by Sylvia Plath
Wednesday 30 April 1952*
ALS with envelope,
Indiana University
Wednesday
Dear Mother –
You are listening to the most busy and happy girl in the world. Today is one of those when every little line falls in pleasant places.
Number one: I have just been elected to Alpha-Phi Kappa Psi (no, I’m not going Greek on you) which is the “Phi Beta Kappa of the Arts. “It is the purpose of the society, composed of a maximum of 30 members who have demonstrated excellence in dance, drama, literature, music or painting, to provide recognition for artistic achievement . . . Qualifications for membership are creative ability, promise in the case of sophomores . . . ” etc. So I am one of the 2 sophs chosen for creative writing ability!* We all got single roses & marched out in chapel today. Also, I think I will get at least one sonnet published in the erudite Smith Review* this next fall!
Number 2 is a sort of frightening miracle. As you know, I have a physical science requirement next year which clogs up my whole schedule. At the suggestion of Pat O’Neil, who took the course this year, I petitioned to do the work on my own this summer & write a paper or take an exam, arranged by the director of the department. It was highly irregular, & Miss Schnieders didn’t give me much hope. But it got passed! So I will study on some of my off hours this summer & probably clinch the work in a week when I get back – which eliminates the necessity of suffering through 6 hours a week next year & lets me take an exciting History of Art course instead.
News number 3 is that the News Office is giving me an increasing amount of responsibility lately. I am covering no fewer than five (5) lectures in the next four days: Ogden Nash tonight,* 3 lectures on the European student Thursday & Friday, plus a Friends meeting* on Sat. afternoon which is not “open” to students, but involves all sorts of fascinating Smith alums with great book collections. These last four are to be written up feature style & sent everywhere from the Monitor to the Sat. Review – hoping for acceptance. The new head of the News Office – Mrs. Smith* – is very good about dropping such plums in my lap, and It is all because she saw my feature on baby-sitting (which I tossed off in 3 hours last Mountain Day) got published, & so thinks I have an angle, or something.
Number 4 is that at the 1st Alpha meeting after lunch today two girls came rushing up to me and said how would I like to be on the Editorial Board of the Smith Review next year, and my, how they just loved my Sonnet: Eva. (What a life!)
Number 5 will, I hope, involve me. None other than W. H. Auden,* the famous modern poet, is to come to Smith next year (along with Vera Michelis Dean*) and may teach English, or possibly Creative Writing! So I hope to petition to get into one of his classes. (Imagine saying, “Oh, yes, I studied writing under Auden!”)
Honestly, mum, I could just cry with happiness – I love this place so, and there is so much to do creatively, without having to be a “club woman.” Fie upon offices! The world is splitting open at my feet like a ripe juicy watermelon. If only I can work, work, work to justify all my opportunities.
XXX your happy girl,
Sivvy
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Friday 2 May 1952*
ALS (picture postcard),*
Indiana University
Dear mum –
Carol pierson’s mother treated ten of us to a birthday-steak dinner here last night – replete from sherry to coffee. I am planning for a very busy work weekend – with 2 papers, art projects, studying & lecture covers. By the way, I was just chosen to be one of the 30 “distinguished Sophs” to be on Push Committee (helping all during commencement activities). Unfortunately I will have to refuse because of my “job” – (which I hope I have) – sent Crawford’s* letter & Belmont* acceptance – haven’t heard from either. What a double life I lead!
XXX
Siv
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Monday 5 May 1952*
ALS with envelope,
Indiana University
Monday
Dear Mother –
As yet I have heard neither from my acceptance at the Belmont nor my refusal at the Pines. I have visions of either being out of two good jobs, or sued by both places as a bigamist! However, I am sold on the Belmont, & feel that if only that’s settled I can wiggle out of the Pines somehow – I should earn more, too, even though the months wages are the same $40. I would begin work the 11th of June & end the 5th of September not bad. I feel I would be so lucky to work there! The letter said – “We have thousands of applications and experience few openings . . . .”
