Despite her short life, Sylvia Plath (1932-1962) is one of the most notable American poets of the twentieth century. Writing before the second wave of feminist movements, Plath touched on many subjects that were considered taboo in poetry, such as pregnancy, miscarriage, female power, sexuality, and death. Plath was also a forerunner of Cold War fiction: her novel The Bell Jar portrays the oppressive cultural and political effects of McCarthyism. In her poetry, Plath is known for her sharp and expressive language, fierce and unsettling metaphors, and complex vocabulary. She is most famous for her collection Ariel. Plath was a trendsetter for many women writers in the second half of the twentieth century, and remains one even today. Her work ethic and commitment to writing are just as deserving of celebration as her accomplishments, most...
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Citation: Axelrod, Steven, Dorka Tamas. "Sylvia Plath". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 September 2003; last revised 02 May 2025. [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=3579, accessed 05 December 2025.]
