SYLVIA PLATH Lydia Stratton

CHOOSING A WRITER

Interest from favorite works: The Virgin Suicides White Oleander

Subject Interests: Women and Society Mental Disorders

Previous biographical exposure to Plath.

PLATH’S EARLY LIFE

Born: 1932 in Mass.

1940: Father’s Death

Age 17: controlled writing

August 1950: Seventeen Magazine

1950: Smith College

PLATH’S BELL JAR & COLLEGE YEARS

Smith Review: Editorial Board

Contest and Prizes

Mademoiselle: Guest Editor

Electroshock, Psychotherapy, Hospitalization, Suicide Attempt

PLATH’S MARRIED LIFE & DEATH

Cambridge 1956: Ted Hughes 1958: Rejection from

Fellowship Frieda and Nicholas 1962: Separation Jan 1963: The Bell

Jar February 11th, 1963:

Suicide

THE BELL JAR OVERVIEW

Semi-Autobiographical Early 1950’s Narrator: Esther Greenwood Intern in New York City Disinterest in “Glamorous”

lifestyles Rejection from writing course Life Crisis

THE BELL JAR OVERVIEW CONT.

Psychiatrist Hospitalized: Electroshock

Therapy Trapped under Bell Jar Attempts Suicide Female Psychiatrist Lifting of the Bell Jar

THEMES OF THE BELL JAR

Restricted Roles of Women Mental Illness

WOMEN AND RESTRICTED ROLES Career Vs. Home

“M.R.S.” Degree

Virginity and Promiscuity

Society Rejection

MENTAL ILLNESS

Viewed with Fear

Help in Doses

Support

THANK YOU…

Lydia Stratton