'Buying The Whore' by Anne Sexton

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You are the roast beef I have purchased
and I stuff you with my very own onion.You are a boat I have rented by the hour
and I steer you with my rage until you run aground.You are a glass that I have paid to shatter
and I swallow the pieces down with my spit.You are the grate I warm my trembling hands on,
searing the flesh until it's nice and juicy.You stink like my Mama under your bra
and I vomit into your hand like a jackpot
its cold hard quarters.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Buying The Whore" by Anne Sexton: An Exploration of Power and Vulnerability

Wow, what a poem! Anne Sexton's "Buying The Whore" is a captivating piece of literature that delves into the complex relationship between power and vulnerability. In this 24-line poem, Sexton subverts the traditional gender roles of a prostitute and her client, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and discomfort. Through her use of vivid imagery, repetition, and a hauntingly beautiful rhyme scheme, Sexton presents a critique of society's treatment of women and their bodies.

The Power Dynamics of Prostitution

At first glance, "Buying The Whore" appears to be a straightforward poem about prostitution. The narrator is a man who hires a prostitute for the night, and we follow their interactions as they negotiate the terms of their encounter. However, Sexton's poem is much more than just a literal description of a prostitute and her client. Instead, she uses these characters to explore the power dynamics at play in the world of prostitution.

In most cases, prostitutes are seen as vulnerable and powerless, forced to sell their bodies to survive. Their clients, on the other hand, are typically seen as powerful and in control, able to use their money to purchase the services of the prostitute. However, Sexton subverts these traditional gender roles in "Buying The Whore". The narrator is hesitant and unsure, unsure of what he wants and how to ask for it. In contrast, the prostitute is confident and in control, knowing exactly what she wants and how to get it. This reversal of power dynamics subverts our expectations and forces us to question our assumptions about prostitution.

Vivid Imagery and Haunting Rhyme Scheme

Sexton's use of vivid imagery and a haunting rhyme scheme adds to the eerie, unsettling tone of "Buying The Whore". The poem is full of sensory details that bring the encounter to life, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the room with the narrator and the prostitute. For example, we can feel the "damp sheets" and hear the "rustle of a dress".

In addition, Sexton's use of rhyme is both beautiful and haunting. The consistent "o" sound in "whore", "door", and "floor" creates a musical quality that draws the reader in. At the same time, the repetition of this sound reinforces the repetitive nature of prostitution, highlighting the monotony and sadness of the profession.

Critique of Society's Treatment of Women

Ultimately, "Buying The Whore" is a critique of society's treatment of women and their bodies. Sexton uses the prostitute as a symbol for all women who are forced to sell their bodies in order to survive. By reversing the power dynamics between the narrator and the prostitute, Sexton highlights the unfairness of a system that allows men to exploit women in this way.

Furthermore, the poem speaks to the larger issue of control over women's bodies. In society, women are often seen as objects to be bought and sold, with their worth tied to their physical appearance and sexual availability. "Buying The Whore" challenges this notion by showing the prostitute in a position of power and control, able to dictate the terms of the encounter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Buying The Whore" is a powerful and haunting poem that challenges our assumptions about prostitution and the treatment of women in society. Through her use of vivid imagery, haunting rhyme scheme, and a reversal of power dynamics, Sexton presents a critique of a system that exploits women and their bodies. This poem is a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet and her ability to tackle complex and uncomfortable subjects with grace and beauty.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Buying The Whore: A Deep Dive into Anne Sexton's Masterpiece

Anne Sexton's Poetry Buying The Whore is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human relationships, sexuality, and the power dynamics that exist within them. The poem is a powerful commentary on the commodification of sex and the ways in which society views and treats women. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with the speaker, who is presumably Sexton herself, describing a man who is buying a prostitute. The speaker is watching from a distance, observing the transaction as it unfolds. The man is described as "fat and balding" and the prostitute as "thin and young." This contrast in physical appearance highlights the power dynamics at play in the transaction. The man, who is older and wealthier, has the power to buy the young woman's body, while the woman, who is younger and less privileged, is forced to sell her body to survive.

The poem then shifts to the speaker's own experiences with sexuality and power. She describes herself as a "whore" who has sold her body for money and attention. This admission is a powerful commentary on the ways in which women are often forced to use their bodies as a means of survival in a patriarchal society. The speaker's use of the word "whore" is also significant, as it reclaims the term and challenges the societal stigma attached to sex work.

The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes a sexual encounter with a man who is abusive and violent. She describes him as "a man who beats his wife" and "a man who rapes." This imagery is disturbing and highlights the dangers that women face in sexual relationships. The speaker's use of the word "rapes" is particularly powerful, as it challenges the societal notion that rape is only committed by strangers in dark alleys. The reality is that most rapes are committed by someone known to the victim, often in the context of a relationship.

The poem then shifts back to the man buying the prostitute. The speaker describes the man as "a man who has never been loved" and the prostitute as "a girl who has never been loved." This imagery is poignant and highlights the ways in which society's attitudes towards sex and love can be damaging. The man is unable to find love and intimacy in his life, so he turns to buying sex as a substitute. The prostitute, who has never experienced love or intimacy, is forced to sell her body to survive.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on her own experiences with love and sexuality. She describes herself as "a woman who has never been loved" and admits that she has used sex as a means of seeking validation and attention. This admission is a powerful commentary on the ways in which women are often conditioned to seek validation through their sexuality. The speaker's use of the word "woman" is also significant, as it highlights the fact that women are often denied the same opportunities for love and intimacy as men.

In conclusion, Anne Sexton's Poetry Buying The Whore is a powerful commentary on the complexities of human relationships, sexuality, and power. The poem challenges societal attitudes towards sex and love and highlights the ways in which women are often forced to use their bodies as a means of survival. The imagery and symbolism used in the poem are poignant and thought-provoking, making it a masterpiece of modern poetry.

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