Struggles and Connections: Engaging with Ariel
“Dying
Is an art, like everything else
I do it exceptionally well.”
Despite the enjoyment I get from reading poetry—which, to be honest, isn’t often since I don’t engage with it as much as I’d like—this form of literature has always been a struggle for me to fully consume. Perhaps it’s the overthinking that often accompanies reading this type of work—the desire to give everything, or at least something, more meaning than what the actual intention might be. There is undeniable beauty in simplicity, yet when it comes to poetry, I often find myself trying too hard.
Sylvia Plath did a spectacular job in expressing herself within the pages of Ariel. Her writing showcases an incredible depth and capacity that draws the reader in. What I gained from reading this collection is a profound sense of her vulnerability, the way she laid herself bare for everyone to see.
It was truly fascinating to experience the work of one of the most popular and influential writers out there. This experience enlightened me to the reality that a literary work can resonate deeply with one person while not connecting in the same way with another. I am genuinely eager to reread Ariel, to dive back in and digest the pages that I didn’t quite grasp the first time around. A significant part of why I felt somewhat disconnected is the theme of motherhood that emerged from the poems. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but that is the prominent theme I sensed while reading through Ariel. Although I empathize with it from the perspective of a son, it still presented quite a challenge for me to relate fully.
In its entirety, however, I would definitely like to read Ariel again, aiming to feel the nuances more deeply and find a stronger sense of connection to the poems. Perhaps a second round of reading will help shift the way I see the book and allow me to engage with its themes on a different level.