'The Addict' by Anne Sexton

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Sleepmonger,
deathmonger,
with capsules in my palms each night,
eight at a time from sweet pharmaceutical bottles
I make arrangements for a pint-sized journey.
I'm the queen of this condition.
I'm an expert on making the trip
and now they say I'm an addict.
Now they ask why.
WHY!Don't they know that I promised to die!
I'm keping in practice.
I'm merely staying in shape.
The pills are a mother, but better,
every color and as good as sour balls.
I'm on a diet from death.Yes, I admit
it has gotten to be a bit of a habit-
blows eight at a time, socked in the eye,
hauled away by the pink, the orange,
the green and the white goodnights.
I'm becoming something of a chemical
mixture.
that's it!My supply
of tablets
has got to last for years and years.
I like them more than I like me.
It's a kind of marriage.
It's a kind of war where I plant bombs inside
of myself.Yes
I try
to kill myself in small amounts,
an innocuous occupatin.
Actually I'm hung up on it.
But remember I don't make too much noise.
And frankly no one has to lug me out
and I don't stand there in my winding sheet.
I'm a little buttercup in my yellow nightie
eating my eight loaves in a row
and in a certain order as in
the laying on of hands
or the black sacrament.It's a ceremony
but like any other sport
it's full of rules.
It's like a musical tennis match where
my mouth keeps catching the ball.
Then I lie on; my altar
elevated by the eight chemical kisses.What a lay me down this is
with two pink, two orange,
two green, two white goodnights.
Fee-fi-fo-fum-
Now I'm borrowed.
Now I'm numb.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Addict by Anne Sexton - A Literary Analysis

Anne Sexton's poem "The Addict" is a haunting piece that explores the mental and emotional struggles of addiction. Through her use of vivid imagery, stark contrasts, and raw emotion, Sexton creates a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of addiction.

The Poem

The poem begins with a description of the addict's physical appearance - "a gaunt and ghostly figure." This initial image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, conveying a sense of emptiness and desperation. As the poem progresses, Sexton delves deeper into the addict's psyche, exploring the ways in which addiction has taken hold of their mind and spirit.

Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid and often disturbing imagery to convey the destructive power of addiction. For instance, she describes the addict's veins as "blue roads that lead nowhere," suggesting that their addiction has taken them down a path of no return. Similarly, she compares the addict's eyes to "black holes," conveying the sense of emptiness and despair that lies at the heart of addiction.

Sexton also uses stark contrasts to highlight the destructive effects of addiction. For instance, she describes the addict as "both a forest fire and a rain dance," suggesting that their addiction both consumes and destroys them, while also offering some sense of relief or release.

Themes

One of the key themes that runs throughout the poem is the idea of addiction as a form of self-destruction. Sexton portrays the addict as someone who is consumed by their addiction, unable to escape its grasp. This theme is reinforced by the poem's stark imagery, which emphasizes the physical and emotional toll that addiction takes on the addict.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of addiction as a form of escape or release. Sexton suggests that, for the addict, addiction provides a sense of relief from the pain and suffering of their everyday life. However, this sense of release is always temporary, and ultimately leads to further destruction and despair.

Interpretation

There are a number of ways to interpret the poem, but one possible interpretation is that Sexton is using addiction as a metaphor for the human condition. By portraying the addict as someone who is consumed by their addiction, Sexton is suggesting that we are all vulnerable to the destructive forces of life. Whether it be addiction, depression, or some other form of suffering, we all face challenges that threaten to consume us.

At the same time, Sexton also suggests that there is a way out of this cycle of destruction. While addiction may offer temporary relief, it ultimately leads to further pain and suffering. By confronting our struggles head-on, however, we can begin to break free from this cycle and find a way forward.

Conclusion

"The Addict" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the destructive nature of addiction. Through her use of vivid imagery and stark contrasts, Sexton creates a portrait of an addict who is consumed by their addiction. At the same time, however, she also suggests that there is a way out of this cycle of destruction - a way to confront our struggles and move forward towards a brighter future.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for self-expression, a way to convey one's deepest emotions and thoughts. Anne Sexton's poem "The Addict" is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to explore the darker aspects of human nature. In this 24-line poem, Sexton delves into the psyche of an addict, exploring the highs and lows of addiction and the toll it takes on the individual.

The poem begins with the line "I have been addicted to sorrow," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is not addicted to drugs or alcohol, but to the feeling of sadness and despair. This addiction is just as powerful and destructive as any other, and the speaker acknowledges this by saying "it is not a decision." Addiction is not a choice, but a compulsion that takes hold of the individual and refuses to let go.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of poetry as a form of addiction. The speaker says "I have been addicted to poetry," likening the act of writing to the consumption of drugs or alcohol. This comparison is not new, as many writers and artists have struggled with addiction throughout history. However, Sexton takes it a step further by suggesting that poetry is not just a means of expression, but a form of self-harm. The speaker says "I have been addicted to the needle," equating the act of writing to injecting oneself with a needle. This metaphor suggests that writing is not just a way to cope with pain, but a way to inflict it upon oneself.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of addiction as a cycle. The speaker says "I have been addicted to the cycle," suggesting that addiction is not just a one-time event, but a pattern that repeats itself over and over again. This cycle is not just limited to addiction, but to life in general. The speaker says "I have been addicted to the cycle of life," acknowledging that life itself is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This line suggests that addiction is not just a personal struggle, but a universal one that affects us all.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of addiction as a form of escape. The speaker says "I have been addicted to the escape," suggesting that addiction is a way to avoid the pain and suffering of everyday life. This escape is not just limited to drugs or alcohol, but to any form of addiction. The speaker says "I have been addicted to the escape of love," acknowledging that love can be just as addictive and destructive as any other form of escape.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem introduces the idea of addiction as a form of death. The speaker says "I have been addicted to the death," suggesting that addiction is not just a way to avoid life, but a way to embrace death. This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that addiction is not just a personal struggle, but a form of self-destruction that ultimately leads to death.

Overall, "The Addict" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Sexton's use of metaphor and imagery is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to understand addiction in a new and profound way. The poem is not just a personal confession, but a universal statement about the human condition. Addiction is not just a personal struggle, but a cycle that affects us all. It is not just a way to cope with pain, but a form of self-harm that ultimately leads to death. "The Addict" is a reminder that addiction is not just a problem for individuals, but a problem for society as a whole.

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