Title: Ariel: The Restored Edition
Author: Sylvia Plath
First published November 9, 2004
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060732608 (ISBN10: 0060732601)
Rating: 4.26
Overview
Sylvia Plath’s famed literary work, Ariel, has long been hailed as a masterpiece of the modern era. Originally unpublished at the time of her death, her husband Ted Hughes brought the collection to life in 1966, captivating readers worldwide with its brilliance and depth.
The collection features some of Plath’s most stirring and impactful poems, including the titular “Ariel”, leaving readers moved and inspired. This book is a testament to the lasting impact of Sylvia Plath’s writing, and a must-read for anyone seeking to experience the power of her words.
About the Author
Sylvia Plath was a talented American writer of poetry, novels, and short stories. Her most recognized work is her poetry, but she also wrote a semi-autobiographical novel called The Bell Jar, which she published under the name Victoria Lucas.
The main character in the book, Esther Greenwood, is a clever and determined student at Smith College who starts to struggle with her mental health while interning at a fashion magazine in New York. This storyline closely mirrors Plath’s own experience interning at Mademoiselle magazine, which led to her own mental breakdown and attempt at suicide.
Editoral Review
Sylvia Plaths Ariel: The Restored Edition, published on November 9, 2004, is an essential read for those who appreciate poetic memoirs. The author, Sylvia Plath, was an American poet, novelist, and a leading figure in the confessional poetry movement of the mid-20th century.
She is best known for her semi-autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar, and her poetry collection, Ariel, which was published after her death. This restored edition of Ariel is a powerful and haunting collection of poetry that confronts Plath’s darkest traumas with unflinching rawness.
The poems in Ariel chronicle a period of deep emotional turbulence, Plaths search for identity and salvation, and her increasing struggles with mental health. The collection is both deeply personal and universal, as Plath grapples with the universal struggles of love, betrayal, isolation, mortality, and the human condition.
The book features 12 previously unpublished poems, revealing the full extent of Plath’s literary genius. These new poems complement the original Ariel collection and give readers a deeper insight into Plath’s creative process and emotional state at the time.
The book is divided into three sections, each with a distinct theme and tone. The first section tackles the themes of death, suicide, and the loss of self.
The second section explores the complexities of love, adultery, and relationships. Finally, the third section deals with the themes of motherhood, domesticity, and the natural world.
One of the strengths of Ariel is its poetic craftsmanship. The poems are beautifully written and evocative, with striking imagery and bold language.
Plath uses vivid metaphors and allusions to create an atmosphere of intensity and urgency. Her writing is intensely personal, and she bares her soul with complete honesty and vulnerability.
Her words are both deeply disturbing and uplifting, and the reader is left with a profound understanding of the human psyche. Another strength of Ariel is Plath’s use of symbolism and cultural references.
She incorporates images from mythology, religious iconography, and literary allusions to create a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions. This use of symbolism gives the poems a timeless quality and makes them relevant to contemporary issues.
However, some readers may find the intense and often depressing themes of Ariel difficult to read. The book deals with deep psychological struggles and mental trauma, which can be triggering for some readers.
Additionally, some may find Plath’s confessional style too self-indulgent and narcissistic. Overall, Ariel is an essential read for fans of confessional poetry and anyone interested in the human condition.
Plath’s writing is evocative and haunting, and her insights into the dark part of the human psyche are profound. Despite its flaws, the restored edition of Ariel is an important addition to the canon of American literature and a testament to Plath’s literary genius.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
