magenta1's definitions

cost of the muse

From Kaufman's (2003) study that showed that poets are more likely to die young than any other kind of writer, regardless of culture or gender.

The cost of the muse takes its toll on poets everywhere.

by magenta1 June 3, 2004

Sylvia Plath Effect

From Kaufman (2001; Kaufman & Baer, 2002), a psychologist -- the Sylvia Plath Effect is the finding that female poets are more likely to commit suicide than any other kind of writer (male or female).

Perhaps one cause of the Sylvia Plath effect is that creative writing gatekeepers such as editors or teachers may unconsciously expect a quality poem written by a woman to be heartfelt and moving without holding similar expectations for a poem written by a man.

by magenta1 June 3, 2004