Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath, and Writing Between Them: Turning the Table

Turning the Table explores the compositional approaches of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath by examining their early draft manuscripts and published poems. It investigates the material they borrowed from one another and reimagined through two major sequences, and evaluates unpublished journal entries and letters that comment on their writing process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Turning the Table: Exploring the Compositional Strategies of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath

In their literary collaboration, Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath pushed the boundaries of poetic expression by employing a range of compositional techniques. Through a meticulous examination of their early draft manuscripts and published poems, Turning the Table delves into the shared approaches they adopted in their artistic endeavors.

Both poets demonstrated a keen attention to detail, refining the intricacies of individual poems while also reimagining the structure of entire sequences to establish their unique theories of an ars poetica. Their creative process involved a meticulous exploration of language, imagery, and rhythm, resulting in works that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally powerful.

The book incorporates drafts of Hughes and Plath's work from prestigious institutions such as Indiana University's Lilly Library, Emory University's Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Library, Smith College's Mortimer Rare Book Room, and the British Library. By analyzing the writing and revision strategies revealed in their early drafts, the book sheds light on the collaborative nature of their artistic process.

In addition to examining the material they borrowed from one another, Turning the Table explores the ways in which Hughes and Plath reimagined it through two major sequences: Plath's Ariel and Hughes's Crow. These sequences showcase their individual styles and artistic influences, while also demonstrating their ability to blend and transform different literary elements.

To further enhance its analysis, the book discusses several pairs of poems from Ariel and Hughess Birthday Letters that respond to one another, highlighting the interplay between their works and the development of their shared artistic vision.

The final chapter of Turning the Table includes an evaluation of some of Hughes's unpublished journal entries and unpublished letters, which provide valuable insights into his thoughts and reflections on his last collections' public reception. These writings further reinforce the author's argument that Hughes and Plath's ars poetica was deeply rooted in their collaborative spirit and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of poetic expression.

In conclusion, Turning the Table offers a comprehensive exploration of the compositional strategies employed by Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. Through its meticulous analysis of their early draft manuscripts and published poems, the book sheds light on the collaborative nature of their artistic process and the profound impact they had on the world of poetry. By examining the material they borrowed from one another and reimagining it through their unique sequences, Hughes and Plath demonstrated their ability to create works that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally powerful. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary poets and writers.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 228 x 161 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793614155