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In "Daddy," what did Sylvia Plath constantly call her dad even though he fled Germany during WWII?

a) Daddy
b) Herr Doktor
c) The enemy
d) A Nazi

User Scls
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

In Daddy, Sylvia Plath constantly called her father Daddy, despite the fact that he fled Germany during WWII. Thus the correct option is (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

In her poem Daddy, Sylvia Plath explores the complex relationship she had with her father, who fled Germany during the Holocaust. The use of the term Daddy in the poem is significant as it highlights the intense emotional bond that Plath had with her father, despite his abandonment during a time of great turmoil and danger. Plath's use of the term Daddy is a powerful metaphor for the complex and often contradictory nature of familial relationships. On the one hand, it represents a deep emotional attachment and intimacy between Plath and her father. The term Daddy is often associated with a child's relationship with their father, and Plath's use of it suggests a desire for closeness and protection. This desire is evident in lines such as Every woman adores a Fascist / The boot in the face, the brute / Brute heart of a brute like you (Plath 13-15). Here, Plath portrays her father as a symbol of authority and protection, which she longs for despite his past actions.Thus the correct option is (a).

On the other hand, Plath's use of the term Daddy also suggests a longing to reconcile with her father's past actions. During the Holocaust, Plath's father fled Germany, leaving his family behind. This abandonment left Plath with feelings of anger and betrayal, which are evident in lines such as I have always been scared of you / With your Luftwaffe, your gobbledygoo (Plath 1-2). However, Plath's use of the term Daddy suggests that she still holds onto a deep emotional attachment to her father, despite his past actions. This attachment is evident in lines such as Every woman adores a Fascist / The boot in the face, the brute / Brute heart of a brute like you (Plath 13-15). Here, Plath portrays her father as a symbol of authority and protection, which she longs for despite his past actions.

In conclusion, Plath's use of the term Daddy in her poem Daddy is significant because it highlights the complex emotional bond that she had with her father, despite his abandonment during a time of great turmoil and danger. It also suggests a desire for closeness and protection, as well as a longing to reconcile with her father's past actions. Overall, Plath's use of the term "Daddy" serves as a powerful metaphor for the complex and often contradictory nature of familial relationships.

User Parreirat
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Final Answer:

She consistently refers to her father as "Daddy," emphasizing the emotional and conflicted nature of her relationship with him. Therefore, thecorrect answer is option a) Daddy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Sylvia Plath's poem "Daddy," she constantly refers to her father as "Daddy." This recurring term reflects the complex and conflicted emotions Plath had towards her father.

While she uses endearing language, the poem also delves into the darker aspects of their relationship, touching on themes of oppression, loss, and the impact of her father's death on her own life.

The repetition of "Daddy" becomes a powerful and emotionally charged motif in the poem, capturing the intense and troubled feelings Plath had for her father.

Therefore, thecorrect answer is option a) Daddy.

User Crispert
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