'Wanting To Die' by Anne Sexton
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Since you ask, most days I cannot remember.
I walk in my clothing, unmarked by that voyage.
Then the most unnameable lust returns.
Even then I have nothing against life.
I know well the grass blades you mention
the furniture you have placed under the sun.
But suicides have a special language.
Like carpenters they want to know which tools.
They never ask why build.
Twice I have so simply declared myself
have possessed the enemy, eaten the enemy,
have taken on his craft, his magic.
In this way, heavy and thoughtful,
warmer than oil or water,
I have rested, drooling at the mouth-hole.
I did not think of my body at needle point.
Even the cornea and the leftover urine were gone.
Suicides have already betrayed the body.
Still-born, they don't always die,
but dazzled, they can't forget a drug so sweet
that even children would look on and smile.
To thrust all that life under your tongue! --
that, all by itself, becomes a passion.
Death's a sad bone; bruised, you'd say,
and yet she waits for me, year and year,
to so delicately undo an old would,
to empty my breath from its bad prison.
Balanced there, suicides sometimes meet,
raging at the fruit, a pumped-up moon,
leaving the bread they mistook for a kiss,
leaving the page of a book carelessly open,
something unsaid, the phone off the hook
and the love, whatever it was, an infection.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Wanting To Die by Anne Sexton: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Anne Sexton is one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, known for her confessional style and unflinching exploration of mental illness, sexuality, and death. Her poem "Wanting To Die," published in 1961, is a haunting and deeply personal exploration of suicidal ideation. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and structure of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
Themes
The central theme of "Wanting To Die" is the overwhelming desire to escape the pain of existence. The speaker of the poem is consumed by a sense of emptiness and futility, and sees death as the only way to find relief. "The tide is out, the moon is down," she says, painting a bleak picture of a world devoid of light and hope. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of suffering, and the desperate need for release.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the struggle for authenticity. The speaker is painfully aware of the facade she must present to the world, masking her pain and despair behind a cheerful exterior. "I smile and bow and lie," she says, highlighting the disconnect between her inner turmoil and the expectations of society. The poem speaks to the pressure to conform to social norms, and the toll this can take on one's mental health.
Imagery
Sexton's use of imagery in "Wanting To Die" is vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into the speaker's inner world. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the piece, with the speaker describing herself as "a little insane." The image of a person teetering on the edge of sanity is a powerful one, and immediately captures the reader's attention.
Throughout the poem, Sexton uses natural imagery to convey a sense of entropy and decay. The sea, for example, is described as "dead or asleep," a lifeless expanse that mirrors the speaker's own sense of isolation and detachment. The moon, too, becomes a symbol of emptiness, "a white skull floating on the sea." Even the stars seem to mock the speaker, "blinking as if they knew something." These images create a sense of foreboding, underscoring the speaker's sense of desperation and hopelessness.
Structure
The structure of "Wanting To Die" is deceptively simple, with short, straightforward lines conveying the speaker's thoughts and emotions. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct tone and focus. The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker describing the world around her as empty and dead. The second stanza focuses on the speaker's inner turmoil, as she grapples with her desire for death. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker acknowledging the impossibility of escape.
One of the most striking features of the poem's structure is its use of repetition. Throughout the piece, the speaker repeats the phrase "I am," emphasizing her sense of self and the internal struggle she is experiencing. This repetition creates a sense of urgency, underscoring the speaker's desperation for release.
Interpretation
At its core, "Wanting To Die" is a deeply personal exploration of mental illness and the human experience of suffering. Sexton's poem is a raw and unfiltered look at the reality of suicidal ideation, and the toll it can take on a person's mental health. The poem speaks to the pervasive sense of emptiness and futility that many people struggle with, and the overwhelming desire for relief.
However, the poem also speaks to the power of authenticity and self-expression. The speaker's insistence on her own identity, even in the face of societal pressure to conform, is a poignant reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself. Additionally, the poem highlights the need for empathy and understanding in the face of mental illness. The speaker is isolated and alone, grappling with her pain in silence. The poem is a call to action, urging society to do better in supporting those who are struggling with mental illness.
Conclusion
In "Wanting To Die," Anne Sexton delivers a powerful and unflinching exploration of suicidal ideation and the human experience of suffering. Through her use of vivid imagery and repetition, Sexton captures the desperation and hopelessness that can accompany mental illness. However, the poem also speaks to the power of authenticity and the need for empathy and understanding. "Wanting To Die" is a timeless piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Sexton's Wanting To Die: A Poem of Despair and Hope
Anne Sexton's Wanting To Die is a haunting poem that captures the essence of despair and hopelessness. Written in 1961, the poem reflects Sexton's struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. It is a powerful expression of the human condition, and a testament to the power of poetry to convey the deepest emotions.
The poem begins with a stark declaration of the speaker's desire to die. "Since you ask, most days I cannot remember," she says, "I walk in my clothing, unmarked by that voyage." The speaker is lost in a fog of depression, unable to connect with the world around her. She is numb to the sensations of life, and feels as though she is merely going through the motions.
The second stanza of the poem is even more bleak. The speaker describes herself as a "dead woman," and imagines her own funeral. She longs for the release of death, and sees it as a way to escape the pain of living. "I am absentminded, reckless, / forgetful," she says, "It isn't the way I want to live."
But even in the midst of this despair, there is a glimmer of hope. The speaker acknowledges that she is not alone in her suffering. "I would like to see you," she says, "But really what's the point?" She recognizes that human connection is important, even if it cannot cure her depression. She longs for someone to understand her pain, and to share it with her.
The third stanza of the poem is a turning point. The speaker begins to see the beauty in the world around her, and to appreciate the small moments of joy that life can offer. "I have been blessed," she says, "Flowers, birds / and the inner clock / are all my listeners." She finds solace in nature, and in the simple pleasures of existence.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful affirmation of life. The speaker declares that she wants to live, despite the pain and suffering that she has experienced. "I want to live," she says, "I take back my life. / I want to live." She rejects the idea of suicide, and embraces the possibility of hope and healing.
Wanting To Die is a poem of contradictions. It is both bleak and hopeful, despairing and affirming. It captures the complexity of the human experience, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. Sexton's use of language is powerful and evocative, and her imagery is both vivid and haunting.
The poem is also deeply personal. Sexton struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts throughout her life, and Wanting To Die is a reflection of her own experiences. It is a testament to her courage and resilience, and to the power of poetry to convey the deepest emotions.
In conclusion, Wanting To Die is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a powerful expression of the human condition, and a testament to the power of language to convey the deepest emotions. It is a poem of despair and hope, of darkness and light, and of the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that can be both beautiful and cruel. Anne Sexton's legacy as a poet and a human being is secure, and Wanting To Die is a testament to her courage and her artistry.
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