'Gods' by Anne Sexton
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Ms. Sexton went out looking for the gods.
She began looking in the sky
—expecting a large white angel with a blue crotch.
No one.
She looked next in all the learned books
and the print spat back at her.
No one
She made a pilgrimage to the great poet
and he belched in her face.
No one.
She prayed in all the churches of the world
and learned a great deal about culture.
No one.
She went to the Atlantic, the Pacific, for surely God...
No one.
She went to the Buddha, the Brahma, the Pyramids
and found immense postcards.
No one.
Then she journeyed back to her own house
and the gods of the world were shut in the lavatory.
At last!
she cried out,
and locked the door.
Submitted by RW
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Divine Power of Anne Sexton's "Gods"
Anne Sexton is a poet who never shies away from tackling the most profound and complex themes in her work. Her poem "Gods" is no exception. The piece deals with the concept of divinity and how it manifests in the world, exploring the way humans interact with the divine and the impact it has on their lives.
At its core, "Gods" is a meditation on the nature of power and the way it operates in the world. Sexton explores the idea that gods are not just abstract entities, but rather tangible forces that shape the world around us. From the outset, she presents her own vision of the divine, one that is all-encompassing and omnipresent:
"In my dreams each of us bears a white flag stamped with one blue word: Love."
This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the idea that love is the one true divine force in the world. Sexton's use of the color white reinforces this idea, as it is often associated with purity and transcendence. The blue word, on the other hand, stands out against the white flag, drawing attention to the power of love that lies behind it.
As the poem progresses, Sexton explores the way different gods play out in the world. She presents a series of images that depict various gods in different guises, from the vengeful to the nurturing:
"The god of paper loves origami, the god of music loves the guitar."
Here, Sexton shows how different gods can be associated with different aspects of human culture and creativity. The god of paper, for instance, is linked to the art of origami, which requires precision and focus. The god of music, on the other hand, is associated with the guitar, a symbol of creativity and emotional expression.
One of the most striking aspects of "Gods" is the way Sexton weaves together different cultural and religious traditions in her work. She draws on imagery and ideas from a range of sources, from Greek mythology to Christian iconography:
"The god of water longs for a drought, the god of the sun prefers the moon."
This blending of different traditions creates a sense of universality in the poem, emphasizing the idea that the divine is something that transcends cultural boundaries and is present in all aspects of human experience.
Another key theme in "Gods" is the way humans interact with the divine. Sexton recognizes that these interactions are complex and multifaceted, ranging from reverence to fear:
"The god of fear is never loved, the god of love is always feared."
Here, Sexton presents a stark contrast between the god of fear, who is never loved, and the god of love, who is always feared. This suggests that love, while a powerful force, can also be intimidating and overwhelming. The poem's exploration of this tension between the divine and the human is one of its most compelling aspects.
One of the most striking things about "Gods" is its use of imagery. Sexton draws on a range of symbols and metaphors to explore her themes, from the white flag of love to the image of a god longing for a drought. These images create a vivid and compelling portrait of the divine, one that is both beautiful and unsettling:
"The god of fire loves a volcano, the god of earth fears a stone."
Here, Sexton presents a fascinating contrast between the god of fire and the god of earth. While the former is drawn to the explosive power of a volcano, the latter is afraid of something as seemingly inert as a stone. This contrast highlights the unpredictable and often contradictory nature of the divine.
In conclusion, "Gods" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that explores the nature of divinity and its impact on the world. Through vivid imagery and potent symbolism, Anne Sexton creates a portrait of the divine that is both beautiful and unsettling. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the way it can be used to explore the most profound aspects of human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Gods by Anne Sexton: A Poetic Exploration of the Divine
Anne Sexton's poem "Gods" is a haunting and powerful exploration of the divine. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Sexton delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of the gods, revealing both their beauty and their terror. In this analysis, we will examine the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Gods," as well as the historical and cultural context that informs the poem.
The poem begins with a description of the gods as "beautiful and terrible," a phrase that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. This dichotomy between beauty and terror is a recurring theme throughout the poem, as Sexton explores the many facets of the divine. The gods are described as "lovers and killers," "givers and takers," and "creators and destroyers." These opposing forces are not mutually exclusive, but rather exist in a constant state of tension, reflecting the complexity of the divine.
One of the most striking aspects of "Gods" is the use of vivid and often grotesque imagery. Sexton describes the gods as having "eyes like red lanterns," "teeth like knives," and "hands like claws." These descriptions create a sense of unease and danger, as if the gods are not to be trusted. However, there is also a sense of awe and wonder in these descriptions, as if the gods are so powerful and otherworldly that they cannot be fully comprehended by mere mortals.
Another important symbol in the poem is the idea of sacrifice. Sexton describes the gods as demanding "blood and bone," and as being "fed on the flesh of men." This imagery is reminiscent of ancient pagan religions, where sacrifices were often made to appease the gods. However, Sexton's use of this symbol is not simply a nod to ancient traditions. Rather, it speaks to the idea that the gods demand a price for their blessings, and that this price is often paid in suffering and sacrifice.
The poem also explores the idea of mortality and the human desire for immortality. Sexton writes, "we pray to live forever / or to die laughing." This line captures the paradoxical nature of human existence, where we are both drawn to the idea of eternal life and yet also find joy in the fleeting moments of our lives. The gods, in their eternal existence, represent both the promise of immortality and the reminder of our own mortality.
Throughout the poem, Sexton uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of rhythm and flow. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase "beautiful and terrible," creates a sense of momentum and builds tension. The use of alliteration, such as "givers and takers," creates a musical quality to the language. The poem also employs a variety of metaphors and similes, such as the comparison of the gods to "a pack of wolves" or "a swarm of bees." These literary devices help to create a sense of richness and depth to the poem, as well as to reinforce the themes and symbols present throughout.
In terms of historical and cultural context, "Gods" can be seen as a reflection of the cultural upheaval of the 1960s and 70s. Sexton was a prominent figure in the feminist movement, and her poetry often explored themes of gender, sexuality, and power. "Gods" can be seen as a commentary on the patriarchal nature of traditional religion, where male gods are often seen as all-powerful and women are relegated to subservient roles. Sexton's portrayal of the gods as both beautiful and terrible, male and female, speaks to the idea that power and divinity are not limited to one gender or one culture.
In conclusion, "Gods" is a powerful and evocative exploration of the divine. Through vivid imagery, rich language, and complex themes, Anne Sexton creates a portrait of the gods that is both beautiful and terrifying. The poem speaks to the human desire for immortality, the paradoxical nature of existence, and the complex relationship between mortals and the divine. It is a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.
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