I need help. I have to argue in a paragraph about whether "Daddy" by Sylvia Plath is surrealistic or not. I don't even know how to start it.
This is what I got so far. Is it good?
This poem to me, doesn’t really define the term surrealistic. Surrealistic is defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream; also: unbelievable, fantastic. The poem is about; that she is craving for her father's attention, and yet she despises him in so many ways...she is in a love hate relationship. I don’t think Plath poem is even close to being surrealistic because in her poem, she mentions in lines 24-25 that…”I never could talk to you.” “The tongue stuck in my jaw”. This is not a dream; she is basically saying she was so scared of her dad, that she was too scared to talk to him. She mentions that her dad is the devil, which mainly suggest that he is mean in line 52-55, “You stand at the blackboard, daddy,…the picture I have of you,….instead of your foot But no less a devil for that, no not…. She not only tried to kill her father, but in the end of her poem, she calls her dad a “(expletive)”.
I think you missed the point of Surrealism.
Dictionary: Surrealism, n. Pure psychic automatism, by which one proposes to express, either verbally, in writing, or by any other manner, the real functioning of thought. Dictation of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason, outside of all aesthetic and moral preoccupation.
Encyclopedia: Surrealism. Philosophy. Surrealism is based on the belief in the superior reality of certain forms of previously neglected associations, in the omnipotence of dream, in the disinterested play of thought. It tends to ruin once and for all other psychic mechanisms and to substitute itself for them in solving all the principal problems of life.
This poem fits exactly into the surrealistic realm. The difference as Salvadore Dali said of himself being a surrealistic painter, of being mad and being surrelaistic, was he was not a madman. Others had differing opinions.
On great physicist that I know, once explained the concept of genius: Genius is having one leg over the line of sanity, and one not, but having control not to put both legs over at the time. I think Dali would agree with this, as would many surrealists. This poem certainly reflects that.
This poem to me,<~~delete "to me" and the comma. doesn’t really define the term surrealistic. Surrealistic is defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream; also: unbelievable, fantastic. The poem is about; that she is craving for her father's attention, and yet she despises him in so many ways...she is in a love hate relationship. I don’t think Plath poem is even close to being surrealistic because in her poem, she mentions in lines 24-25 that…<~~delete ellipsis �I never could talk to you.� “The tongue stuck in my jaw�.<~~learn how to quote poetry correctly; see link below This is not a dream; she is basically saying she was so scared of her dad, that she was too scared to talk to him. She mentions that her dad is the devil, which mainly suggest that he is mean in line 52-55,<~~use colon, not comma “You stand at the blackboard, daddy,…the picture I have of you,….<~~weird and nonstandard punctuation instead of your foot But no less a devil for that, no not….<~~?? She not only tried to kill her father, but in the end of her poem, she calls her dad a “(expletive)�. No matter what the actual word(s) in the text, I'd never accept anything vile in a student's paper.
Punctuation throughout, as you try to deal with quoting lines of poetry, is very strange.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index2.htm
Scroll down to Literature (Writing About)and read that webpage, including how to quote poetry.
You should also read the section on Quotation Marks.
Your paragraph is a good start, but there are a few things you can do to improve it and strengthen your argument. Here are some suggestions:
1. Introduce the poem and its context: Begin your paragraph by briefly introducing the poem "Daddy" by Sylvia Plath and mentioning that you will be discussing whether it can be considered surrealistic. This will help set the stage for your argument.
2. Define surrealism: You've already included a definition of surrealism from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, but you can further develop the concept by explaining some of the key characteristics of surrealistic art or literature. This will provide a framework for evaluating whether the poem aligns with these characteristics.
3. Provide evidence and analysis: Instead of simply summarizing the poem and stating your opinion, analyze specific lines or stanzas from the poem that either support or contradict the idea that it is surrealistic. Look for elements like vivid imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, or dream-like descriptions. Quote these lines and explain how they contribute to or detract from the surrealistic quality of the poem.
4. Consider alternative interpretations: It's always helpful to acknowledge counterarguments or alternative explanations. In this case, you can discuss potential elements in the poem that might be interpreted as surrealistic, even if the poem as a whole may not fit the label. This shows that you have considered different perspectives and adds nuance to your analysis.
5. Conclude with a clear stance: Wrap up your paragraph by stating your conclusion on whether "Daddy" can be considered surrealistic or not. Restate your main points and summarize the evidence you have provided to support your argument.
Overall, remember to structure your paragraph coherently, provide clear evidence, and offer thoughtful analysis. Good luck with your argument!