Sylvia, Sylvia / where did you go / after you wrote me
-- Speaker (Lines 7-9)

Importance: Although this poem takes place in America and references the United Kingdom, this question transcends geographical location. The speaker expresses how Sylvia has become absent from her outer world. In reality, this moment encompasses one of Sylvia Plath’s healthiest periods of time in the midst of her struggle with mental illness. Asking “where did you go” is really asking why she was unable to remain in this place of peace and stability for very long.

how did you crawl into, / crawl down alone / into the death I wanted so badly and for so long
-- Speaker (Lines 16-18)

Importance: This follows the poem’s first major turning point. The poem begins as a grieving eulogy, but here the speaker’s voice takes on a new facet as they express longing and envy for the death Sylvia took away with them. This moment reveals a...