Thank you, Kate. I always like learning more about Plath and her work - she is laid to rest not too far from where I live. And I’m such a fan of your writing - beautiful :)
Thanks so much, Victoria! What a compliment. I am also fascinated by Plath and her writing is sublime. I keep promising myself that I will visit her resting place at some point. Thanks for reading :)
Isn't it amazing what Plath produced in so few years of life despite her time in 'deference to' Ted Hughes? Lady Lazarus is one of my favorites. The language is violent. You almost feel the idea that her writing could save her. If only.
(I also often think of Zora Neal Hurston's short story "Spunk" in connection with this poem, where the protagonist whose husband has died moves on to her "next" at the end.)
Thanks Kate, I only found the play a short while ago too! It's worth listening as well as reading. I am always in awe when I read anything by Plath, even her shopping lists sounded poetic! I too love Lady Lazarus. As you say, it is remarkable that she produced so much powerful writing in such a short time.
Also, I think I read the Hurston story ages ago, but will have to check that out.
I'm ashamed to admit that I find Plath a bit of a mystery, which I'm sure I should put right. But I admire her for putting it front and centre of her work as I remain fascinated by the nervousness so many women feel in discussing motherhood, and childbirth in particular, in a public space. We seem to feel that we are just embarrassing men by bringing up the subject, when it is so crucial to our lives - whether we choose to be mothers or not, the fears of pregnancy (and infertility)affect us all. And not being allowed to be heard has serious medical consequences. I just read this excellent piece https://unherd.com/2023/07/how-disastrous-births-haunt-women/
Thank you for reading and leaving such a thoughtful comment, Sarah. I am sure that Plath isn't for everyone, but yes, her willingness to write about the complexities of childbirth and motherhood in such an honest and visceral way are inspiring, I think. Thank you for the link - I have downloaded it for reading later! :)
Since I've been on a Plath deep dive these past couple of months, I probably have a million things I could say (though I haven't actually read this play yet) but instead I wanted to let you know that if you've not read the novel The Whispers by Ashely Audrain, you may like it. It's a different genre and writing style from Plath but your description of the women of the play immediately reminded me of it because this book weaves together the stories of a working mom who loves her children but struggles to enjoy them, a stay at home mom who loves her child but has lost sense of herself as a woman, and a woman who wants to be a mom but keeps experiencing miscarriages. <3
Oh, I haven't come across that book Kathryn, so thank you for the rec! It sounds right up my street. I shall definitely be getting hold of that. I find writing about women's choices and lifestyles around mothering (or not) infinitely interesting. Thanks for reading :)
Wonderful piece. So sad she passed away so early, such a loss.
Agreed
Thank you :) It was such a loss, and such a talent.
Thank you, Kate. I always like learning more about Plath and her work - she is laid to rest not too far from where I live. And I’m such a fan of your writing - beautiful :)
Thanks so much, Victoria! What a compliment. I am also fascinated by Plath and her writing is sublime. I keep promising myself that I will visit her resting place at some point. Thanks for reading :)
I haven't read the play and it is now on my list.
Isn't it amazing what Plath produced in so few years of life despite her time in 'deference to' Ted Hughes? Lady Lazarus is one of my favorites. The language is violent. You almost feel the idea that her writing could save her. If only.
(I also often think of Zora Neal Hurston's short story "Spunk" in connection with this poem, where the protagonist whose husband has died moves on to her "next" at the end.)
Thanks Kate, I only found the play a short while ago too! It's worth listening as well as reading. I am always in awe when I read anything by Plath, even her shopping lists sounded poetic! I too love Lady Lazarus. As you say, it is remarkable that she produced so much powerful writing in such a short time.
Also, I think I read the Hurston story ages ago, but will have to check that out.
Ok a listen! Nice idea
I'm ashamed to admit that I find Plath a bit of a mystery, which I'm sure I should put right. But I admire her for putting it front and centre of her work as I remain fascinated by the nervousness so many women feel in discussing motherhood, and childbirth in particular, in a public space. We seem to feel that we are just embarrassing men by bringing up the subject, when it is so crucial to our lives - whether we choose to be mothers or not, the fears of pregnancy (and infertility)affect us all. And not being allowed to be heard has serious medical consequences. I just read this excellent piece https://unherd.com/2023/07/how-disastrous-births-haunt-women/
Thank you for reading and leaving such a thoughtful comment, Sarah. I am sure that Plath isn't for everyone, but yes, her willingness to write about the complexities of childbirth and motherhood in such an honest and visceral way are inspiring, I think. Thank you for the link - I have downloaded it for reading later! :)
Since I've been on a Plath deep dive these past couple of months, I probably have a million things I could say (though I haven't actually read this play yet) but instead I wanted to let you know that if you've not read the novel The Whispers by Ashely Audrain, you may like it. It's a different genre and writing style from Plath but your description of the women of the play immediately reminded me of it because this book weaves together the stories of a working mom who loves her children but struggles to enjoy them, a stay at home mom who loves her child but has lost sense of herself as a woman, and a woman who wants to be a mom but keeps experiencing miscarriages. <3
Oh, I haven't come across that book Kathryn, so thank you for the rec! It sounds right up my street. I shall definitely be getting hold of that. I find writing about women's choices and lifestyles around mothering (or not) infinitely interesting. Thanks for reading :)