The Letters of Sylvia Plath Volume 1 Read online

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  Siv

  TO Margot Loungway Drekmeier

  Sunday 3 August 1947

  ALS with envelope,

  Estate of Margot Drekmeier

  August 3, 1947

  Dear Margot,

  I was very glad to receive your last letter. It truly would be heart-breakingly sad to destroy our correspondence while it was so steadfast and blooming. I really feel quite virtuous as I write this letter, since I have completed two solid hours of piano practicing and a few letters to some of my more important acquaintances (no offence intended), among whom is William Dana Orcutt,* who has recently presented with a set of five art books and two personally autographed books of his own. Perhaps you have read his “Dagger and Jewels” or “Escape to Laughter”? Both of these I highly reccommend for excellent reading pleasure.

  Besides, it is so warm and comfortable here in our backyard in the warm sunshine and cool breezes, that I am strongly tempted to fall asleep and add, if possible, to my already dark tan. Instead, I write to you, which should raise your-self-esteem. (Again I add, “if possible!”)

  By the time I finish writing this epistle, I’m sure that the paper will have a considerable sunburn!

  I have not been reading much lately, but have been devoting the bulk of my time to outdoor sports. I go swimming regularly down at the nearby lake and have been taking bike trips recently.

  Yesterday, Ruthie* and I started out on a bike trip at 12 noon and didn’t get back until seven P.M. We rode along a winding country road, shaded by a leafy, interlacing canopy of tree branches, until we arrived at my aunt’s home in Weston. We climbed up on a hill in her back yard and ate our delectable picnic lunch. We relaxed and chatted a bit before starting back. While we were riding along beside each other, two boys (about 20 yrs. old,) passed us, going in the opposite direction on a motorcycle. Although they stared rudely at us, we payed them no attention, but speeded up our bikes. I had already broken two of my spokes, and was just dismounting to walk the rest of the way, when I chanced to glance behind us. The motorcycle had turned around and the boys were chasing us. Naturally we were no match for their speed, although we pedalled fast and furiously. Luckily we reached Weston village by the time they caught up with us, and when we ignored them when they asked if we wanted to come for a ride, they rode back where they had come from. Ruthie and I were so relieved and exhausted that we just went in the drugstore, practically collapsed on the counter, and ordered a drink of ice water. We quickly recovered our strength, and continued our journey, making a 5 mile detour to drop in on Betsy Powley, who has her leg in a cast. When we at last arrived home, seat-sore and weary (but very elated) we figured accurately that we had ridden over 20 miles!

  In case I did not write to you from camp, I had a perfectly unexcelled time, saw all the interesting sights and towns on Martha’s Vineyard, learned how to sail a menemsha, accomplished over a 50 mile total in bike trips, and gained 5 pounds in weight.

  Since I have been home I have: visited the Freeman’s, where I went swimming in the ocean and attended movie* with 15 yr. old David; went to an Esplanade evening concert* with a very nice boy* who held my hand all evening; saw the movies “Cynthia” and “The Great Waltz”* with mother and dined at the Old France* afterwards; saw the two plays “The First Mr. Fraser” and “Dear Ruth” at the Wellesley Summer Theater.* These are only a few highlights of my thrill-packed summer, which are condensed for lack of space. Write soon –

  Love,

  Sylvia

  P.S. Let’s keep up a quick correspondence? Hmmmn? I just had a steak dinner – Yumm. I am so full!

  TO Aurelia Schober Plath

  Monday 8 September 1947

  ALS with envelope,*

  Indiana University

  Monday, September 8

  xxxxxx

  Dearest mummy,

  Guess what I did the first thing upon arriving home at 3 P.M.? Missed you, of course! Really, though, I drank two big glasses of water, washed my face with soap and water and changed into my shorts. I then took my homework out in the sunny, breezy back yard and commenced to write this note to you, knowing that youre wondering how my version of dear old Matt Arnold* came out. Well, I’ll keep you in “Suzpenze” for a few minutes more.

  Ruthie left at 20 of 5 yesterday, and we played cards all afternoon (at her express request – I didn’t even mention the stuff!).

  I did my homework from five to eight: fifteen (taking time out for supper) and then gladly packed up my books and was in bed & asleep by 9:30 after having treated and done up my hair and cleaned up my face and put goo on.

  This morning I looked in the mirror before washing. Ugh! The grease made me look as white as syntrogyl pill! I looked in the mirror after washing. A miracle – a stupendous miracle had taken place. My skin, save for a few large pimples, was free of all cluttering blackheads, whiteheads, et cetera (Latin outbreak)! Of course as the day wore on it didn’t look as wonderful. After a sleep I always look better – anyway, it’s a sign of hope!

