"i am, i am, i am" self-criticism in the confessional poetry of Sylvia Plath

Abstract EN

This paper aims at examining the theme of self-criticism in selected poems by the American poet Sylvia Plath.

In her practice of self-criticism, Plath is influenced by the personal happenings in her life and her adoption of Confessionalism as a means of expression.

Thus, her autobiography is of vital importance to the understanding of her poetry.

The paper argues that although Plath seeks self-betterment through criticizing the self, this is less visible in her life than in the art she produces and the poetic legacy she left.

It is true that her poetry shows a sincere desire for self-construction through self-criticism; however, her final act of self-destruction by committing suicide marks a complete failure as a person.