Summary

The speaker directly addresses a deceased woman, Sylvia. She lived in an unfulfilling, impersonal house with two wild children that kept her occupied and away from her friends and her art. The speaker feels Sylvia has abandoned them, and accuses her of stealing the death they wanted for themself. Together they often spoke of it, over drinks, exploring its possibilities. However, the speaker thought they’d both outgrown their fascination with death.

They remember how death followed them both throughout their lives, like a familiar friend. Looking back, the speaker understands that death never truly left them and that Sylvia has gone home. The speaker announces that the whole world has gone mad, and praises the memory of their lost friend.

Analysis

“Sylvia’s Death” begins with the short epigraph “for Sylvia Plath.” At the time of publication this note would have been largely...