Themes for Plath and Hughes Poems

Test cards with a possible theme on the front and the poems I would write about in the essay on the back. Many of the themes are taken from actual past papers from the Welsh Exam Board. The cards include at least two Plath poems and one of Hughes'. Opinions may differ on which poems are best to use, this is just my personal selection. There are clarifications for unusual/subverting poems and possible comparisons.

Created by: BWD
Created on: 16-05-13 14:35

Birth

Plath: You're, Manor Garden, Nick and the Candlestick. Hughes: Ravens

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Parenthood

Plath: Nick and the Candlestick, The Moon and the Yew Tree (unusual, but could explore the relationship between Plath and her parents), Manor Garden. Hughes: Ravens, Full Moon and Little Frieda

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Identity

Plath: The Stones, Munich Manequins, The Moon and the Yew Tree. Hughes: Wodwo

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Suffering

Plath: Daddy, The Bee Meeting, Wuthering Height (emotional and physical). Hughes: Ravens

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Isolation

Plath: Spinster, Wuthering Heights, The Bee Meeting. Hughes: Wind (can also subvert the theme, as he doesn't mind the isolation)

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Control

Plath: Spinster, The Stones, Munich Manequins (interesting to also explore a lack of control). Hughes: Wind.

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Rebirth/Renewal

Plath: Ariel, Full Fathom Five, The Stones (careful not to confuse rebirth with actual birth). Hughes: View of a Pig (interesting contrast because he doesn't see any chance of rebirth)

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Death

Plath: Daddy, Suicide off Egg Rock, Full Fathom Five. Hughes: Ravens

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Decisions

Plath:The Moon and the Yew Tree, The Stones, Ariel, Suicide off Egg Rock (few of her poems explicitly reference choices, so as long as the poems are linked well it doesn't really matter). Hughes: Wodwo (inability to decide, isolated)

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Love

Plath: Nick and the Candlestick, Spinster (mostly about parental love or fear). Hughes: Daffodils, Full Moon and Little Frieda.

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Water

Plath: Full Fathom Five, Suicide off Egg Rock, Finisterre (linked to death and memories). Hughes: Low Water

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Memory

Plath: The Bee Meeting, Daddy (both these poems seem to portray distorted memories), Full Fathom Five. Hughes: Daffodils

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Religion

Plath: Nick and the Candlestick, The Moon and the Yew Tree, Daddy. Hughes: The Bee God.

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Inner Emotions/Introspection

Plath: The Moon and the Yew Tree, Wuthering Heights (both good for mindscapes), Nick and the Candlestick. Hughes: Daffodils.

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Landscapes

Plath: Wuthering Heights, The Moon and the Yew Tree, Spinster. Hughes: Wind (both poets tend towards Emersonian transcendentalism).

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Power

Plath: Daddy, Spinster (good for exploring responses to a lack of power), Ariel. Hughes: Low Water.

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Seasons

Plath: Munich Manequins, Spinster, Poppies in July. Hughes: Daffodils.

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Destiny/Fate

Plath: Ariel, The Manor Garden, Daddy (references trying to change/break free of fate as well). Hughes: Daffodils.

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Shocking Imagery

Plath: Daddy, Ariel. Hughes: Ravens, View of a Pig.

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Nature

Plath: Spinster, The Moon and the Yew Tree, Wuthering Heights. Hughes: Ravens, Full Moon and Little Frieda (good for interdependence and perspectives)

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Guilt/Remorse

Plath: Daddy (wants to make him feel guilty), Ariel (doesn't display any regret). Hughes: Daffodils.

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Colour

Plath: Poppies in July, The Moon and the Yew Tree, Nick and the Candlestick. Hughes: Red (could link fire-like imagery to Wind).

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Themes for Plath and Hughes Poems

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