'Christmas Eve' by Anne Sexton
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Oh sharp diamond, my mother!
I could not count the cost
of all your faces, your moods--
that present that I lost.
Sweet girl, my deathbed,
my jewel-fingered lady,
your portrait flickered all night
by the bulbs of the tree.
Your face as calm as the moon
over a mannered sea,
presided at the family reunion,
the twelve grandchildren
you used to wear on your wrist,
a three-months-old baby,
a fat check you never wrote,
the red-haired toddler who danced the twist,
your aging daughters, each one a wife,
each one talking to the family cook,
each one avoiding your portrait,
each one aping your life.
Later, after the party,
after the house went to bed,
I sat up drinking the Christmas brandy,
watching your picture,
letting the tree move in and out of focus.
The bulbs vibrated.
They were a halo over your forehead.
Then they were a beehive,
blue, yellow, green, red;
each with its own juice, each hot and alive
stinging your face. But you did not move.
I continued to watch, forcing myself,
waiting, inexhaustible, thirty-five.
I wanted your eyes, like the shadows
of two small birds, to change.
But they did not age.
The smile that gathered me in, all wit,
all charm, was invincible.
Hour after hour I looked at your face
but I could not pull the roots out of it.
Then I watched how the sun hit your red sweater, your withered neck,
your badly painted flesh-pink skin.
You who led me by the nose, I saw you as you were.
Then I thought of your body
as one thinks of murder--
Then I said Mary--
Mary, Mary, forgive me
and then I touched a present for the child,
the last I bred before your death;
and then I touched my breast
and then I touched the floor
and then my breast again as if,
somehow, it were one of yours.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analyzing the Classic Poem "Christmas Eve" by Anne Sexton
Are you looking for a powerful and thought-provoking poem to read during the holiday season? Look no further than Anne Sexton's "Christmas Eve." This classic work of poetry delves deep into the themes of religion, family, and mortality, offering a rich and complex interpretation of Christmas and all that it represents.
Overview
First published in 1969, "Christmas Eve" is a five-stanza poem that explores the speaker's experience of Christmas Eve. The poem is structured around a series of contrasts: light and dark, joy and sorrow, life and death. The speaker begins by describing the "dark night" of Christmas Eve, with its "longest hours" and "coldest stars." As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the religious significance of the holiday, recalling the birth of Christ and the promise of eternal life. Yet the poem is also deeply personal, as the speaker contemplates her own mortality and the loss of loved ones.
Interpretation
At its core, "Christmas Eve" is a meditation on the meaning of life and death. The poem begins with a stark description of the darkness and cold of Christmas Eve. The speaker notes that "the dark streets wind and bend," suggesting the winding path of life itself. The darkness of the night is a metaphor for the uncertainty and fear that can come with mortality, as well as the challenges and struggles of life itself.
Yet as the poem progresses, the speaker turns to the religious significance of the holiday. She describes the "sight of the infant" and the "promise of the sky," referring to the birth of Christ and the promise of eternal life. This religious imagery suggests that there is hope and meaning to be found in life, even in the face of death.
The contrast between light and dark is a recurring theme throughout the poem. The speaker notes that "the stars are cold" and that "the moon is hung," suggesting a sense of emptiness and despair. Yet as she reflects on the birth of Christ, she notes that "the sky is a woman's blue," evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. The contrast between the cold darkness of the night and the warm light of the sky suggests that there is hope and beauty to be found in the world, even in the darkest of times.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of family and community. The speaker notes that "the church bells are ringing" and that "the children are singing," suggesting a sense of togetherness and connection. She also reflects on the memories of loved ones who have passed away, noting that "my mother told me many things" and that "my father sang me songs." These references to family and community suggest that there is strength and support to be found in the connections we forge with others.
Literary Analysis
One of the most striking aspects of "Christmas Eve" is its use of language. Sexton's writing is rich and evocative, using vivid imagery and sensory detail to create a powerful emotional impact. The opening lines, with their emphasis on the darkness and cold of the night, set the tone for the poem and establish a sense of foreboding. The repeated references to light and darkness, as well as to the sky and stars, create a vivid contrast that underscores the poem's themes.
Another key aspect of the poem is its use of religious imagery. The references to the birth of Christ and the promise of eternal life suggest that the poem is grounded in a Christian worldview. Yet the poem is not simply a celebration of religious faith. Instead, it grapples with complex questions about the meaning of life and the significance of the holiday. The speaker's reflections on mortality and loss suggest a sense of doubt and uncertainty, even as she seeks comfort in religious belief.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. Each of the five stanzas is a self-contained unit, yet they are also linked thematically and symbolically. The contrast between light and darkness, for example, is present in each stanza, creating a sense of continuity and unity. The poem's final stanza, in which the speaker reflects on the memories of her loved ones, brings the themes of family and community to the forefront, providing a sense of closure and resolution.
Conclusion
"Christmas Eve" is a masterful work of poetry that explores complex themes of religion, family, and mortality. Sexton's use of language and imagery creates a powerful emotional impact, while her exploration of the meaning of Christmas offers a rich and nuanced interpretation of the holiday. Whether you are a longtime fan of poetry or are simply looking for a thought-provoking work to read during the holiday season, "Christmas Eve" is a poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Christmas Eve by Anne Sexton is a classic poem that captures the essence of the holiday season. The poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the meaning of Christmas, and the emotions that it evokes in us. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the scene on Christmas Eve. The streets are empty, and the snow is falling softly. The speaker is alone, and she is filled with a sense of longing and sadness. She describes the feeling as "a hunger in the heart," which is a powerful metaphor for the emptiness that she feels.
The theme of loneliness is a recurring one in the poem. The speaker is alone on Christmas Eve, and she longs for the company of others. She describes the silence as "a great blackness," which is a powerful image that conveys the depth of her loneliness. The theme of loneliness is a common one in Sexton's poetry, and it is often used to explore the human condition.
The imagery in the poem is rich and evocative. The snow falling softly on the streets creates a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker describes the snow as "a white, cold feather," which is a beautiful image that captures the delicate beauty of the snow. The image of the snow also serves to create a sense of isolation, as the speaker is alone in the midst of this beautiful but cold and lonely landscape.
The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also powerful and evocative. The use of metaphors and imagery creates a sense of depth and complexity that is not immediately apparent in the simple language. The repetition of the phrase "I am alone" reinforces the theme of loneliness and creates a sense of isolation that is palpable.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. She describes the holiday as "a time of miracles," and she wonders if there is a miracle that can bring her the companionship that she longs for. The theme of miracles is a common one in Christmas literature, and it is often used to convey the idea that anything is possible during this magical time of year.
The speaker also reflects on the religious significance of Christmas. She describes the birth of Christ as "a great light," which is a powerful image that conveys the idea of hope and salvation. The theme of hope is a recurring one in Sexton's poetry, and it is often used to explore the human desire for something better.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker describes the sound of church bells ringing in the distance, and she imagines the people inside the church singing hymns of joy and celebration. She longs to be a part of this community, and she imagines herself joining in the singing and the celebration. The theme of community is a powerful one in the poem, and it serves to reinforce the idea that we are all connected, even in our loneliness.
In conclusion, Christmas Eve by Anne Sexton is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the meaning of Christmas. The poem explores themes of loneliness, hope, and community, and it uses rich imagery and language to convey its message. The poem is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope, and that we are never truly alone. As we celebrate the holiday season, let us remember the message of this beautiful poem, and let us reach out to those who may be feeling lonely or isolated. Let us come together in the spirit of community and celebrate the miracle of Christmas.
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