'The Exorcists' by Anne Sexton

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And I solemnly swear
on the chill of secrecy
that I know you not, this room never,
the swollen dress I wear,
nor the anonymous spoons that free me,
nor this calendar nor the pulse we pare and cover.For all these present,
before that wandering ghost,
that yellow moth of my summer bed,
I say: this small event
is not. So I prepare, am dosed
in ether and will not cry what stays unsaid.I was brown with August,
the clapping waves at my thighs
and a storm riding into the cove. We swam
while the others beached and burst
for their boarded huts, their hale cries
shouting back to us and the hollow slam
of the dory against the float.
Black arms of thunder strapped
upon us, squalled out, we breathed in rain
and stroked past the boat.
We thrashed for shore as if we were trapped
in green and that suddenly inadequate stainof lightning belling around
our skin. Bodies in air
we raced for the empty lobsterman-shack.
It was yellow inside, the sound
of the underwing of the sun. I swear,
I most solemnly swear, on all the bric-a-bracof summer loves, I know
you not.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Exorcists: A Haunting and Powerful Exploration of Mental Illness

Introduction

Anne Sexton's poem "The Exorcists" is a haunting and powerful exploration of mental illness, the struggle for identity, and the search for meaning in a world that can seem incomprehensible. The poem is part of a larger collection of works by Sexton that often deal with themes of mental illness, death, and suicide. In this essay, I will provide a close reading of "The Exorcists," examining its use of language, imagery, and symbolism, and how these elements work together to create a powerful and moving portrait of the struggle with mental illness.

The Speaker and Their Struggle

The speaker of "The Exorcists" is a person who is clearly struggling with mental illness. They describe themselves as being "haunted" and "possessed," and they compare their mind to a "jungle" that is "unleashed." These images convey a sense of chaos and confusion, and suggest that the speaker feels out of control, perhaps even overwhelmed by their own thoughts and emotions.

Despite this, the speaker is also determined to find a way to regain control of their mind and their life. They describe themselves as being in a "war" with their own thoughts, and they seek the help of "exorcists" who can help them to banish the demons that torment them. This imagery of exorcism is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of desperation and a need for outside intervention in order to find peace and stability.

The Importance of Symbolism

Throughout "The Exorcists," Sexton makes use of a wide range of symbols in order to convey the speaker's struggle with mental illness. One of the most important of these symbols is the image of the "jungle," which appears several times throughout the poem. This image conveys a sense of wildness and chaos, and suggests that the speaker's mind is a place of constant struggle and turmoil.

Another important symbol in the poem is the image of the "exorcists" themselves. These figures represent the speaker's need for outside help in order to find peace and stability. They are portrayed as powerful and knowledgeable, able to banish the demons that torment the speaker and restore order to their mind.

Finally, the poem also makes use of a number of religious symbols, particularly those associated with Christianity. The speaker compares their struggle to that of St. George, and speaks of their own "crucifixion" and "resurrection." These images convey a sense of the speaker's spiritual struggle, and suggest that they are seeking not just relief from their mental illness, but a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life.

Language and Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "The Exorcists" is its use of vivid and powerful language. The poem is filled with images that are at once beautiful and unsettling, such as the line "I am a sodden woman, a whale with no air" which conjures up an image of a creature drowning in its own despair.

Similarly, the use of vivid imagery, such as the comparison of the speaker's mind to a "jungle," helps to create a vivid and memorable portrait of the speaker's struggle. The use of religious imagery and symbolism adds to the poem's power, lending it a sense of weight and gravitas that makes it all the more moving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anne Sexton's "The Exorcists" is a powerful and haunting exploration of mental illness, the struggle for identity, and the search for meaning in a world that can seem incomprehensible. Through its use of language, imagery, and symbolism, the poem creates a vivid and memorable portrait of the speaker's struggle, and captures the sense of desperation and hope that come with seeking help in the face of mental illness. Overall, "The Exorcists" is a deeply moving and resonant work that continues to speak to readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Exorcists: A Hauntingly Beautiful Poem by Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her confessional style of writing that delves deep into the human psyche. Her poem, The Exorcists, is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the themes of mental illness, trauma, and the struggle for self-acceptance.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a group of exorcists who have come to rid her of her demons. The use of the word "exorcists" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the speaker is possessed by something dark and otherworldly. The exorcists are described as "men in black" who are "armed with hooks and prayers and crosses," further emphasizing the idea that they are engaged in a battle against evil.

As the exorcists begin their work, the speaker describes the physical sensations she experiences. She feels as though she is being torn apart from the inside, with her "bones cracking like kindling." This imagery is both visceral and disturbing, conveying the intensity of the speaker's inner turmoil.

The poem then shifts to a series of flashbacks, as the speaker recalls traumatic events from her past. She describes being "raped by a doctor" and "beaten by a nun," experiences that have left her feeling violated and powerless. These memories are juxtaposed with images of nature, such as "the sea's green throat" and "the sun's golden thigh," creating a sense of contrast between the beauty of the natural world and the ugliness of human cruelty.

Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the idea of self-acceptance. She describes feeling like a "monster" and a "freak," and wonders if she will ever be able to find peace within herself. The exorcists, meanwhile, continue their work, chanting prayers and performing rituals in an attempt to banish the demons that they believe are possessing her.

As the poem reaches its climax, the speaker has a moment of realization. She understands that the exorcists are not going to be able to save her, and that the only way to find peace is to confront her demons head-on. She declares, "I am the exorcist," taking ownership of her own struggles and refusing to let others define her.

The final lines of the poem are some of the most powerful. The speaker declares that she is "a woman in love with her own destruction," acknowledging the darkness within herself and embracing it as a part of who she is. She concludes by saying, "I will not be exorcised," asserting her right to exist on her own terms.

The Exorcists is a deeply personal and emotional poem that speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with trauma and self-acceptance. Anne Sexton's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of intensity and urgency that draws the reader in and leaves a lasting impression. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, a testament to the enduring power of great poetry.

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