These next 3 weeks are packed to the gills – I worked and sunned last weekend, getting 3 short papers written and typed – a total of about 25 pages. Also played an hour of tennis Sunday a.m. with Marcia. Sat. afternoon was spent at the Friends of the Library tea – as I was one of two college girls in the midst of a throng of ancient-but-fiery friends, I felt a bit conspicuous, but thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Last night I went to my first Honor Board meeting at the Warden’s (Mrs. Cook’s) House.* Dean Randall,* my old English teacher was there, as well as two brilliant faculty members, Maria Canellakis* (the Greek girl who is head of H. B.) and the head of Student Council.* The only one missing was the College psychiatrist. The two cases were fascinating oddly enough. The offenses were by seniors & involved Modern Art & Creative Writing! (most appropriate for the note-taking secretary.) I kept still most of the time, figuring I’d better see how the procedure went before participating in discussion.
The Art offense involved a girl who had personality difficulties defeatism, etc. She had ripped all the articles on Rouault out of the magazines in the library because she was writing a paper on him and had destroyed the evidence when a search was undertaken. Eventually she confessed herself to the warden because she felt she couldn’t live with her self any more. They split the case in 3 aspects, with treatment or penalty for each. One necessity was psychiatric investigation.
The other girl came back late from a weekend at home where her mother was undergoing a cancer operation & her father was just diagnosed as a cancer victim – and she passed in a writing assignment due the next day 2 poems of her own, & 1 copied to complete the required 3. The Board voted an E for the assignment & a possible D for the course.
As you can see, I find my job very exciting! Lots of ideas for stories! God! I’ll have to start studying psychology!
This weekend I’m playing Cupid and fixing up 3 of Dick’s friends. I do hope all six new people* get along. One is Alison. I figured it would be nice to get her a date as she is planning all sorts of exciting things for me when I go to New York on the 5th (Thursday.)
By the way – how am I going to get all my stuff home Wednesday the 28th? Can grammy come up? Will you be free? I should be pretty well packed after lunch as my exam gets over at 11–
By for now – have thousands of pages to read for gov.
your loving,
Sivvy
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Wednesday 7 May 1952*
ALS (postcard), Indiana University
Wednesday
Dear mum –
Well, this summer is just about settled. An amazingly nice note came from the Pines today saying they had gotten a girl on waiting list to take my place. I was happily surprised at their courtesy: no muss, no fuss. All I have to get now is a note from the Belmont confirming my signed contract. I am saving the surprise to tell Dick this weekend. I am very glad to see your upswing in mood about teaching – you really need a rest. I was heartbroken about Carver. I need the money so badly. At least I have lots of extra activities for next year. Wish me luck at getting safely through the next two heavy weeks –
XXX
Sivvy
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Sunday 11 May 1952*
ALS with envelope,
Indiana University
Sunday 7 p.m.
Dear Mother –
Well! I have just ta
ken a luxurious hot bath and am now sitting in pajamas and bathrobe in my friend Betsy Whittemore’s room listening to a lovely Handel Concerto and planning to go to bed within the next hour as I am soo sleepy.
In spite of the rain all today, the weekend had many elements of success. Friday was so glorious that I lay out on the sunroof for a couple of hours – even washed & dried my hair up there. It’s amazing how drying in the sun lightens it! Thursday night I had a delightful supper at Lawrence House (coop) with a new friend: Jan Salter,* a Jewish girl from New York. In the evening we went to hear the most wonderful lecturer – Patrick Murphy Malin* – Head of the Civil Rights Commission. He was without a doubt the handsomest, kindest, most tolerant, creative man I have ever met! (I mean heard!) As an antithesis to Senator McCarthy’s “guilt by association and hearsay” lecture, he was an example of integrity and outstanding promise. I must show you the lecture notes I took sometime!