  I worked up my Arnold theme to one & one-half sides of a paper – including Palestine and all. With some misgivings I took the paper to English. We took the paragraph apart for most of the period and during the latter part of the class we read our papers. Where most received only a nod and a “Thank you” from Mr. Crockett,* he said “very well said” for mine. I just about burst with pride. I don’t even think Perry’s* was quite as good as mine. We weren’t quite able to finish all of them in the hour period, but I think, as far as we went, that only three or four were as good, or better than mine. Mary Ventura* was the only one beside me who received more than an “uhHuh” beside me!

  By the way, almost half the class dropped out today and took a lower class instead. Mr. Crockett smiled to himself when he said “It seems we’ve had quite a desertion,” as he took the attendance. Now we have only nineteen in our group, which makes it nice. I just love English – specially Mr. Crockett who thinks we’re “a likely lot” with “a knack for our subject.”

  I had art today, and like my teacher* more and more as time goes on. I’ve done three rough charcoals and two new ones today. He thinks that the composition and lifelike action in my pictures is very good. I have drawn various pictures – all have people as a main interest.

  Today my subjects, in order, were as follows:

  Latin – read reading lesson – a few mistakes but pretty well done – will review

  Math – Homework correct – class progressing slowly so far

  Study – Here I enjoyed Orchestra instead

  Study – By the time we got seated and all I only had time to do my math homework

  Lunch – Yum!

  English – Discussion of Arnold’s paragraph

  Art – charcoal sketches

  No French today. This is all I have time for now. I have to write in a hurry. Will be in bed early tonight. Medium amt. of H.work. Lot of (groan) Latin!!!

  From your very own Sylvia-girl

  With love and best wishes.

 

 

  Missing Mother

  by Sylvia

  When mother goes away from me

  I miss her as much as much can be.

  And when I go away from mother

  She misses me, and so does brother.

  TO Aurelia Schober Plath

  Tuesday 9 September 1947

  ALS, Indiana University

  September 9, 1947

  Tuesday

  7:30 P.M.

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  Dearest Mother,

  I regret to say that I have not as much time to write to you tonight as I did on Monday, but I will make the most of what I have.

  No more news about last evening, save that I did my piano, and put up my hair so that it came out just perfectly today.

  My complexion is showing signs of improvement daily. Just this morning I saw that a few of my big red spots were drying up. Every night I send a little prayer of thankfulness to darling Rose Laird.

  Well, about todays happenings. Here is my schedule of periods again today:

  1 Latin: Read homework of last night. Was mainly successful in oral contributions.

  2 French: “J’entre dans la sale de classe.” We just went over our homework orally. No signs of starring individuals, yet!

  3 Study Did all of Latin H. Work save review of declensions.

  P. Education Weighed – 119¼ lbs.

  Height – 5'8"

  Eyesight – Perfectly Super

  Arden* is 5'9" and weighs 147 lbs

  Signed up for beginner tennis and basketball

 

  English 21 Here is the class I just love. I could sit and listen to Mr. Crockett all day. We finished reading our paraphrases and, after we were through, Mr. Crockett said “Now, after we’ve gone through the whole bunch, whose paper do you think was the best?”

  John Pollard* raised his hand immediately and said, “Sylvia’s”, whereupon dear old Davy (Mr. Crockett) replied, “I decidedly think so.” He also praised about 5 others, not Perry, either!

  Well! Our combination (your suggestion and my effort, of course) worked nicely in this case, didn’t it?

  Art We worked in using masses of mixed color on paper. Not too interesting, as you may imagine!

  Miscellaneous Remarks:

  1 Prissy* isn’t so bad afterall, although you’d wince, too, if you saw her in that lurid patch-worky dress.

  2 My English Class has so stimulated me that I’m chock-full of ideas for new poems. I can’t wait to get time to write them down. I can’t let Shakespeare get too far ahead of me, you know.

  3 I have ideas for lots of paintings, too.

  I like to write these notes to you in my spare moments because its second best to talking, at least I know you’re hearing and understanding what I’m doing. I must have someone understanding to talk to.

  Warren is quite noncommittal about his school events, except that he has been elected to two offices. I guess he misses you more than I do, not having so much work to do. Of course I’m just smart. I fool myself into not having time to miss you by planning what I’m going to do in every minute of my time so I’ll never have any moment left to “be lonesome” in.

  I’ve done all my homework, sitting outdoors from four to six since this is an easier night.

  I know you like to read about the little “homely things” I do if your anything like “me is.” (Did dishes tonight.) Warren’s been going to bed exceptionally early.

  That’s all I have time for now. Am anxious to know how you are. I pray for you every night.

  Lots of love,

  Sylvia

  P.S. Got “Frost’s Poems”* at Hathaway House for 25¢.*

  Time now – 8:00 P.M.

  Will get ready for bed right away.

  Thanks for sweet little postcard.

  Love, S.

