Plath describes depression and the position of women in her time extremely well, and makes some of those issues relatable to modern readers. However, the main character is unlikable (despite myself relating to her at times), and is clearly based on herself. I was also caught off-guard by the use of racist terms and homophobic language. 

Both can be simultaneously true; Plath being self-centred, racist, and a literary classic. Plath is clearly (and unfortunately) a product of her time, and her work must be engaged with critically and with that consideration.