Practical criticism of Daddy by Sylvia Plath

... Practical criticism of Daddy by Sylvia Plath The poem opens with a childish repetition of the words "You do not do, you do not do". Already we see the discord as it echoes the tantrums of a child and their refusal to acknowledge "you", while at the same time inviting interest with the meaning of "do". We want to know what relationship these two have. Why do "you" not "do". Coupled with the title, the intrigue is furthered with its such basic refusal. As if to continue this, "for thirty years, poor and white" seems to suggest that the only facts about herself that she can acknowledge is her basic race and status, such is her alienation and denial of any element of belonging. In the last line we see "barely daring to breathe or Achoo". While also hinting at the nursery rhyme about the black death, which will later lead

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