Sylvia Plath: Escaping the Bell Jar

» Renie_Burghardt - Escaping The Bell Jar

Hi Pamela, I remember buying a copy and reading the Bell Jar when it was first published in America, in the early 70s. By that time, Sylvia Plath was, of course, dead. Many of us, who were young women in the 50s, could easily identify with the Esther's struggles. Your review is excellent, and I'll have to find my old copy and read it again.

I look forward to your new focus on British and American Literature! Hope all is well, and that autumn breezes off the ocean are keeping your spirits high. Renie

-- posted by Renie_Burghardt

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» dsadams - Lady Lazarus

Hi Pamela, great article!

I was able to listen to Plath reading 'Lady Lazarus' on BBC online. It is a spooky reading, done so close to her death,and there is a strength and a malice to her voice that really add something to the poem.

The Audio clip is here at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/poetry/outloud...

For anyone interested in Sylvia Plath, it is definitely worth listening to.

Cheers!
...Diana

-- posted by dsadams

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» Sunbear - Plath

Hi Pamela,

I read this a long, long time ago in a country far, far away. . .

Thanks for your review/evaluation of the book. I really enjoyed your article about this tragic figure.

Best wishes,

Tom

-- posted by Sunbear

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» Gwenda - Re: Plath

In response to message posted by Sunbear:

Hi Pamela,
Thanks for a great review - this is a book I've wanted to read, ever since learning about Sylvia Plath...

And I'll be back to enjoy your new British and American Literature focus!

Best!
Wendy

-- posted by Gwenda

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» pamela_saint - Re: Escaping The Bell Jar

In response to message posted by Renie_Burghardt:

Hi Renie,

Thanks for your comments! The Bell Jar is one of the few novels I re-read from time to time. Although extreme, Esther's experiences tap into common adolescent, and especially female adolescent, concerns and anxieties about our own abilities and about what the future promises.

Fall has always been my favorite season, but it's my favorite beach season as well, with few tourists and without the awful humidity that makes it too hot to enjoy the sand and the wind and the spray in the summer. I've gathered quite the collection of sea glass. It's such a soothing pasttime, combing the sand for colorful gifts.

As always, it's such a pleasure to hear from you!

-- posted by pamela_saint

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» pamela_saint - Re: Lady Lazarus

In response to message posted by dsadams:

Hi Diana,

Yes! I've heard that recording, and it is chilling, isn't it? I'm going to follow your link and listen to the online version. It's a treat being able to hear a poet or writer speak his or her own words--epsecially when those words are so haunting!

Trevor & Plath: I guess I'm drawn to the dark side!

Thanks so much for stopping by.

-- posted by pamela_saint

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» pamela_saint - Re: Plath

In response to message posted by Sunbear:

Plath may not be gothic (or maybe she is?), but she's certainly got her dark side. I guess I'm not particularly drawn to the sunny side of the street. What's that James Taylor lyric? I've seen sunny days I thought would never end.

Thanks for stopping by to revisit lands far, far away.

-- posted by pamela_saint

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