'Cripples And Other Stories' by Anne Sexton
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
My doctor, the comedian
I called you every time
and made you laugh yourself
when I wrote this silly rhyme...
Each time I give lectures
or gather in the grants
you send me off to boarding school
in training pants.
God damn it, father-doctor,
I'm really thirty-six.
I see dead rats in the toilet.
I'm one of the lunatics.
Disgusted, mother put me
on the potty. She was good at this.
My father was fat on scotch.
It leaked from every orifice.
Oh the enemas of childhood,
reeking of outhouses and shame!
Yet you rock me in your arms
and whisper my nickname.
Or else you hold my hand
and teach me love too late.
And that's the hand of the arm
they tried to amputate.
Though I was almost seven
I was an awful brat.
I put it in the Easy Wringer.
It came out nice and flat.
I was an instant cripple
from my finger to my shoulder.
The laundress wept and swooned.
My mother had to hold her.
I know I was a cripple.
Of course, I'd known it from the start.
My father took the crowbar
and broke the wringer's heart.
The surgeons shook their heads.
They really didn't know--
Would the cripple inside of me
be a cripple that would show?
My father was a perfect man,
clean and rich and fat.
My mother was a brilliant thing.
She was good at that.
You hold me in your arms.
How strange that you're so tender!
Child-woman that I am,
you think that you can mend her.
As for the arm,
unfortunately it grew.
Though mother said a withered arm
would put me in Who's Who.
For years she has described it.
She sang it like a hymn.
By then she loved the shrunken thing,
my little withered limb.
My father's cells clicked each night,
intent on making money.
And as for my cells, they brooded,
little queens, on honey.
Oh boys too, as a matter of fact,
and cigarettes and cars.
Mother frowned at my wasted life.
My father smoked cigars.
My cheeks blossomed with maggots.
I picked at them like pearls.
I covered them with pancake.
I wound my hair in curls.
My father didn't know me
but you kiss me in my fever.
My mother knew me twice
and then I had to leave her.
But those are just two stories
and I have more to tell
from the outhouse, the greenhouse
where you draw me out of hell.
Father, I am thirty-six,
yet I lie here in your crib.
I'm getting born again, Adam,
as you prod me with your rib.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Cripples And Other Stories: A Deep Dive into Anne Sexton's Poem
Anne Sexton was a poet known for her candid and often darkly humorous works, tackling topics such as mental illness, suicide, and her own struggles with addiction. Her poem "Cripples And Other Stories" is no exception, delving into the lives of those who are often overlooked or dismissed by society.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of this powerful piece, analyzing the themes, symbolism, and imagery that make it a true masterpiece of modern poetry.
Analysis of the Poem
Title
The title of this poem is deceptively simple, yet it holds great meaning. "Cripples And Other Stories" immediately draws attention to those who are often seen as "other" by society - the disabled, the mentally ill, and those who do not fit into the narrow mold of what is considered "normal."
Stanza 1
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, introducing us to the various characters who will populate its pages. The line "The day the world ended" is a highly evocative one, conjuring up images of apocalypse and destruction.
However, as the stanza progresses, we see that the world has not literally ended - rather, it has ended for the characters we are introduced to. The "crippled boy" is rejected by his father, while the "fat girl" is scorned by her classmates. These characters are already living in a world that has ended for them, one where they are ostracized and alone.
Stanza 2
The second stanza delves deeper into the lives of these characters, highlighting the struggles they face on a daily basis. The "crippled boy" must navigate a world that is not designed for him, while the "fat girl" is constantly reminded of her perceived flaws.
The line "They are all gone away" is a devastating one, emphasizing just how isolated these characters are. They are left to navigate their struggles alone, without the support of those around them.
Stanza 3
In the third stanza, the focus shifts to the character of "the woman who loved her brother." This character is presented in a more sympathetic light than the others, but her story is no less tragic.
The line "He went away to sea" is a poignant one, highlighting the idea of separation and loss. The woman is left behind to mourn her brother, unable to move past her grief.
Stanza 4
The fourth stanza introduces us to a new character, "the man who was going to die." This character is presented as resigned to his fate, accepting of the fact that his life will soon be over.
The line "He would go to bed and lie there" emphasizes the sense of stasis that this character is experiencing. He is simply waiting for the inevitable end to come, without any hope for a different outcome.
Stanza 5
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, circling back to the idea of the world ending. However, this time, the ending is presented as a positive one. The "crippled boy" and the "fat girl" are given a moment of respite, a chance to be happy in spite of the struggles they face.
The final line, "The end of the world occurred quietly," is a powerful one. It suggests that the changes that occur in our lives, no matter how momentous they may seem, often happen without fanfare or spectacle. It is up to us to recognize and appreciate these moments of change and growth.
Symbolism and Imagery
Throughout the poem, Sexton employs rich symbolism and imagery to enhance the emotional impact of the piece.
The "Crippled Boy"
The character of the "crippled boy" is a particularly potent symbol, representing the struggles of the disabled community as a whole. By highlighting the difficulties this character faces in navigating a world that is not designed for him, Sexton brings attention to the societal barriers that prevent the disabled from fully participating in society.
The "Fat Girl"
Similarly, the character of the "fat girl" is a symbol for the struggles of those who do not fit into society's narrow beauty standards. Her story highlights the pervasive nature of fatphobia and the damage it can do to those who do not conform to society's expectations.
