'When Man Enters Woman' by Anne Sexton
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When man,
enters woman,
like the surf biting the shore,
again and again,
and the woman opens her mouth with pleasure
and her teeth gleam
like the alphabet,
Logos appears milking a star,
and the man
inside of woman
ties a knot
so that they will
never again be separate
and the woman
climbs into a flower
and swallows its stem
and Logos appears
and unleashes their rivers.
This man,
this woman
with their double hunger,
have tried to reach through
the curtain of God
and briefly they have,
through God
in His perversity
unties the knot.
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Man Enters Woman by Anne Sexton: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, what a remarkable poem! When Man Enters Woman by Anne Sexton is a complex and thought-provoking piece of literature that delves into themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and the female experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the poem and explore its many layers of meaning and symbolism.
Background Information
Before we begin, let's take a moment to learn a bit about the poet, Anne Sexton. Sexton was an American poet who lived from 1928 to 1974. She was known for her confessional poetry, which often dealt with deeply personal and taboo subjects such as mental illness, suicide, and sexuality. Sexton's work was controversial at the time of its publication, but it has since become recognized as a groundbreaking contribution to American poetry.
Analysis of When Man Enters Woman
Now, let's turn our attention to the poem itself. When Man Enters Woman is a short but powerful piece that explores the experience of a woman during sexual intercourse. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Sexton to experiment with rhythm and structure in order to create a unique and impactful reading experience.
The poem begins with the line "When man enters woman," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "enters" is significant because it implies a power dynamic between the man and the woman. The man is the active participant, while the woman is passive and receptive.
Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid and often graphic imagery to describe the physical act of sex. She writes, "His is the only voice / she wants to hear, / his the only body / she wants to feel." These lines highlight the intensity of the woman's desire for the man and her willingness to surrender herself completely to him.
However, as the poem progresses, Sexton also explores the darker aspects of this sexual encounter. She writes, "He does not come as a friend, / he comes as a conqueror, / for he knows how to enter / where he has not been invited." These lines suggest that the man is not simply a lover, but rather a conqueror who is invading the woman's body without her consent.
Sexton also touches on themes of shame and guilt in the poem. She writes, "She will bear his mark / like a burn on her skin / but she will not ask for mercy / nor will she forgive." These lines suggest that the woman feels a sense of shame or guilt for engaging in this sexual act, but she is also unwilling to forgive the man for his role in it.
Finally, the poem ends on a haunting note. Sexton writes, "When man enters woman / like a knife," which implies that the act of sex is violent and painful for the woman. This line is particularly powerful because it subverts the traditional narrative of sex as a pleasurable and consensual act between two people.
Interpretation of When Man Enters Woman
So, what does all of this mean? When Man Enters Woman is a complex and multi-layered poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. Here are some possible interpretations:
1. The Female Experience of Sex
One of the most obvious interpretations of the poem is that it explores the female experience of sex. Sexton's use of graphic imagery and language suggests that she is trying to convey the physical and emotional sensations that a woman might experience during intercourse. By highlighting the power dynamic between the man and the woman, Sexton also draws attention to the ways in which women are often objectified and dehumanized in sexual encounters.
2. Rape and Consent
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is exploring themes of rape and consent. The line "He does not come as a friend, / he comes as a conqueror, / for he knows how to enter / where he has not been invited" suggests that the woman is not consenting to the sexual act, but rather is being forced into it. This interpretation is supported by the final line of the poem, which describes sex as a violent and painful act.
3. Patriarchy and Power
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a critique of patriarchy and the power dynamics that exist between men and women. By portraying the man as a conqueror and the woman as passive and submissive, Sexton is highlighting the ways in which women are often oppressed and controlled by men. The woman's feelings of shame and guilt also suggest that she is internalizing this oppression and blaming herself for the actions of the man.
Conclusion
When Man Enters Woman by Anne Sexton is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and the female experience. Through her use of vivid imagery and language, Sexton creates a unique and impactful reading experience that challenges traditional narratives of sex and gender. Whether you interpret the poem as a commentary on the female experience of sex, a critique of patriarchy and power, or something else entirely, there is no denying that When Man Enters Woman is a remarkable contribution to American poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When Man Enters Woman: A Deep Dive into Anne Sexton's Poem
Anne Sexton's poem "When Man Enters Woman" is a powerful and provocative piece of literature that explores the complex and often fraught relationship between men and women. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Sexton delves into the physical, emotional, and psychological dynamics at play when two people come together in the act of sex.
At its core, "When Man Enters Woman" is a poem about power. The title itself suggests a certain level of dominance and control, with the man taking the active role and the woman being acted upon. However, Sexton quickly subverts this traditional power dynamic by presenting the woman as a force to be reckoned with in her own right. She describes the woman's body as "a city of fire" and "a temple of blood," emphasizing the raw power and vitality that she possesses.
Throughout the poem, Sexton uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to explore the complex interplay of power and desire between the two lovers. She describes the man's body as a "sword" and a "thief," suggesting that he is both a weapon and a danger to the woman. At the same time, she portrays the woman as a "queen" and a "goddess," suggesting that she is in control of the situation and able to wield her own power.
One of the most striking aspects of "When Man Enters Woman" is the way in which Sexton uses language to create a sense of urgency and intensity. The poem is filled with vivid, sensory details that bring the experience of sex to life in a visceral way. She describes the woman's body as "a sea of flesh" and "a river of milk," emphasizing the physicality of the act and the way in which the two bodies become intertwined.
At the same time, Sexton also explores the emotional and psychological dimensions of sex. She describes the woman as "a virgin of grief" and "a bride of tears," suggesting that there is a sense of sadness and loss that accompanies the act of sex. This is further emphasized by the final lines of the poem, in which Sexton writes, "And when they are done, there is nothing left but a memory / and a longing for something that cannot be named."
Ultimately, "When Man Enters Woman" is a deeply complex and nuanced exploration of the power dynamics at play in sexual relationships. Through her use of vivid imagery and evocative language, Sexton creates a sense of urgency and intensity that captures the raw physicality of the act. At the same time, she also delves into the emotional and psychological dimensions of sex, exploring the sense of loss and longing that often accompanies it. This is a poem that demands to be read and re-read, as each reading reveals new layers of meaning and insight into the complex and often fraught relationship between men and women.
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