this is so brilliant🩷 i love a good literary analysis because it reminds me of when i used to do it in school!! i love plath but i've never really dug too deeply, so i really loved that you had the interviews and so much research about her life in this essay. LOVE LOVE LOVEEEE
Like Sylvia, I'm also looking at the fig tree of my life. One is art, one is writing. one is singing and acting... Right now, my hand is reaching towards writing, but the other figs look so ripe and delicious as well. What if I eat one and it turns out the others tasted better?
you don't have to choose only one. taste a little of each and reflect on where you stand with them now and where you can see yourself in the future. even if you pursue one for work-purposes, you could continue others as hobbies/ personal projects. this way if you ever feel like switching paths, you've still been aligned with what interests you all along :') you also sound super creative,-- maybe there's a way to merge them?
Loved this and I love The Bella Jar! I find the fig tree metaphor extremely relevant right now as I feel like I have so many options and directions I could be heading in as a 23 year old girl but I have no idea where to start and find it all very overwhelming! I often lack the confidence to go for something more out of my comfort zone, even if it’s what I’d see as more of a ‘dream job’ etc etc.
I think the metaphor scares me into wanting to take more risks (in a good way!) so that I won’t regret not pursuing certain opportunities in the future and one day watching the figs wrinkle up and fall at my feet.
Reading this Substack actually came at the perfect time because it’s reminding me to be confident for an exciting/ scary interview for a dream job in a dream city in 3 days so thank you 💓
in the same boat, as a 22 year old :') i understand the confidence-comfort zone battle, but ive been learning recently that you have nothing to lose when trying something new, so you may as well try. taking (good) risks is always good, and starting slow with more low-risk-high-reward situations can help too. applying for something like your dream job will only get you closer to your dream job. im glad you resonated & good luck with your interview!!!👼👼👼
if only i was a fat purple fig
adore this!
thank you! im so so glad <3
Loved this! I’ve never read anything of Sylvia’s but you’ve inspired me to do so! Thanks 🫰🏻 excited to read more of your posts :)
im so so glad to hear!!! update me how you find her readings :')
How I loved this!! It actually inspired me to write my own poem inspired by the fig tree metaphor, such an amazing analysis - thank you!
thank you for your kind words🥹 that I inspired you is such a high compliment!! if you feel like posting it id love to read whenever you've finished
this is so brilliant🩷 i love a good literary analysis because it reminds me of when i used to do it in school!! i love plath but i've never really dug too deeply, so i really loved that you had the interviews and so much research about her life in this essay. LOVE LOVE LOVEEEE
thank you thank you thank you!!! for your words & feedback🤗 truly so appreciated
Lovely analysis!
Like Sylvia, I'm also looking at the fig tree of my life. One is art, one is writing. one is singing and acting... Right now, my hand is reaching towards writing, but the other figs look so ripe and delicious as well. What if I eat one and it turns out the others tasted better?
you don't have to choose only one. taste a little of each and reflect on where you stand with them now and where you can see yourself in the future. even if you pursue one for work-purposes, you could continue others as hobbies/ personal projects. this way if you ever feel like switching paths, you've still been aligned with what interests you all along :') you also sound super creative,-- maybe there's a way to merge them?
a very interesting read on one of my all time favourite books. keep it up :)
thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed!! <3
Loved this and I love The Bella Jar! I find the fig tree metaphor extremely relevant right now as I feel like I have so many options and directions I could be heading in as a 23 year old girl but I have no idea where to start and find it all very overwhelming! I often lack the confidence to go for something more out of my comfort zone, even if it’s what I’d see as more of a ‘dream job’ etc etc.
I think the metaphor scares me into wanting to take more risks (in a good way!) so that I won’t regret not pursuing certain opportunities in the future and one day watching the figs wrinkle up and fall at my feet.
Reading this Substack actually came at the perfect time because it’s reminding me to be confident for an exciting/ scary interview for a dream job in a dream city in 3 days so thank you 💓
in the same boat, as a 22 year old :') i understand the confidence-comfort zone battle, but ive been learning recently that you have nothing to lose when trying something new, so you may as well try. taking (good) risks is always good, and starting slow with more low-risk-high-reward situations can help too. applying for something like your dream job will only get you closer to your dream job. im glad you resonated & good luck with your interview!!!👼👼👼
So true! Thank you and I can’t wait to read more of your work 🫶🏻