The "Woman Who Loved Her Brother"
The story of the "woman who loved her brother" is a powerful allegory for grief and loss. The character's inability to move on from her brother's death represents the way that grief can consume us, leaving us unable to see a way forward.
The "Man Who Was Going to Die"
The character of the "man who was going to die" is a symbol for mortality and the inevitability of death. His acceptance of his fate highlights the way that we must all confront our own mortality at some point in our lives.
The "End of the World"
The concept of the "end of the world" is a recurring motif throughout the poem. It represents the idea of change and transformation, and the way that our lives can be upended in an instant.
Themes
"Cripples And Other Stories" touches on a number of powerful themes, including:
Otherness
The idea of "otherness" is a pervasive one throughout the poem. The characters we are introduced to are all seen as "other" by society, whether due to their disability, their weight, or their grief.
Sexton highlights the damage that this othering can do, leaving individuals feeling isolated and alone. However, she also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even those who are seen as "other" can find moments of happiness and connection.
Mortality
The theme of mortality is also a powerful one in the poem. The character of the "man who was going to die" highlights the way that we must all confront our own mortality at some point.
However, Sexton also suggests that death can be a catalyst for transformation, leading us to appreciate the moments of joy and connection in our lives.
Grief
The theme of grief is explored through the character of the "woman who loved her brother." Sexton highlights the way that grief can consume us, leaving us unable to move on from our loss.
However, she also suggests that grief can be a transformative experience, leading us to appreciate the moments of joy and connection in our lives even more deeply.
Conclusion
"Cripples And Other Stories" is a deeply moving and powerful poem that touches on a number of important themes. Through her use of symbolism and imagery, Sexton highlights the struggles of those who are often overlooked by society, while also offering a glimmer of hope for those who feel isolated and alone.
Overall, this poem is a true masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to Sexton's incredible talent as a writer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Sexton’s “Cripples and Other Stories” is a collection of poems that explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences. The poems in this collection are raw, honest, and unapologetic, and they offer a glimpse into the mind of a poet who was not afraid to confront the darkest aspects of life.
The title poem, “Cripples,” is a powerful and haunting piece that explores the theme of disability. The poem begins with the speaker describing a group of disabled people who are sitting in a park, watching the world go by. The speaker observes that these people are “cripples” and that they are “different” from the rest of society. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to question the idea of “normalcy” and the way that society views disability.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of disability. In the first stanza, the speaker describes the physical limitations of the disabled people in the park. She notes that they are unable to walk, run, or dance like the rest of society. However, she also observes that these people have a unique perspective on life, and that they are able to see things that others cannot.
In the second stanza, the speaker explores the emotional and psychological aspects of disability. She notes that disabled people often feel isolated and alone, and that they are often treated as if they are invisible. However, she also observes that disabled people have a deep sense of empathy and compassion, and that they are able to connect with others on a deeper level.
In the final stanza, the speaker questions the idea of “normalcy” and the way that society views disability. She notes that society often views disabled people as “less than” or “other,” and that this attitude is both unfair and damaging. She argues that disabled people are just as valuable and important as anyone else, and that they should be treated with respect and dignity.
Overall, “Cripples” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges the way that society views disability. It is a reminder that disabled people are not defined by their disabilities, and that they have much to offer the world.
Another notable poem in this collection is “The Truth the Dead Know,” which explores the theme of death and loss. The poem is written from the perspective of someone who has lost a loved one, and it captures the raw emotions that come with grief.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the way that the dead are remembered. She notes that people often remember the dead as they were in life, rather than as they were in death. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to question the idea of memory and the way that it can be distorted over time.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the way that grief can consume a person. She notes that grief is a powerful emotion that can overwhelm even the strongest of people. However, she also observes that grief can be a transformative experience, and that it can lead to a deeper understanding of life and death.
In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the idea of death and the way that it is often viewed as a finality. She notes that death is not an end, but rather a continuation of life in a different form. She argues that the dead are not truly gone, but rather they live on in the memories of those who loved them.
Overall, “The Truth the Dead Know” is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of grief and loss. It is a reminder that death is not an end, but rather a continuation of life in a different form.
In conclusion, “Cripples and Other Stories” is a collection of poems that explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences. The poems in this collection are raw, honest, and unapologetic, and they offer a glimpse into the mind of a poet who was not afraid to confront the darkest aspects of life. Whether exploring the theme of disability in “Cripples” or the theme of death and loss in “The Truth the Dead Know,” Anne Sexton’s poetry is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.
Editor Recommended Sites
Knowledge Graph Ops: Learn maintenance and operations for knowledge graphs in cloudCrypto Advisor - Crypto stats and data & Best crypto meme coins: Find the safest coins to invest in for this next alt season, AI curated
Crypto Staking - Highest yielding coins & Staking comparison and options: Find the highest yielding coin staking available for alts, from only the best coins
Kubernetes Recipes: Recipes for your kubernetes configuration, itsio policies, distributed cluster management, multicloud solutions
Rust Book: Best Rust Programming Language Book
Recommended Similar Analysis
Limbo by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysisTo F--S S. O--D by Edgar Allan Poe analysis
Cut Grass by Philip Larkin analysis
It dropped so low-in my Regard by Emily Dickinson analysis
Loves ' Infiniteness by John Donne analysis
Binsey Poplars Felled /79 by Gerard Manley Hopkins analysis
Morning Song by Sylvia Plath analysis
Crazy Jane On God by William Butler Yeats analysis
Little Boy Lost, The by William Blake analysis
Ghost House by Robert Lee Frost analysis