The Shape of Ancient and Modern Imitatio and its Effect on the Imitations of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes

<p dir="ltr">This thesis aims to prove not only that Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes imitated and responded to each other’s poetry, but that this process can be defined under the theory of imitatio. My methodology for achieving this, begins by establishing that it is accepted by both scholars, and Plath and Hughes themselves, that a shared poetic discourse exists between them. In understanding this however, it is revealed that where Hughes saw this textual relationship as a kind of spiritual, symbiotic connection, Plath viewed it as more practical; they simply “reminded” each other of poetic subjects and biographical events for recounting or re-imagining.</p><p dir="ltr">To extend upon how their poetic discourse is unique, I explore it this thesis, the ancient theory of imitatio and how philosophers, scholars and authors have embraced and deviated from it since its conception by Plato in Republic. Additionally, in citing the many changes to the theory which have certainly caused scholarly confusion around its function, it was important that I analyse some of the terms which appear throughout history as synonyms and/or antonyms of imitatio. These include: mimesis, intertextuality, diegesis and representation. I then underwent a thorough poetic analysis of a handful of Plath and Hughes poems which either cite the same textual subject or directly respond to each other. Thus, by examining the way in which the poets imitate symbols, devices, representations of biographical or universal concerns and each other, I was able to connect aspects of the many versions of imitatio, to form a conceptualisation of the term which is foundational and usable for poetic pedagogy and analysis in modernity. Additionally, I will argue that many of these imitations were intentionally carried out by both Plath and Hughes in defiance of the gendered narrative placed on each of them by the other and therefore, will assert that imitatio acts as a useful tool for understanding the power dynamic within their personal and professional relationship.</p>