29. Plath domineering father Otto died when she was just a young girl and it had a huge impact on her in several different ways
Plath’s ninth year was as tragic as it was triumphant, however. Before her first poem was published, her father Otto had died. Just 10 days after his daughter’s 8th birthday, the biologist fell ill. For a while, Otto was convinced he was suffering from lung cancer. In reality, however, he was suffering from diabetes. Sadly, he realized this too late. Doctors tried to save his life by amputating a foot. But it wasn’t enough. Otto died from complications following the surgery. His death was to have a profound impact on young Sylvia, both in practical terms and as a poet.