Sylvia Plath was an American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, born on October 27, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is best known for her confessional style of writing, which explores themes of identity, mental illness, and the struggles of womanhood. Her most famous works include the poetry collection Ariel and the semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar. Plath's writing often reflects her own experiences, including her battle with depression. She was married to British poet Ted Hughes, and their tumultuous relationship influenced much of her work. Plath's life was tragically cut short when she died by suicide on February 11, 1963, but her literary legacy continues to resonate today.