Research Article of the Poem Lady Lazarus A Study to Analyze Lady Lazarus through the Feminist Criticism Lens

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the poem Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath using a feminist critical perspective. The
main focus is on how the representation of the female body, trauma, and patriarchal power relations appear
in the poem. The poem portrays a woman who repeatedly “resurrects” from death, symbolizing resistance
against social control and objectification. Therefore, this study seeks to reveal how the female voice is
constructed as a form of resistance against male dominance. The method used is a qualitative approach with
textual analysis. The data consists of the poem itself, which is examined using feminist criticism, particularly
concepts related to the female body, objectification, and patriarchal power. The analysis is conducted by
identifying symbols, metaphors, and diction that reflect women’s experiences and their resistance
to oppressive social structures. The results show that Lady Lazarus represents a woman who is aware of
her oppression. The speaker refuses to remain a passive object and instead reclaims her body and
identity through repeated acts of “resurrection.” In conclusion, the poem not only depicts female suffering
but also asserts female strength and agency in resisting patriarchal systems.
Keywords: feminist criticism, female body, patriarchy, resistance, Sylvia Plath