'The Consecrating Mother' by Anne Sexton

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I stand before the sea
and it rolls and rolls in its green blood
saying, "Do not give up one god
for I have a handful."
The trade winds blew
in their twelve-fingered reversal
and I simply stood on the beach
while the ocean made a cross of salt
and hung up its drowned
and they cried

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Consecrating Mother: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Anne Sexton's "The Consecrating Mother" is a poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetry that has captured the hearts of readers for decades. The poem is a powerful and moving exploration of the relationship between a mother and her child, and the sacrifices that a mother makes for her child.

The Poem

The poem is structured into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene, describing how the mother consecrates her child with her own blood. The second stanza describes the mother's sacrifice in greater detail, while the third stanza provides a resolution, with the mother watching over her child as he grows up.

The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives Sexton the freedom to explore the emotions of the mother without being constrained by a rigid structure. The language is simple yet powerful, with each word carefully chosen to convey the depth of the mother's feelings.

Themes

There are several themes that run through the poem. The most obvious is the theme of sacrifice. The mother is willing to give everything she has, including her own blood, to consecrate her child. This act of sacrifice is a powerful symbol of the love that a mother has for her child.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of consecration. The act of consecration is a religious one, and the poem is filled with religious imagery. The mother is described as a priestess, consecrating her child with her own blood. This imagery serves to elevate the act of sacrifice to a transcendent level.

Finally, the poem explores the idea of motherhood itself. The mother is portrayed as a powerful figure, with the ability to consecrate her child and watch over him as he grows up. This idea of motherhood as a powerful force is a recurring theme in Sexton's work.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in several ways. On the surface, it is a powerful description of the sacrifices that a mother makes for her child. The image of the mother consecrating her child with her own blood is a powerful one, and it serves to highlight the depth of the mother's love.

However, the poem can also be interpreted in a more religious context. The imagery of consecration and sacrifice is reminiscent of religious rituals, and the mother is described as a priestess. This interpretation serves to elevate the act of sacrifice to a spiritual level, emphasizing the importance of motherhood as a sacred calling.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the role of women in society. The mother is portrayed as a powerful figure, with the ability to consecrate and protect her child. This can be seen as a feminist interpretation of the poem, emphasizing the strength and importance of women in a patriarchal society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Consecrating Mother" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of sacrifice, consecration, and motherhood. The language is simple yet powerful, and the imagery is evocative and memorable. The poem can be interpreted in several ways, but at its core, it is a celebration of the love that a mother has for her child. It is a masterpiece of poetry that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Consecrating Mother: A Poem of Love and Sacrifice

Anne Sexton's "The Consecrating Mother" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complex emotions of motherhood, sacrifice, and love. Written in Sexton's signature confessional style, the poem is a deeply personal reflection on the joys and challenges of being a mother, and the sacrifices that mothers make for their children.

At its core, "The Consecrating Mother" is a poem about love. It is a love poem, not in the traditional sense of romantic love, but in the sense of the deep and abiding love that a mother has for her child. The poem is a celebration of this love, but it is also an exploration of its darker side, the sacrifices that it demands, and the toll that it can take on a mother's life.

The poem begins with a powerful image of the mother as a "consecrating priestess," a figure of great power and authority who is responsible for the spiritual well-being of her child. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of sacrifice and devotion. The mother is described as "the one who gives her life away," a powerful statement that captures the essence of motherhood.

As the poem progresses, Sexton explores the many ways in which a mother gives of herself for her child. She describes the mother as "the one who feeds the child from her own body," a reference to the physical sacrifices that mothers make in order to nourish their children. She also describes the mother as "the one who gives up sleep," a reference to the emotional sacrifices that mothers make in order to care for their children.

Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey the depth of a mother's love. She describes the mother as "the one who carries the child in her own body," a reference to the physical bond that exists between a mother and her child. She also describes the mother as "the one who carries the child in her own heart," a reference to the emotional bond that exists between a mother and her child.

Despite the many sacrifices that mothers make for their children, Sexton acknowledges that motherhood is not always easy. She describes the mother as "the one who cries in the night," a reference to the emotional toll that motherhood can take. She also describes the mother as "the one who is afraid," a reference to the fears and anxieties that mothers experience as they navigate the challenges of raising a child.

Despite these challenges, Sexton ultimately celebrates the power and beauty of motherhood. She describes the mother as "the one who consecrates the world," a reference to the transformative power of a mother's love. She also describes the mother as "the one who makes the world new," a reference to the way in which a mother's love can transform the world around her.

In conclusion, "The Consecrating Mother" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complex emotions of motherhood, sacrifice, and love. Through vivid and powerful imagery, Sexton captures the essence of motherhood, celebrating the power and beauty of a mother's love while acknowledging the sacrifices and challenges that it demands. Ultimately, the poem is a tribute to the transformative power of a mother's love, and a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and her child.

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