In "Ariel: The Restored Edition," Sylvia Plath explores themes of struggle and liberation through powerful imagery. The quote "I have taken a pill to kill the thin / Papery feeling" reflects a desire to escape the pain of emotional and physical vulnerability. It suggests a longing for transformation and a rejection of fragility, portraying the tension between seeking relief and confronting one's own feelings.
This line encapsulates Plath's profound examination of identity and mental health. By using the metaphor of a pill, she points to the struggle individuals face in dealing with their inner turmoil. The imagery of 'thin' and 'papery' conveys a sense of delicacy and frailty, highlighting the weight of her experiences and the intense yearning for strength and resilience.