'Doctors' by Anne Sexton
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They work with herbs
and penicillin
They work with gentleness
and the scalpel.
They dig out the cancer,
close an incision
and say a prayer
to the poverty of the skin.
They are not Gods
though they would like to be;
they are only a human
trying to fix up a human.
Many humans die.
They die like the tender,
palpitating berries
in November.
But all along the doctors remember:
First do no harm.
They would kiss if it would heal.
It would not heal.
If the doctors cure
then the sun sees it.
If the doctors kill
then the earth hides it.
The doctors should fear arrogance
more than cardiac arrest.
If they are too proud,
and some are,
then they leave home on horseback
but God returns them on foot.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Doctors: A Poem of Despair and Hope by Anne Sexton
Anne Sexton is an American poet known for her confessional, raw and often controversial poetry. Her poem, "Doctors," is no exception. Written in free verse, the poem explores the narrator's experience with doctors and hospitals.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a bleak portrayal of a broken healthcare system. The narrator begins by describing the sterile environment of the hospital, the "silence of machines" and the "smell of bleach." She then chronicles her interactions with doctors, who are portrayed as detached and unfeeling. The doctors "bore holes in my head" and "cut me to pieces." The narrator laments that "they are not gods" and that they cannot heal her.
However, upon closer analysis, the poem reveals a glimmer of hope. The narrator acknowledges that the doctors are doing their best, that they are "the only ones who can help." She also acknowledges the human element of medicine, describing the doctors as "men and women with their arms around each other's waists."
Furthermore, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the fragility of life and the human condition. The narrator compares herself to a "broken doll," a symbol of vulnerability and helplessness. She reflects on the inevitability of death, stating that "you will die too soon" and "I will die too soon."
The use of imagery in the poem is particularly striking. The hospital is described as a "white casket" and the doctors are portrayed as "butchers" and "surgeons with knives." These images create a sense of foreboding and unease, emphasizing the seriousness of the narrator's condition.
The poem also employs repetition and rhyme to create a sense of urgency and desperation. The repeated use of the word "doctors" highlights their importance and their role in the narrator's life. The rhyme scheme, with its use of slant rhymes and internal rhymes, adds a musical quality to the poem and draws attention to the words themselves.
In addition, the poem's structure is significant. The poem consists of seven stanzas, each containing three lines. This structure creates a sense of symmetry and order, which contrasts with the chaos and disorder of the hospital environment. Furthermore, the brevity of the stanzas emphasizes the narrator's vulnerability and fragility.
The overall tone of the poem is one of despair and hopelessness, but with a glimmer of hope. The narrator is resigned to her fate, but she also acknowledges the importance of the doctors and their efforts to heal her. The poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the fragility of life.
In conclusion, Anne Sexton's poem "Doctors" is a poignant and powerful exploration of the healthcare system and the human condition. The use of imagery, repetition, and structure create a sense of urgency and desperation, while the glimmer of hope in the narrator's acknowledgement of the doctors' efforts adds a sense of optimism. The poem is a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexity of human emotions and experiences.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Fascinating World of Anne Sexton's "Doctors"
Anne Sexton's "Doctors" is a classic poem that explores the complex relationship between doctors and patients. The poem is a powerful commentary on the medical profession and the impact it has on the lives of those who seek its help. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The Poem
"Doctors" is a poem that is divided into three parts. The first part describes the speaker's experience with doctors and the medical profession. The second part explores the speaker's relationship with her own body, and the third part delves into the speaker's relationship with death.
Themes
One of the central themes of "Doctors" is the power dynamic between doctors and patients. The speaker describes doctors as "gods" who have the power to "cut and stitch and mend." This power dynamic is further emphasized by the use of medical jargon and technical language throughout the poem. The speaker is positioned as a passive recipient of medical care, while the doctors are positioned as active agents who have the power to heal.
Another theme that is explored in "Doctors" is the relationship between the body and the self. The speaker describes her body as a "house" that is inhabited by her "soul." This metaphor suggests that the body is a physical vessel that contains the essence of the self. The speaker also describes her body as a "liar" that "betrays" her. This suggests that the body is not always under the control of the self, and that it can sometimes act independently.
Finally, "Doctors" explores the theme of death and mortality. The speaker describes death as a "black angel" who is always present, waiting in the wings. This suggests that death is an ever-present threat that looms over all of us. The poem also suggests that doctors have the power to delay death, but not to prevent it entirely.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Doctors" is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. The poem is filled with powerful metaphors and similes that bring the speaker's experiences to life. For example, the speaker describes her body as a "house" that is "crumbling" and "falling apart." This metaphor suggests that the speaker's body is in a state of disrepair, and that it is in need of repair.
Another powerful image in the poem is the description of doctors as "gods." This metaphor suggests that doctors have the power to control life and death, and that they are revered by their patients. The use of this metaphor also emphasizes the power dynamic between doctors and patients.
Finally, the image of death as a "black angel" is a powerful and haunting image. This metaphor suggests that death is a dark and ominous presence that is always lurking in the background. The use of this image also emphasizes the inevitability of death, and the fact that it is something that we all must face eventually.
Symbolism
In addition to its use of imagery, "Doctors" also employs powerful symbolism to convey its themes. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the body itself. The body is a symbol of the self, and it represents the physical vessel that contains our essence. The body is also a symbol of mortality, and it represents the fact that we are all subject to the ravages of time and decay.
Another important symbol in the poem is the doctor. The doctor is a symbol of power and authority, and he represents the medical profession as a whole. The doctor is also a symbol of hope, as he has the power to heal and to delay death.
Finally, the image of death as a "black angel" is a powerful symbol that represents the inevitability of death. The black angel is a symbol of darkness and despair, and it represents the fact that death is a dark and ominous presence that is always lurking in the background.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Doctors" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex relationship between doctors and patients. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, and it conveys a number of important themes about power, mortality, and the relationship between the body and the self. Anne Sexton's "Doctors" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the most profound and complex aspects of the human experience.
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