The poem ‘Daddy’ by Sylvia Plath is rich with irony, particularly in its portrayal of the speaker’s complex relationship with her father. One of the most striking ironies is the way the speaker both reveres and resents her father. She describes him as a powerful, almost god-like figure, yet she also portrays him as a Nazi and herself as a Jew, drawing a parallel to the victim-oppressor relationship.
Another layer of irony lies in the speaker’s attempt to reclaim power. Throughout the poem, she uses violent imagery and language to express her anger and desire for revenge. However, by the end of the poem, she declares that she has ‘killed’ her father, which can be seen as a metaphorical act of liberation. Yet, this act of ‘killing’ her father also underscores her continued obsession with him, revealing that she is still emotionally entangled with his memory.
Finally, the title itself is ironic. The word ‘Daddy’ typically conveys affection and intimacy, but in this context, it is laden with bitterness and unresolved conflict. The speaker’s use of this term highlights the deep ambivalence she feels towards her father, blending love and hatred in a way that is both poignant and unsettling.