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.

Start by deciding whether he is surrealistic.

Then, find three facts that support your opinion.

Start writing with a topic sentence.

Then, write the rest of your paragraph.

Do these words fit?

fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtapositions

You might start your paragraph by asking if Plath's description of "daddy" uses those ideas. Does her image seem 'other worldly'? beyond reality? skewed? Why or why not.

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 developed your thesis very well. You have very good support.

Sure, I can help you with that! When analyzing whether "Daddy" by Sylvia Plath is surrealistic or not, you can start by following these steps:

1. Read the poem: Begin by carefully reading and understanding the poem itself. Take note of any elements or themes that stand out to you, as well as the overall tone and structure.

2. Understand surrealism: Familiarize yourself with the concept of surrealism. Surrealism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the exploration of the unconscious mind and the use of dreamlike or irrational imagery. Knowing the key features of surrealism will help you identify them in the poem.

3. Look for surrealistic elements: Analyze the poem line by line, considering the imagery, symbolism, and language used by the poet. Look for elements that deviate from ordinary reality, challenge logical connections, or evoke bizarre or dreamlike scenarios. These elements can include unexpected metaphors, juxtapositions, or incongruous descriptions.

4. Identify contrasting elements: Pay attention to contrasting or conflicting ideas within the poem. Surrealism often thrives on juxtaposing opposites or contradictory emotions. Look for instances where Plath mixes ideas or imagery that seem to clash in order to create a surreal effect.

5. Consider the personal context: Sylvia Plath's personal life and struggles may influence the poem's interpretation. Understanding her biography, including her struggles with mental health, can provide insights into the possible surrealistic elements present in her work.

6. Formulate your argument: Based on your analysis, formulate your argument about whether "Daddy" by Sylvia Plath is surrealistic or not. Take into account the evidence you have gathered from the poem and how it aligns with the characteristics of surrealism.

7. Craft your paragraph: Begin your paragraph with a clear topic sentence that presents your argument about whether the poem is surrealistic. Support your claim with specific examples and evidence from the poem itself. Finally, conclude your paragraph by summarizing your main points and restating your position.

Remember, it is important to back up your argument with evidence from the poem itself. Good luck with your analysis!