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Sylvia Plath's 'Lady Lazarus' Poem Analysis
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Sylvia Plath's 'Lady Lazarus' Poem Analysis

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@IlluminatingTiger

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Questions and Answers

What is the speaker's attitude towards dying?

  • The speaker dreads dying and finds it unbearable.
  • The speaker believes dying is boring and mundane.
  • The speaker sees dying as an art and performs it exceptionally well. (correct)
  • The speaker is indifferent towards the concept of dying.
  • How does the speaker feel about people observing her scars and listening to her heart?

  • The speaker charges money for people to observe her scars and listen to her heart.
  • The speaker feels honored and grateful for the attention.
  • The speaker is indifferent and doesn't care about others observing her scars or listening to her heart.
  • The speaker feels uncomfortable and is aware of the 'charge' associated with it. (correct)
  • What does the speaker compare herself to in terms of experiencing death multiple times?

  • A seashell
  • A mirror
  • A cat (correct)
  • A tree
  • What does the speaker find fascinating about dying?

    <p>The ability to perform a theatrical comeback after dying</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the speaker describe her physical appearance after experiencing death?

    <p>A smiling woman with flesh becoming part of her</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the speaker mean when they say, 'It really goes'?

    <p>'It' refers to the speaker's heart rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many times does the speaker expect to die in total?

    <p>Ten times</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body part does the speaker describe as a 'paperweight'?

    <p>Right foot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of crowd gathers to observe the speaker after she experiences death?

    <p>Peanut-crunching crowd</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How old is the speaker currently?

    <p>Thirty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the speaker's appearance does she liken to 'Nazi lampshade'?

    <p>Skin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Poem's Speaker

    • The speaker has attempted to kill themselves every decade, with this being their third attempt
    • They have survived each attempt, feeling like a "walking miracle"

    Physical Appearance

    • The speaker's skin is compared to a "Nazi lampshade", implying a pale, fragile complexion
    • Their right foot is heavy, like a "paperweight"
    • Their face is featureless, like "fine Jew linen"

    Emotional State

    • The speaker feels they are a "sort of walking miracle", implying a sense of irony and detachment
    • They ask if they terrify, suggesting a sense of self-awareness and questioning
    • They recognize their "sour breath" will soon vanish, and their body will be restored to a normal state

    Cycle of Suicide and Rebirth

    • The speaker has attempted suicide three times, with a decade-long gap between each attempt
    • They compare themselves to a cat, suggesting nine lives and multiple chances
    • They view dying as an art form, something they do exceptionally well

    Public Perception

    • The speaker feels like they are putting on a show, with the "peanut-crunching crowd" watching their every move
    • They are aware of the "charge" or price for people to "eye" their scars and "hear" their heartbeat

    Identity

    • Despite their struggles, the speaker feels they are the same person, with the same face and body
    • They are a "smiling woman", suggesting a sense of resilience and determination

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    Description

    Test your understanding of Sylvia Plath's poem 'Lady Lazarus' with this quiz. Explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in this powerful piece of poetry.

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