Includes bibliographical references (p.168-174) and index.
Contents:
'Your blue hour : for Sylvia Plath, Fitzroy Road, 1963' -- Encounter -- Doubling -- Place -- Images -- Objects -- 'The present is forever and forever is always shifting, flowing, melting.'
Summary:
"The Haunted Reader and Sylvia Plath takes an unusual approach to Sylvia Plath studies by focusing on the readers of Sylvia Plath rather than the historical figure herself. While acknowledging that Plath is a highly visible cultural figure, this book explores why her readers become so attached to her. Why does she have such a large and devoted following? What is it about her that attracts people, and once they are drawn in, how does this fandom manifest itself? Based on primary research carried out by the author, this book collects stories from readers of Plath, to provide detailed, first-hand accounts of the significance that Plath has as a cultural phenomenon. Crucial experiential areas are explored, including the first encounter with Plath, ways in which fans feel they 'double' with Plath, pilgrimages that they make to places where she lived and worked, how they interact with images of Plath, and how they respond to objects owned by Plath. This study is unique, as there are currently no other books that deals with this subject. This fascinating and original approach to Plath scholarship also offers an insight into the increasing body of literature on fandom studies. By charting the personal journeys that readers and scholars share with the celebrated writer, [this book] explores why readers become so haunted by the figure of Sylvia Plath."--Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.