Artists & Writers · 20th Century
Sylvia Plath’s Last Words
“Please call Dr. Horder.”— Sylvia Plath, February 11, 1963
Who Was Sylvia Plath?
Sylvia Plath was an American poet whose confessional verse explored depression, identity, and death. Her novel The Bell Jar and poetry collection Ariel are considered classics of American literature.
The Final Moments
Plath sealed her children's room, left them bread and milk, then gassed herself in the kitchen of her London flat. Her last words were spoken to her au pair Trevor Thomas, asking him to call her doctor.
Are These Words Verified?
Trevor Thomas was the downstairs neighbor, but accounts of their final interaction vary significantly across sources. Some biographers question whether this exchange occurred at all, and Thomas gave inconsistent versions over the years.
Sources
- other Trevor Thomas accounts (conflicting)
- biography Anne Stevenson biography
- biography Various Plath biographies (disputed)
Legacy
Plath's posthumously published Ariel and The Bell Jar gave voice to female suffering and mental illness in ways that resonated with generations of readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Sylvia Plath’s last words?
“Please call Dr. Horder.”
How did Sylvia Plath die?
Sylvia Plath died on February 11, 1963 at the age of 30. Cause of death: Suicide by gas.
Were Sylvia Plath’s last words documented?
Trevor Thomas was the downstairs neighbor, but accounts of their final interaction vary significantly across sources. Some biographers question whether this exchange occurred at all, and Thomas gave inconsistent versions over the years.
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