An accessible guide to Sylvia Plath's work for students and general readers A dynamic guide through Sylvia Plath's life, fiction, and poetry. Grisafi's fresh take on Plathian themes like politics, mental health, and sexual violence prove time and time again that Sylvia Plath is not only relevant, but necessary. --ELIZABETH WINDER, author of Pain, Parties, Work: Sylvia Plath in New York, Summer 1953 In Breaking Down Plath, writer and educator Dr. Patricia Grisafi delivers a refreshing glimpse into the life and work of an iconic American poet. The author offers unique insights into how interest in Sylvia Plath developed, why her life and art matter, how the story of her life has been told, and what we still need to discover about her. Breaking Down Plath includes a thematic tour through Sylvia Plath's short fiction, journals, letters, and poetry, as well as an overview of her critics and the role her work plays in today's popular culture. Perfect for middle and high school students studying Plath's work, Breaking Down Plath is also an indispensable resource for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the work and life of Sylvia Plath.