An Explication of "Tulips" by Sylvia Plath.

"Tulips", a poem by Sylvia Plath, is about Sylvia Plath's experience in a hospital after she had tried to commit suicide. The poem illustrates just how depressed the author was at the time and how the slightest initiative of happiness was distracting to her. My initial reaction to Plath's poem "Tulips" was rather different from what it had meant to me afterwards. At first, I believed the poem might have been about perhaps some flowers …

…she wants to be alone. I think the theme of this poem is Plath's depression and the aftermath of her attempt at suicide. Upon looking at the title once more, I believe that "Tulips" symbolize health and recovery, some things she is not right now. I also believe that tulips are referenced to as love and affection through out the poem, the same love and affection that Plath doesn't seem to be ready to except.