She looks like a woman who has found it ridiculous to commit herself to a single emotional stance in anything, but must always ride high heavy irony.
The quote describes a woman characterized by her reluctance to fully embrace any particular emotional viewpoint. Instead of committing to one side, she navigates her feelings with a sense of heavy irony, suggesting that she views emotional attachments as perhaps absurd or limiting. This perspective indicates a complex inner life, where humor and skepticism play crucial roles.
This portrayal reflects a broader theme in Sylvia Plath's work, where the struggle with identity and emotional sincerity often manifests as a coping mechanism. In embracing irony, the woman distances herself from the vulnerability that can come with deep emotional investment, showcasing the tension between desire for connection and fear of entrapment.