Anyway, the boys came Saturday just before supper, which we ate at Haven House. We saw a free movie* at Sage Hall, got them settled (Dick at Mrs. Brown’s & the other 3 at a nearby tourist house) and split up. Two of the couples went to Rahar’s – a local collegiate spot for food, drink & music – Dick & I ran barefoot on lawns, went wading in the liquid waters of Paradise, climbed trees, and generally enjoyed ourselves on our own.
Nancy Teed (much too cosmopolitan for our little group) decided not to go out with her date again today – so Alison got one of her prettiest friends to go and all 8 of us had a lovely time. Dick & I spent the morning in dungarees & sweatshirts helping Mrs. Brown sand and paint ceilings & woodwork. I had the best time! I just love painting woodwork & pretending I am making my own house. The work seems like nothing but fun, & I’m glad to have a chance to contribute to the Brown’s new homestead – they’ve been so good to me.
Anyway, the 8 of us drove up to the mountain range and had a cookout in the rain under a log roof. We devoured cheese, hotdogs, pickles, potato chips, tomatoes and beer (not much) over a smoky fire, hiked, climbed a lookout tower, & generally got damp and fresh-aired.
The nicest thing is that Alison & Milton got along just beautifully, so he asked her to come down next weekend for a dance at Medical School which I decided to go to also. So I invited Alison to stay with me – feeling so happy that I could do this for her before my stay in New York. We will probably come home on the 5 p.m. bus, Friday, getting in between 9 & 10. Saturday morning I plan to study – and want to know if maybe I could use the car that day? Don’t plan anything elaborate – you work hard enough! We won’t be wanting meals except a pick-up supper Friday night, breakfast Sat., breakfast & dinner Sunday – we’ll leave on the earliest bus then, too. I do want you to meet Alison – she’s the dearest girl!
Today I got a letter from the Belmont confirming my job. So all is set. Dick is much pleased, too. I really hope I earn a lot of money to make up for the losing of the Elks’ hope of aid! Boo to the Elks.
An English major here got a Fulbright this year to study in England after she graduates. Also, the Rotary scholarships are good. Find out anything you can. We will be applying for those in a year or so!
If only I can get all my work done before these exams! I must get good marks in them – plus writing up forty senior personals* to all the papers for graduation & doing each days press board, plus keeping up Honor Board work, plus going to showers, dinners, etc.!
Really, though, I am leading a glorious country-clubby life, in spite of my work. I have at least gotten thinner & you should see my tan!
See you Friday
XXXX
Sylvia
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Monday 19 May 1952*
ALS (postcard), Indiana University
Monday a.m
Dear Mum . . .
How sad it is to be back in the narrow confines of a rigorous schedule again, with the next ten days looming grim and sadistic – and knowing that a head now blank will have somehow to be filled . . . [in the few days between now and Friday.] Our bus trip back, in spite of our resolutions, was mostly talk – that girl is by far the most intelligent and stimulating I have ever known! I feel proud to have her as a close friend. I do want to thank you for pausing in the midst of work to make such a lovely homey atmosphere for us – and such delicious meals! By the way – I got a postcard from Elizabeth Drew (my favorite Eng prof, who has written books on T. S. Eliot*) inviting Marcia (whom she has never met) and me to tea at her house* Tuesday! I was thrilled!
S
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Monday 26 May 1952*
ALS (postcard), Indiana University
Monday
7 a.m.
Dear mum –
I haven’t even an hour before my Eng. exam to skim through my notes, so this will be a brief mandate: I’ll be packing when you come Wednesday, and If I’m at lunch, just go on up to old Rm. 6. Marcia’s mom would love to have you drop over & see her, too, – they took me out to the best steak dinner Sat. night. When you come bring cartons (for books) & empty suitcases – Heaven knows how I’ll get all the things to go home packed! Gov. was a really rough exam – glad it’s over! I’ve been studying for English solidly the last 2 days & have a great clot of memorized poetry in my head – I do love memorizing.
