Kasey CallahanProfessor Diana VecchioENGL-102: Literary Genres (Section B)April 2, 2014Symbolism in Sylvia's "Tulips" Throughout Sylvia Plath's Life and Period in which she grew up, it's understandable why she was always unhappy with the opportunities offered to her as a writer. Growing up during World War II, where it darkened the mood of the nation, Plath went through various periods of depression, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts, which are shown in her works (Neurotic Poets 1). In today's literature, "his work is distinguished by the intense coupling of his violent or disturbed imagery and his playful use of alliteration and rhyme" (Poets 1). While on the surface Sylvia Plath's poem "Tulips" discusses the contrast between the colorful, vivid bouquet and the barren whiteness of the hospital walls, one can also explore other symbolic contrasts depicted: life and death , family and solitude. progresses, a color comparison between the tulips and the hospital walls is visible. The bright red color of tulips symbolizes optimism in life, while the whiteness of the hospital walls symbolizes non-existence and emptiness. At the beginning of the poem, Plath states, “The tulips are so excited, it’s winter here.” / Look how white everything is, how calm everything is, how snowy everything is” (Plath l. 1-2). That being said, the whiteness of the hospital room walls represents the calm, calm atmosphere she dreams of. Because of this color comparison, it is obvious that Plath wants nothing to do with the outside world when she states that the bright red color "bothers" her: "The tulips are too red in the first place, they bother me." hurt. / Even through the wrapping paper, I could hear them breathing / Lightly, through their wh...... middle of paper ......n Plath wanting the "gift" of life, she desires the " gift” of death Most people find the life and work of Sylvia Plath depressing, but they must understand the pressures she was under at the time with a well-known writer. Due to the many life crises that Sylvia Plath experienced throughout her life, it is obvious why she wrote the way she did. Between the burden that World War II placed on the country and her personal problems during her life, Sylvia Plath struggled with depression for many years and ultimately committed suicide in 1963. Although readers have considered the works by Sylvia Plath as dark, she received a lot of recognition. for her abilities as a writer. To this day, there is controversy over his writings and legacy. A poem like “Tulips” shows his fight and struggle between life and death and his desire for solitude and escape from his family..