The liminal space between ‘the self’ and the object: Representation of psychological alienation in Sylvia Plath`s poetry

Abstract

In recent discussions of Sylvia Plath, scholars have argued that her poetry consists of self-reflecting ambiguous themes and patterns of a self-defining subject. In addition to this, Plath scholars have argued that one cannot separate Plath`s own self from her poetry and that her work evidently showcases internal struggles with self-definition and self-discovery. The aim of my thesis is to investigate the poems “Elm”, “Tulips” and “Poppies in July” and look specifically at how flowers and elements of nature create a liminal space between the subject (’the self’) and the object (flowers etc.) thus creating a sense of psychological alienation. To look at these poems, I intend to use Victor Gecas discussion on The self-concept to implement an understanding of self-identity. What this will show is that through Plath`s use of anthropomorphistic symbolism and use of color, the objects themselves become harmful to the psychological state of ‘the self’.

In recent discussions of Sylvia Plath, scholars have argued that her poetry consists of self-reflecting ambiguous themes and patterns of a self-defining subject. In addition to this, Plath scholars have argued that one cannot separate Plath`s own self from her poetry and that her work evidently showcases internal struggles with self-definition and self-discovery. The aim of my thesis is to investigate the poems “Elm”, “Tulips” and “Poppies in July” and look specifically at how flowers and elements of nature create a liminal space between the subject (’the self’) and the object (flowers etc.) thus creating a sense of psychological alienation. To look at these poems, I intend to use Victor Gecas discussion on The self-concept to implement an understanding of self-identity. What this will show is that through Plath`s use of anthropomorphistic symbolism and use of color, the objects themselves become harmful to the psychological state of ‘the self’.