Combining elements of critical literary theories, close language analysis and contextual understanding of 20th century United States, this course immerses you in the dreamlike world of Sylvia Plath’s poetry.
This programme capitalises on the knowledge which literary critics have of Plath’s life in order to aid the understanding and analysis of her works. Using feminist and psychoanalytic theories, students are guided to conduct close readings of ‘Munich Mannequins’, ‘Daddy’, ‘Lady Lazarus’, and ‘Ariel’, and to develop a deeper understanding of how Plath utilises language to create powerful messages, and mesmerising imagery. Through each poem, students will refine their argumentative and critical writing skills by considering several interpretations to Plath’s frequently elusive language and structure.
Building up to Ariel, the final poem Plath wrote before her death, students are guided to understand the predicaments which Plath and women in 20th century faced. The final presentation workshop equips students with oracy skills, improving their confidence in delivering presentations.
Course Content
10 LESSONS
10 HOURS Total Length
Lesson 1
Who is Sylvia?
60 minutes
Lesson 2
Sylvia, the Feminist
60 minutes
Lesson 3
'Munich Mannequins’: A Close Reading
60 minutes
Lesson 4
Sylvia and Male Figures
60 minutes
Lesson 5
‘Daddy’: A Close Reading
60 minutes
Lesson 6
Sylvia and Mental Health
60 minutes
Lesson 7
‘Lady Lazarus’: A Close Reading
60 minutes
Lesson 8
‘The Bell Jar’ and Sylvia’s Suicide
60 minutes
Lesson 9
‘Ariel’: A Close Reading
60 minutes
Lesson 10
Poem of Choice Analysis
60 minutes
Key Skills
Critical Thinking
Close Language Analysis
Literary Analysis
Analysing Poetry
Feminist Analysis
Educator
Katerina T
All-Round Educator
With 3 years of teaching experience within schools, Katerina has taught English Language and Literature to a wide range of pupils for GCSE and A-levels. Alongside this, she has also been teaching philosophy, science and English as a foreign language to students at all stages of language acquisition and has prepared numerous A-level pupils for university applications.