XXX
Siv
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Tuesday 10 June 1952*
ALS with envelope,
Indiana University
Tuesday
Dear mum –
Your amazing telegram came just as I was scrubbing tables in the shady interior of the Belmont diningroom. I was so excited that I screamed and actually threw my arms around the head-waitress who no doubt thinks I am rather insane! Anyhow, psychologically the moment couldn’t have been better, I felt tired – first nights sleep in new places never are peaceful – and I didn’t get much! To top it off, I was the only girl waitress here and had been scrubbing furniture, washing dishes and silver, lifting tables, etc. since 8 a.m. Also, I just learned since I am completely inexperienced, I am not going to be working in the Main diningroom but in the “side hall” where the managers & top hotel brass eat. SO – tips will no doubt net much less during the summer and the company be less interesting. So I was beginning to worry about money when your telegram came. God! To think “Sunday at the Minton’s” is One of Two prize stories to be put in a big national slick!!!* Frankly, I can’t believe it!
The first thing I thought of was: mother can keep her intersession money and buy some pretty clothes and a special trip or something! At least I get a winter coat and extra special suit out of the Minton’s. I think the prize is $500 !!!!!!!!!!!!
ME! Of all people!
Being as I don’t start waitressing till Thursday in the side hall – and am scared stiff as I have to balance trays on one left hand & don’t know anything. I’m awfully happy.
If they take me back, I’d like to come be a regular “dining room” waitress next year. We’ll see!
Since I’ve been the only girl waitress down here, I’ve been given a great time. Never have I seen so many cute guys! Young, a lot of them, but fun. One is even a professional gambler!
Paul Dalton,* a handsome Soph at Brown from Wellesley, has been a dear & made me feel right at home; yesterday I got a ride in one guy’s convertible to the center & was treated to gingerale.
This p.m. I was innocently sitting on the beach writing this, when Paul and 4 other guy’s came down, bringing me some cold beer. I was sunning in the midst of them when who should come along but Perry! He sat & talked with us for a while & is biking over tonight. Boy, was he shocked at the “competition.”
He said when he saw me sitting amidst five boys he almost pretended he didn’t know me & ran away! (So like Perry!) Anyhow – 35 girls will be competing with me in a few days.
Perry’s biking over tonight, too. When I walked in yesterday, Driscoll* said “Letter for you” and handed me a cute note from Dick.* Those guys sure are t
houghtful!
So it’s really looking-up around here, now that I don’t have to be scared stiff about money. My side hall uniforms are all black with adorable scalloped white collars, hair bands & aprons. Oh, I say, even if my feet kill me after this first week & I drop 20 trays, I will have the beach, boys to bring me beer, sun and young gay companions. What a life. Love, your crazy old daughter. (Or, as eddie said: “one hell of a sexy dame”!)
XXX
Sivvy
TO Aurelia Schober Plath
Thursday 12 June 1952*
ALS with envelope,
Indiana University
Thursday
Dear Mum –
Boy, let me tell you, if I didn’t have that Mme telegram* (it came Tuesday morning) to lean on, I would be pretty low now. Everything comes at once. On top of working like a dog all day yesterday setting up the whole dining room for 300, which involved moving & dusting tables, putting on cloths, silver, glasses, plates (all of which we had to wash & wipe first), I started my period early last night, and in spite of dosing myself with aspirin, couldn’t sleep at all because of cramps. This morning was cold and rainy, and the whole combined to make me feel rather depressed.
I knew there would be some catch to waitressing – and I am stuck for the summer, as I said, with two other girls, in the “side hall” where the management eats. So I guess I don’t even get to glimpse the high life at all. And my luck will be good if I earn as much as I did last summer. The only small apparent compensation is that I guess my hours won’t be as long.
Most of the girls came yesterday, and I swear they are all Catholics, mostly Irish at that. But if I work at it, I can be just as boisterous as they are. My roommate hasn’t come in yet, so I’m still living single.
I still don’t see how I got in here unless Grampy knew Mr. Driscoll – it develops that just about all the new girls are “Mr. Driscoll’s niece,” daughters of the cook, very good friends of the Driscoll family, etc. Which probably explains why I got the side hall.