Unveiling the Interplay between Foregrounding and Emotional Resonance: A Stylistics Analysis of Sylvia Plath’s LADY LAZARUS

Abstract

Sylvia Plath holds significant place in modern literature. Focusing on the subject matter and linguistic preoccupation of Sylvia Plath this study tries to create bridge between the thematic and stylistic innovation in Plath’s poem Lady Lazarus. This study is qualitative in nature. Therefore, close reading and descriptive tools for data analysis are used to dive deeper into the context of this poem. The stylistics innovation incorporates various literary techniques that are used by Plath to create emotional resonance in her poetry. The aim of this study is to know the underlying philosophy of language used in the poem to create emotional resonance. This study provides a fresh perspective of how foregrounding elements complement and contribute to emotional intensity and meaning making in poetry. The findings of this study suggests that the experimentation of subject matter, and style Plath’s poem intensifies the emotions. In this poem, she uses various new techniques ranging from unconventional dashes to confessional style. Her linguistics preoccupation helps her to gain sympathy from readers.

Keywords: Stylistics Innovation, foregrounding technique Emotional Resonance, Sylvia Plath, Lady Lazarus