Myth, Symbolism, and Archetypes in Sylvia Plath’s Selected Poems: A Critical Explanation

Abstract

This article offers a critical explanation of the pervasive use of myth, symbolism, and archetypes in the selected poetry of Sylvia Plath. It argues that her work transcends the label of mere “confessional poetry” by employing a sophisticated framework of universal literary devices to articulate personal trauma and psychological struggle. This article posits that Plath does not simply reference existing myths but actively subverts them to empower her female speakers, as seen in the re-appropriation of the Lazarus myth in “Lady Lazarus” and the mythological scale of “The Colossus”. Furthermore, the article delves into her highly personal and yet universally resonant symbolic language, where colours (black, white, and red) and natural elements (fire and water) carry a weight that mirrors the speaker’s internal landscape. It also examines the powerful archetypal figures—the Victim, the Destroyer, the Trickster, and the Avenging Goddess—that populate her poetic world, giving her personal narratives a timeless, ritualistic quality. The article concludes that Plath’s genius lies in her ability to elevate her private suffering into a public, mythic, and archetypal drama, making her work a profound exploration of human suffering and defiant self-creation.