Question

“Edge” is one of the last poems Plath wrote before her suicide. How does knowing this information affect your understanding of the poem?

Answer 1

The poem, “Edge,” by Sylvia Plath is about a woman who, in death, is “perfected.”  The poem can be interpreted to mean that the narrator finds peace in death and will no longer be bothered by the sadness or burdens she feels in the world.  Knowing Sylvia Plath wrote this poem not long before her suicide can certainly affect one’s understanding of it.  With that knowledge, the poem seems almost like she is making peace with her death to come.  It can almost be likened to a suicide note rather than just a description of a woman who is dead.

Answer 2

You can see how depressed that she feels when conveying this message and you can almost see what she is planning to do.  It makes you more aware of others who may be in need of help when you least realize it.