Welcome to TwoXIndia, (TwoxChromosomes meets India). A safe community to discuss and share both serious and silly content - for and about Indian women. This is a space for Women/nb . Men are welcome to comment only on Wednesdays. See sub rules and FAQ
Hobbies and Art
This poem is one of my favorites by Sylvia Plath.
"Lady Lazarus" explores themes of death, rebirth, and personal struggle. The poem taps into Plath's lifelong struggle with depression and her quest to better understand herself. 'Lady Lazarus' depicts Plath's failure in her previous suicidal attempts and her mental transformation before the third attempt.
Sylvia Plath identifies with the biblical figure Lazarus, symbolizing a metaphorical resurrection after experiencing intense suffering.
The poem is divided into three parts, each marked by the refrain "I rise," symbolizing resilience and defiance.
What makes this poem even more compelling is its connection to Plath's own life. She was known for her confessional style of writing and struggled with mental illness herself.
The last line of this poem is so epic 🤌🌼
The last line of "Lady Lazarus" is "Out of the ash/I rise with my red hair/And I eat men like air." This line holds significant symbolism and power within the context of the poem.
The imagery of rising "out of the ash" suggests a rebirth or renewal, similar to a phoenix emerging from its own ashes. This imagery aligns with the theme of death and resurrection present throughout the poem.
The phrase "I rise" serves as a defiant refrain that emphasizes the speaker's determination to overcome adversity. The addition of "with my red hair" adds a personal touch, as red hair is often associated with passion, rebellion, and individuality.
The concluding assertion, "And I eat men like air," is metaphorical. It conveys a sense of power and dominance, as the speaker metaphorically consumes those who have wronged or oppressed her. This line subverts traditional gender roles and portrays the speaker as a force to be reckoned with.
Published in 1962, "Lady Lazarus" remains a powerful portrayal of human resilience in the face of adversity, and it's definitely worth checking out, even if poetry isn't usually your thing. 💌
Sort by:
Best
Open comment sort options
Best
Top
New
Controversial
Old
Q&A
Hey, have you by any chance listened to her reading it? Guaranteed chills every time 😍 https://youtu.be/Uq2LOhaf97o?si=ve2PxvgOLwIoItpL
Goosebumps!! Her reading adds a whole new dimension to the poem. I never knew these readings existed.
I can feel her pain through her voice. The love I hold for this woman and her art 😭
Thank you so so much for sharing 💌
Oh I love Sylvia Plath and for me the Mirror hits it hard
In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish.
And the quote from The Bell Jar is so deep
I talk to God but the sky is empty
She must have gone through terrible things and her literal work touches the lonely soul.
I wish she could have been saved from depression.
Totally! Sylvia Plath's words hit different, and "Mirror" is another fave of mine too. The line you mentioned is so beautiful; it's like she captures the essence of inner turmoil by delving deep into the human psyche.
And the "The Bell Jar" quote you mentioned is incredibly poignant. It speaks volumes about her feelings of loneliness and abandonment. My heart hurts for her.
I share your sentiment; it's a tragedy that she couldn't find relief from her depression. But her legacy lives on through her powerful writing, helping people who grapple with similar demons.