Sylvia Plath’s mood in the poem “Daddy” changes from a tone of optimism to a tone of vagueness and detachment. At times the mood is perceived to be childlike, filled with innocence, and at times it seems like it is apprehensive and fearful. In terms of themes, it revolves around the oppressive presence of the father figure in the narrator’s life. She speaks of the lingering effect that her father has had on her life, even after he is long gone. This affects the way the narrator chooses to lead her life, and his presence in her life deters her time and again.