Summary of the Poem 'Lady Lazarus' by Sylvia Plath || Optional English Class 11

Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath

Summary of the Poem 'Lady Lazarus' by Sylvia Plath

The poem ‘Lady Lazarus’ was composed by Sylvia Plath. This poem is famous for the themes of death and resurrection. It was published in 1965, two years after Plath’s death by suicide. It provides hints to several suicide attempts of the distressed speaker. It also focuses on the role of power and oppression in one’s life, and the ideas of not giving up.

In the poem, the lady reveals a ten-year cycle of feeling low and returning to life. Describing each resurrection, the speaker compares her skin to a Holocaust lampshade. She challenges an enemy, promising improvement despite her skull-like face and decayed smell.

The lady depicts her rebirth as a circus act and emphasizes her skill in the art of dying. She delights in being seen as a miracle, aiming to charge for views of her scars. She addresses Mr. Doctor and Mr. Enemy, claiming possession. She warns Mr. God and Mr. Lucifer of her imminent rise with red hair, prepared to devour men.

Lazarus

Lazarus is a biblical figure known for being resurrected by Jesus Christ. He was a friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha. The story of Lazarus, found in the Gospel of John, highlights Jesus's power over death and serves as a significant miracle in Christian theology. The term "Lazarus" is often used metaphorically to symbolize resurrection or recovery.