Similarities:
* Focus on the intensity of emotion: Both poets explored the depths of human emotion with a raw and unflinching honesty, particularly the darkness of despair, loss, and mortality.
* Lyrical language: Both employed highly metaphorical and evocative language, using imagery and sound devices to create a visceral and immersive reading experience.
* Emphasis on symbolism: Both poets used symbolic language to explore complex themes and create layers of meaning within their poems.
* Interest in the subconscious: Both leaned into the exploration of dreams, unconscious desires, and the darker aspects of the human psyche.
Influence:
* Early inspiration: Plath was deeply moved by Thomas' work when she was young. In her early poetry, we can see echoes of his lyrical voice and his dramatic use of imagery.
* The "death-in-life" theme: Both poets explored the themes of death and mortality, but Plath's portrayal often reflects the suffocating and claustrophobic feelings of being trapped in a life that feels like death. This resonates with Thomas' exploration of mortality and his struggle with the human condition.
Differences:
* Personal experience: While Thomas focused on the universal aspects of human suffering, Plath's poetry deeply reflects her personal struggles with mental illness, relationships, and her own mortality.
* Political context: Thomas' poetry is often rooted in the experiences and anxieties of the 20th century, whereas Plath's reflects a more personal and introspective perspective.
* Literary style: Though both employed lyrical language, Plath's work is characterized by a more fragmented and confessional style compared to Thomas' more structured and dramatic approach.
Conclusion:
While Dylan Thomas was a major influence on Sylvia Plath during her early years, their relationship was not one of direct imitation. Instead, Plath absorbed certain aspects of Thomas' style and thematic preoccupations while forging her own distinct voice and perspective. Both poets, though different in many ways, shared a profound commitment to exploring the depths of human experience through the power of language.