Plath and Hughe’s Relationship
Sylvia (2003) tells the real-life and heart-wrenching story of the famous poet, Sylvia Plath, and her abusive relationship with her husband, Ted Hughes. Their relationship, at least the version presented to viewers in this film, starts out as a passionate love affair that quickly spirals into something darker which almost acts as a warning to rushed marriage and young love in general. Hughes becomes increasingly unfaithful and cruel over the course of their relationship which constantly causes Plath to succumb to stress and paranoia, falling into heavy depressive episodes. Yet despite all of that, the two seem to be always drawn back to one another. Plath especially becomes unhealthy dependent on the relationship, putting aside her own needs just to satisfy Hughes’.
Sylvia’s Mental State
As mentioned previously, Plath experiences more depressive episodes as their relationship goes on, marking an obvious decline in her mental health. Even at the start of their relationship, when Plath seemed confident and proud of work, Sylvia showed fleeting glimpses at a perpetual sadness hiding behind her bright smiles and flirty behaviour. The casual treatment and openness towards her past suicide attempts and fascination with the macabre were also hints of this. That’s not to say she didn’t experience moments of genuine happiness, however. She loved Hughes and relished the moments they shared in those first few months. She became elated every time her work was praised and cared deeply about her family. But she began to cling desperately to those moments as everything became overshadowed by Hughes’ mistreatment of Sylvia. Quite literally in some cases, as Plath began to feel as if she lived in his shadow, constantly experiencing a feeling of inferiority while never being able to properly let her writing and other needs flourish.
Sylvia’s Writing Routine and Inspirations
Sylvia’s writing and mental state were seemingly linked. When she couldn’t write, either because of a lack of inspiration or a lack of time thanks to the unrealistic duties pinned on her, she became despondent and at times evasive – finding menial tasks to eat up time and prevent her from having to confront her work. Then, whenever Hughes wasn’t around Plath was endowed with new vigour and passion, channelling all of her hate and pain into her poetry. It quickly became evident that Sylvia found inspiration in this pain, constantly referring to her own mental anguish, Hughes and the passing of her father. It was even insinuated that her father’s death was the catalyst of her depression and part of the reason she became so dependent on her relationships; either with Hughes or Thomas towards the end of the film.
Did Hughes Love or Respect Sylvia?
The very first time Plath and Hughes meet, hints at Hughes unfaithfulness are already shown as – despite the dancing and their shared passionate kisses – he ultimately concerns himself with another woman that enters the room. However, for a short time this is the only instance where the audience – and Plath herself – are clued into Hughe’s true colours, as he goes on to almost treat Sylvia as an equal; discussing poetry with her and even encouraging her work, which at first was probably just a front to get into her pants. But as they spent more time together I believe that Hughes did develop genuine emotions for Plath, or rather a vision of her that he had crafted in his head. And when Sylvia didn’t conform to this unrealistic image he became bored and betrayed her, but never left her completely because of this past connection.
Witchers and Witches 