11 Questions
What is the speaker's attitude towards dying?
The speaker sees dying as an art and performs it exceptionally well.
How does the speaker feel about people observing her scars and listening to her heart?
The speaker feels uncomfortable and is aware of the 'charge' associated with it.
What does the speaker compare herself to in terms of experiencing death multiple times?
A cat
What does the speaker find fascinating about dying?
The ability to perform a theatrical comeback after dying
How does the speaker describe her physical appearance after experiencing death?
A smiling woman with flesh becoming part of her
What does the speaker mean when they say, 'It really goes'?
'It' refers to the speaker's heart rate
How many times does the speaker expect to die in total?
Ten times
Which body part does the speaker describe as a 'paperweight'?
Right foot
What kind of crowd gathers to observe the speaker after she experiences death?
Peanut-crunching crowd
How old is the speaker currently?
Thirty
What aspect of the speaker's appearance does she liken to 'Nazi lampshade'?
Skin
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
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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