CONFESSIONAL POETRY: THE PERSONAL AND THE UNIVERSAL IN SYLVIA PLATH'S WORK

Abstract

This paper explores the distinctive features of confessional poetry through an analysis of Sylvia Plath's work, focusing on how she intertwines personal experience with universal themes. Plath, a pivotal figure in the confessional poetry movement of the mid-20th century, delves deeply into themes of identity, mental illness, and existential despair in her poetic oeuvre. Through a close examination of poems such as "Daddy," "Lady Lazarus," and "Ariel," this study investigates how Plath's intensely personal revelations transcend the autobiographical to resonate with broader human experiences. Plath's confessional style, characterized by raw emotion, vivid imagery, and a candid exploration of inner turmoil, challenges traditional poetic forms and conventions. Her use of metaphor and symbolism not only reflects her own psychological struggles but also critiques societal norms and gender roles. By contextualizing Plath's confessional poetry within the broader literary and cultural milieu of the 20th century, this paper illuminates how her work continues to provoke critical inquiry into the intersections of personal trauma, artistic expression, and the universal human condition. Keywords: Sylvia Plath, confessional poetry, personal experience, universal themes, identity, mental illness, existential despair, autobiography