In the exam, Question (b) provides the poem on the paper. Many students forget to quote from the middle or end of the printed poem. Make sure you look at the whole passage provided.
3. Generalizing: Instead of saying "Plath uses dark imagery," say "In 'Sheep in Fog,' Plath uses the image of a 'slow / Horse the colour of rust' to suggest a feeling of stagnation and decay." Specificity is key!
Summary Checklist for Students
Knowledge (AO1): Can I name at least 5-8 poems from the list and explain their main point?
Analysis (AO2): Can I identify a metaphor, a rhyme (or lack of it), and a specific tone in those poems?
Personal Response (AO3): Do I have an opinion on these poems? Do I find them empowering, frightening, or beautiful? (There is no "wrong" answer as long as you can explain why!)
Note: This chapter covers Sylvia Plath's "Ariel." For other poets in this section, such as Zaffar Kunial or Christina Rossetti, please refer to their respective study notes.