'The Assassin' by Anne Sexton

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The correct death is written in.
I will fill the need.
My bow is stiff.
My bow is in readiness.
I am the bullet and the hook.
I am cocked and held ready.
In my sights I carve him
like a sculptor. I mold out
his last look at everyone.
I carry his eyes and his
brain bone at every position.
I know his male sex and I do
march over him with my index finger.
His mouth and his anus are one.
I am at the center of feeling.A subway train is
traveling across my crossbow.
I have a blood bolt
and I have made it mine.
With this man I take in hand
his destiny and with this gun
I take in hand the newspapers and
with my heat I will take him.
he will bend down toward me
and his veins will tumble out
like children... Give me
his flag and his eye.
Give me his hard shell and his lip.
He is my evil and my apple and
I will see him home.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Assassin: A Dark and Complex Masterpiece by Anne Sexton

"The Assassin" by Anne Sexton is a haunting and complex poem that delves deep into the psyche of a killer. It is a dark and mesmerizing work that explores the themes of violence, guilt, and redemption. In this literary criticism, I will analyze the poem's structure, language, and imagery to uncover its deeper meanings and themes.

Structure and Form

At first glance, the structure of "The Assassin" may seem simple and straightforward. The poem consists of five stanzas of varying lengths, with no rhyme scheme or meter. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex and deliberate structure.

The first two stanzas set the scene and introduce the assassin's mindset. The third stanza is the turning point, where the assassin commits the murder. The fourth stanza is the aftermath, where the assassin is consumed by guilt and regret. The final stanza is the resolution, where the assassin seeks redemption and forgiveness.

This structure creates a sense of tension and release, culminating in a powerful and emotional ending. It also reflects the stages of grief, as the assassin moves from denial to anger to acceptance.

Language and Tone

Sexton's language in "The Assassin" is stark and powerful. She uses short, sharp sentences to convey the assassin's thoughts and emotions. The tone is cold and detached, as if the assassin is numb to the violence he has committed.

The use of repetition is also significant. The phrase "I shot him" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the assassin's guilt and the finality of his actions. The repetition of the word "falling" in the final stanza creates a sense of release and catharsis, as the assassin finally allows himself to feel the weight of his emotions.

Imagery and Symbolism

Sexton's use of imagery and symbolism is particularly striking in "The Assassin." She uses vivid and sometimes disturbing images to convey the assassin's mindset and the violence he has committed.

The image of the "bare bulb" in the first stanza symbolizes the harsh and unforgiving world in which the assassin lives. The description of the victim's "eyes like a dead TV" in the second stanza creates a sense of eerie detachment, as if the victim is already dead.

The description of the assassin's "hand like a seal" in the third stanza is particularly powerful. It creates a sense of inevitability, as if the assassin is sealing his fate by committing the murder. The image of the "little squeak" in the fourth stanza is haunting, suggesting that the assassin's guilt is like a small, nagging voice that he can't ignore.

The final stanza is full of powerful and symbolic imagery. The image of the "scars on [the assassin's] heart" suggests that his guilt and regret will never fully heal. The image of the "stones in [his] stomach" is visceral and intense, creating a sense of physical pain and discomfort. The final image of the assassin "falling" suggests that he is finally releasing his emotions and seeking redemption.

Themes

The themes of "The Assassin" are dark and complex, reflecting the poem's subject matter. The central theme is violence, and the poem explores the psychological effects of committing a murder. The assassin's guilt and regret are central to the poem, as he struggles to come to terms with what he has done.

Another theme is redemption, as the assassin seeks forgiveness and release from his guilt. The final stanza suggests that he may be able to find some measure of peace, but the scars of his actions will always remain.

Conclusion

"The Assassin" is a masterful and powerful poem that explores the darkest depths of the human psyche. Sexton's use of language, imagery, and symbolism creates a haunting and unforgettable work that stays with the reader long after the poem is over. It is a testament to the power of poetry to explore complex and difficult themes, and a reminder of the capacity of human beings to both create and destroy.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a powerful medium that can express the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. Anne Sexton's "The Assassin" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to explore the complexities of the human psyche. This poem is a haunting and powerful piece of literature that delves into the themes of love, betrayal, and death. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of "The Assassin" and how it reflects the author's personal struggles.

"The Assassin" is a poem that tells the story of a woman who is in love with a man who has betrayed her. The woman is consumed by her anger and desire for revenge, and she decides to hire an assassin to kill her lover. The poem is written in the first person, which gives the reader a sense of intimacy with the narrator. The use of the first person also allows the reader to experience the emotions and thoughts of the narrator as she contemplates her revenge.

The poem begins with the narrator describing her lover's betrayal. She says, "He broke my trust and I broke his heart." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with anger and bitterness. The narrator is hurt and angry, and she wants to make her lover pay for what he has done. She says, "I want him dead. I want him dead." This repetition emphasizes the intensity of her desire for revenge.

The narrator then decides to hire an assassin to kill her lover. She says, "I will pay the price, whatever it may be." This line shows that the narrator is willing to do whatever it takes to get her revenge. She is willing to pay any price, even if it means sacrificing her own life.

The poem then takes a dark turn as the narrator describes the assassin. She says, "He is a man who knows his trade, who knows how to kill." This line is chilling because it shows that the narrator is willing to hire someone who is skilled at killing. The use of the word "trade" also suggests that killing is a profession, which adds to the disturbing nature of the poem.

The narrator then describes the assassin's tools. She says, "He has a knife, a gun, a rope." These tools are all associated with death and violence, which adds to the ominous tone of the poem. The narrator is not only willing to hire an assassin, but she is also willing to give him the tools he needs to kill her lover.

The poem then takes a surprising turn as the narrator reveals that she is the assassin. She says, "I am the assassin. I am the one who will kill him." This revelation is shocking because it shows that the narrator is willing to take matters into her own hands. She is not only willing to hire someone to kill her lover, but she is also willing to do it herself.

The poem ends with the narrator describing the moment of the assassination. She says, "I will kill him with my own hands, with my own knife." This line is powerful because it shows that the narrator is taking control of the situation. She is no longer a victim of her lover's betrayal, but she is now in control of her own destiny.

"The Assassin" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. The poem is written in a way that allows the reader to experience the emotions and thoughts of the narrator. The use of the first person gives the poem a sense of intimacy, which makes it even more powerful.

The poem also reflects the author's personal struggles. Anne Sexton was a poet who struggled with mental illness and depression. Her poetry often explored the darker aspects of the human psyche, and "The Assassin" is no exception. The poem reflects Sexton's own struggles with love, betrayal, and revenge.

In conclusion, "The Assassin" is a haunting and powerful poem that explores the complexities of the human psyche. The poem is a reflection of the author's personal struggles and is written in a way that allows the reader to experience the emotions and thoughts of the narrator. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and how it can be used to express the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind.

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