Daddy by Sylvia Plath | Poetry Analysis

Most people would agree that Sylvia Plath is a deeply tragic, but also voraciously creative talent. In fact, one could argue that her incredible creativity was partly a consequence of her personal tragedies (which were plenty - at least by first-world standards...!) A testament to her poetic genius is 'Daddy', which was published in 1965 in her seminal collection 'Ariel'. In ‘Daddy’, the speaker, who is presumably Plath herself, casts her father in a dark, traumatic light, but halfway into the poem, she shifts her characterisation of ‘Daddy’ into a man that’s implied to be her husband, fellow poet Ted Hughes. Dive deep into this poem with me as I weave together Plath's personal history, Freudian psychological concepts, and a close reading of the text's language and themes in this video!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:18 - Context of the poet
02:24 - Analysis - Stanzas 1-3
06:16 - Analysis - Stanzas 4-7
09:08 - Analysis - Stanzas 8-12
12:53 - Analysis - Stanzas 13-16
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[@roadlesstraveled34]

I've read this poem and listened to her speak it, which is just... Incomparable, so many times I've got it memorized. It speaks to me in such a deep, profound way. That and the use of the 'ooh" sound, a mourning sound. She was, for lack of a better word, a true genius but it feels like an understatement.

[@JenChan]

Oh 100%, Plath was a genius to say the least, but a deeply tragic one at that. Perhaps her genius also partly contributed to her personal tragedy.

[@9itsky]

You’re freaking amazing

[@oldelusive9257]

This is amazing; This complely changed my understanding of this poem

[@JenChan]

Amazing to hear - also interested to know what your original interpretation was (which is just as valid, by the way! Lit is all about the reader's response) But thanks so much for watching and stay tuned for more!

[@jackwilliam3899]

Studying this poem for my higher English Exam, helpful video!

[@keenefongkaiwen3082]

Great video as always! I’m so looking forward to this new series of poetry! 😍😍

[@JenChan]

Thank you! And yes, stay tuned for a couple more in the next few weeks - all poetry analysis 😉

[@aimi-838]

Thank you for this video! this really helps me understand the poem so that I can interpret it better. Keep up the great work :)

[@JenChan]

Great to hear, and thanks for letting me know! I appreciate you watching xxx

[@kedeshagordon7133]

First one here! Thank you for all of your helpful videos. I know that you have stopped posting videos for Othello, but would you be able to post a video about key quotes related to one theme, and what small tips do you have on achieve the top grades? Thank you again!!

[@JenChan]

Have you seen my Othello playlist? I've got key quote analysis in there, too. I'm actually in the process of writing up an Othello essay guide, but that won't be available until at least end of this year/early next. I definitely will be posting more Othello (and Shakespeare) videos down the line though, so no worries there :) In the meantime, check this out: kzbin.info/aero/PLhe5sjPdsN7ZvLwrYNzwA2NOUcBFrfaHp&si=N--Q_LfGQmoYfRDX

[@kedeshagordon7133]

@@JenChan Thanks you, the Othello study guide will be very helpful!!

[@Alihaider-ci7gb]

thanks mam