Questions: for Sylvia Plath’s: ‘Superman and Paula Brown’s New Snowsuit’
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Explain the significance of the rather long winded title. Why is this such an apt title?
Highlight all of the different examples of colour or light imagery and
war references Plath uses in her story. What effect does Plath create?
What evidence is there to suggest that this story may in part be autobiographical?
List all of the activities the narrator is involved with that show the innocence of
childhood.
Why do you think Plath leaves her narrator nameless?
Explain the references to a) Mecca, Jerusalem – 12, b)Dali -18, c) Icarus- 19
How honest a narrator is the fifth grade girl telling the story? Can you find any examples
in the story that may suggest she isn’t always telling the truth?
What evidence is there in the story that the narrator may be German?
Why is attending the movies such a significant turning point in this story?
Why do you think the children are so quick to blame the narrator?
Assess David’s character. What prompts the betrayal?
Explain the irony of Uncle Frank teaching the narrator ju-jitsu (self-defence)
Why is Uncle Frank’s face in the shadows? (line 171)
Compare the final words of Uncle Frank with the opening paragraph of the story. What
does this contradiction tell us about the narrator’s memory of the events raised in the
story
Explain the importance of the final two sentences separately.
Create a mind map summary of the key themes in the story and support them with
quotations and supporting material. What do you think is the key theme discussed in this
story?
How successful is Plath at getting her reader to identify and empathise with the
narrator?
Identify the key conflicts that emerge in this story
Copy and complete the chart to highlight the key contrasts in the story: include quotes
just to impress me!
Beginning of story
End of story
Safety at home
Dangers abroad (war)
Superman’s Costume
Paula Brown’s snowsuit
Snow White
War documentary
Fantasy
Reality
Truth
Lies