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 work, the novel The Bell Jar, reflects her own experiences with depression and societal expectations. Plath's poetry, including collections like Ariel, is celebrated for its vivid imagery and emotional depth. Tragically, she died by suicide on February 11, 1963, at the age of 30. Despite her short life, Plath's work has had a lasting impact on literature and continues to inspire readers and writers today.