Sylvia Plath's "Spinster"

Here are the questions for the poem "Spinster." Don't blog them—answer them on your own and bring the work to class Friday.

I know I said I'd try to get the blog up early today, but this is the soonest I was able to clear the time and write up the questions. If you are in the musical and need extra time, e-mail me.

1. What are the various meanings of the word “spinster?” How does it work as a title to this poem?
2. Explore the multiple denotations and/or connotations attached to these words: particular, ceremonious, suitor, struck, litter, rank, sloven, austere, motley.
3. Compare the poet’s choice of these words to possible synonyms: racket or turmoil rather than tumult; hubbub rather than babel; flourishing rather than burgeoning; rebellious rather than insurgent; spike rather than barb; disobedient rather than mutinous.
4. What sort of pattern, if any, do you perceive in this poem? Is it as pronounced as in “Pathedy of Manners”? Is it unpredictable or erratic? Is there a rhyme scheme?
5. What, expressed in one or two sentences, is this poem about?