  JOKE TO BE READ IN TIMES of Great Sadness!

  Mr Crockett told us this:

  “One of my pupils, in a written examination, wrote the title of the poem, “Intimations of Mortality” with two mistakes. He got it mixed and wrote “Imitations of Immorality” instead!! (appreciative LAUGHTER)

  Or have you heard that one before?!!

 

  Love,

  Me, ---

  a bear of very little brain! A great big nothing – like a jar!

 

 

  1948

  TO Hans-Joachim Neupert

  Monday 14 June 1948

  ALS (photocopy), Smith College

  June 14, 1948

  Dear Hans-Joachim,

  This afternoon I found your letter in the mail box, so you see that it takes about a month for mail to cross the ocean.

  As for your writing, I think that it is remarkably nice. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you to learn english – there are so many idioms and exceptions to every rule. Your printing is very neat and readable. If only you could see the printing of a few of my classmates – yours is so much better by comparison!

  I wish that you could visit me some time, or that I could visit you! You must work very hard in school. If we want to go to a college (or a university) we must study hard and get good marks. However, a great part of American youth is carefree and jolly, thinking only of parties and fun. Perhaps you have been told this already. But, all in all, many of us have serious aims. Do you know that we have special magazines for young people? There are magazines for both girls and boys, and they sponser contests in art, writing and music. (Do send me a sample of your drawing!) These competitions are nation-wide, and give us the opportunity to exchange ideas and win recognition if we are skilled enough. Perhaps you would like me to send you an example of one of these magazines?

  As for school, – this week we have final examinations. We have a 1½ hour examination in each subject. These tests cover the whole year’s work, so we have to review all the books in every subject.

  Have I told you that my Father was born in Germany? He came to America as a boy and worked until he became a professor of German and Biology at Boston University. He even wrote a book on the history of the bumblebee.* My father is dead now, so my mother teaches instead.

  What you call desk-tennis must be what we call “ping-pong” or “paddle tennis.” We play with a table, a net and “paddles.” We also read alot in school. I have heard about the writers which you mention, but I have not been so fortunate as to read their works. Of course we have read a great deal of Shakespeare – he is considered of the greatest dramatists of all time.

  I have to buy my own supplies and pay for my own expenses, so how do you think I earn money?! I go baby-sitting! In case you have not heard of this leisure-time occupation, I will describe it. No, I do not sit on the babies – it is like this – when parents wish to go visiting with friends in the evening, they pay a girl or boy (our age) a certain amount of money an hour to take care of their child until they get home. This is very profitable for us.

  At this time of year, all children are looking forward to the summer vacation – we have no school all during July and August. What type of stories and poems do you like to read? If you will let me know, I will attempt to send you a copy of the work of some of our American authors. I think that it would help your study of English.

  I will like very much to hear about Germany in your next letter. Would you like to compare some of our ideas about religion, war, or life or science? I hope so, because I’d enjoy finding out what you think concerning such things.

  As I write this, I am out in our back yard. The sun is very hot, and this is the first day of nice weather we have had for weeks. Everyone is glad, because we got so tired of the dull gray skies and the continuous rain.

  You say that Film (that is the English word – they are very similar) cannot be purchased? It is not difficult to get here, but it is tremendously expensive.

  Well that is all that I have room to write now, but I feel that I’ll get to know you better as we continue our correspondance.

  As always,

  Sylvia

  P.S. I cut the corner off my picture because it was torn.

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  To give you, too, an idea of where I live, here is a little map of part of Massachusetts around Boston. Have you heard of Boston in your History or Geography courses? I assume that you have, but you can never be sure. Wellesley is a residential town – very “country-like”, and yet with all the shops and stores there are in the city. The streets are shaded with large maples and elms, while the houses are small and the lawns are large and green.

  Thank you for your beautifully drawn map. I was able to find Grebenhain just by following the course of the Rhine – I mean I found it on a big map of Germany that we have in an encyclopedia. I have Grebenhain marked with a star to show that you live there.

  Your picture of yourself was very enjoyable – was it taken a few years ago as mine were?

  I look so forward to your next letter! I will write you the day I receive it.

  Until then –

  Best wishes,

  Sylvia

  TO Aurelia Schober Plath

  Friday 2 July 1948

  ALS, Indiana University

  July 2, 1948

  Dear Mother,

  Well! I’m not in the Biking Unit – I got Pre-Counselor instead. Ruth and Betsy got Biking and Anne and I got Pre-c., so, after slight confusion and indignation, Anne and another girl traded with Betsy and Ruth (who wanted to be with me)! So, now everybody is happy – especially me! I’m in the same Pre-Counselor tent with Bets, Ruth, and another girl, who is 18, fat homely, and a pain – she won’t even write home to her mother! We three musketeers have the best tent in the unit – nearest the dining hall, the toilets, and the beach.