Analysis of Lady Lazarus

Analysis of Lady Lazarus

An Explication of Lady Lazarus

        Sylvia Plath was born on October 27, 1932 in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts during a time when accomplishments of women were not recognized. She published her first poem at the age of eight. A few days after she turned eight, her father died of diabetes. This triggered her depressive tendencies and caused her to attempt suicide multiple times. At twenty-one Plath attempted her first suicide which was almost successful by taking sleeping pills. After being hospitalized, she recovered and three years later she met her husband-to-be, Ted Hughes. After the breakup of her marriage, Plath returned to her suicidal habits. It was during this time that “Lady Lazarus” was written.
        On February 11, 1963, a few months after “Lady Lazarus” was written, Sylvia Plath successfully committed suicide by inhaling gas from her stove. “Lady Lazarus” conveys a message about Plath’s life, weaknesses and feelings. Throughout the poem Plath made references to the Jews and Nazis leading readers to believe she compared her sufferings to that of the Jews by the Nazis.
        Plath connects the title of her poem to the bible story of Lazarus who died and was resurrected by Jesus. Plath saw herself after each suicide attempt as Lazarus being brought back to life.
        At the beginning of the poem “I have done it again”, Plath has attempted suicide again. “One year in every ten/I have manage it” she refers to the fact that every ten years she has tried to kill herself. She almost died at age ten in a drowning accident, then at age twenty she deliberately took sleeping pills but was not successful and was brought back to life. She will try again at age thirty and succeed. Plath describes herself   “Bright as a Nazi lampshade” and “fine Jew linen“, Plath is making reference to the allegations of Nazis using skin of murdered Jews to make lampshades, linens and other items.
        Stanza four, Plath asks her...