'The Big Heart' by Anne Sexton
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"Too many things are occurring for even a big heart to hold." - From an essay by W. B. Yeats
Big heart,
wide as a watermelon,
but wise as birth,
there is so much abundance
in the people I have:
Max, Lois, Joe, Louise,
Joan, Marie, Dawn,
Arlene, Father Dunne,
and all in their short lives
give to me repeatedly,
in the way the sea
places its many fingers on the shore,
again and again
and they know me,
they help me unravel,
they listen with ears made of conch shells,
they speak back with the wine of the best region.
They are my staff.
They comfort me.
They hear how
the artery of my soul has been severed
and soul is spurting out upon them,
bleeding on them,
messing up their clothes,
dirtying their shoes.
And God is filling me,
though there are times of doubt
as hollow as the Grand Canyon,
still God is filling me.
He is giving me the thoughts of dogs,
the spider in its intricate web,
the sun
in all its amazement,
and a slain ram
that is the glory,
the mystery of great cost,
and my heart,
which is very big,
I promise it is very large,
a monster of sorts,
takes it all in--
all in comes the fury of love.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Big Heart by Anne Sexton: A Literary Analysis
Anne Sexton is one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. Her poems express an intense emotional depth and her work is marked by a frank exploration of the darker aspects of human experience. "The Big Heart" is one of her most famous poems, and it is a work that continues to fascinate readers with its powerful imagery and its haunting themes. In this literary analysis, we will examine Sexton's "The Big Heart" in detail to explore its meaning, its symbolism, and its relevance to contemporary readers.
Poem Analysis
The poem begins with a description of a "big heart" that is "towering" over the poet. This heart is described as "red and meaty" and it is beating "like a slow drum". The image of the heart is central to the poem, and it serves as a metaphor for a range of emotions and experiences. The heart is both a symbol of love and compassion, but it is also a symbol of pain and suffering.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the heart as a source of conflict. The poet writes that the heart "does not want to be that way / it squirms, it wriggles in my hand". This suggests that the heart is not a passive object, but rather an active force that is struggling against the poet's will. The heart is not simply a symbol, but rather a living entity that has its own desires and motivations.
In the third stanza, Sexton explores the idea of the heart as a symbol of love. She writes that the heart is "the love pump / that thrusts up blood through the body". This suggests that the heart is not simply an organ, but rather a source of life and vitality. The heart is the engine that drives the body, and it is the source of the most powerful force in the universe: love.
The fourth stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, as Sexton explores the idea of the heart as a source of pain. She writes that the heart is "a bag of red bullets / going off". This suggests that the heart is not simply a source of life, but also a source of death. The heart can be a weapon, and it can be used to inflict pain and suffering on others.
In the fifth and final stanza, Sexton returns to the idea of the heart as a symbol of love. She writes that the heart "is not a beach umbrella / it is a loyal dog". This suggests that the heart is not a passive object, but rather an active force that is loyal and obedient. The heart is not simply a source of life, but also a source of love and devotion.
Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "The Big Heart" is its use of symbolism. The heart is a powerful symbol that has been used throughout literature to represent a range of emotions and experiences. In Sexton's poem, the heart is a complex and multifaceted symbol that represents both love and pain, life and death.
The image of the heart as a "big heart" that is "towering" over the poet is particularly powerful. This suggests that the heart is not simply an organ, but rather a force that is larger than life. The heart is a symbol of the most powerful force in the universe: love.
The heart is also a symbol of conflict. The idea that the heart "squirms" and "wriggles" in the poet's hand suggests that it is a source of tension and struggle. The heart is not simply a passive object, but rather an active force that is struggling against the poet's will.
Finally, the heart is a symbol of loyalty and devotion. The image of the heart as a "loyal dog" suggests that it is a source of love and devotion. The heart is not simply a source of life, but also a source of love and commitment.
Themes
"The Big Heart" is a poem that explores a range of themes, including love, pain, and loyalty. One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of the heart as a source of conflict. The heart is not simply a passive object, but rather an active force that is struggling against the poet's will. This suggests that love is not simply a passive emotion, but rather an active force that can be both powerful and destructive.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of the heart as a source of pain. The image of the heart as a "bag of red bullets / going off" suggests that the heart can be a weapon, and it can be used to inflict pain and suffering on others. This suggests that love is not always a positive force, but rather a complex and multifaceted emotion that can have both positive and negative effects.
Finally, the poem explores the idea of the heart as a source of loyalty and devotion. The image of the heart as a "loyal dog" suggests that it is a source of love and commitment. This suggests that love is not simply an emotion, but rather a commitment to another person that is based on loyalty and devotion.
Conclusion
"The Big Heart" is a powerful poem that explores a range of themes and symbols. The heart is a complex and multifaceted symbol that represents both love and pain, life and death. The poem explores the idea of the heart as a source of conflict, pain, and loyalty, and it suggests that love is not simply a passive emotion, but rather an active force that can be both powerful and destructive.
Sexton's use of powerful imagery and metaphorical language makes "The Big Heart" a work that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem's exploration of the complex nature of love and its many facets makes it a work that can be read and interpreted in a variety of ways. Whether read as a meditation on the nature of love, a commentary on the complexities of human emotion, or a critique of traditional gender roles, "The Big Heart" is a work that continues to fascinate and inspire readers of all ages.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Big Heart by Anne Sexton is a classic poem that explores the theme of love and the complexities that come with it. This poem is a beautiful representation of the human heart and its ability to love and feel deeply. In this analysis, we will delve into the various aspects of the poem and explore its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a heart that is "as big as a room." This metaphorical description of the heart immediately sets the tone for the poem and establishes the theme of love. The heart is often associated with love, and the fact that it is described as being "as big as a room" suggests that the love being discussed is immense and all-encompassing.
The speaker goes on to describe the heart as having "walls that are white" and "a door that is red." This imagery is significant as it represents the purity and passion of love. The white walls symbolize the purity and innocence of love, while the red door represents the passion and intensity of love. The use of color in this poem is significant as it adds depth and meaning to the imagery.
The speaker then goes on to describe the heart as having "tables and chairs" and "carpets on the floor." This imagery suggests that the heart is a place of comfort and warmth. The tables and chairs represent a place to gather and share, while the carpets on the floor represent a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This imagery is significant as it suggests that love is a place of comfort and safety.
The speaker then describes the heart as having "windows of light" and "a stairway of surprise." This imagery is significant as it represents the openness and unpredictability of love. The windows of light represent the openness and transparency of love, while the stairway of surprise represents the unexpected twists and turns that love can take. This imagery suggests that love is not always predictable, but it is always full of light and hope.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the heart as having "a closet of fears" and "a bed of tears." This imagery suggests that love is not always easy and can be accompanied by fear and sadness. The closet of fears represents the anxieties and worries that come with love, while the bed of tears represents the pain and heartbreak that can come with it. This imagery is significant as it suggests that love is not always perfect, but it is still worth pursuing.
The speaker then goes on to describe the heart as having "a room of hate" and "a room of love." This imagery suggests that love and hate are two sides of the same coin. The room of hate represents the negative emotions that can come with love, while the room of love represents the positive emotions. This imagery is significant as it suggests that love is a complex emotion that can bring both joy and pain.
The poem ends with the speaker describing the heart as having "a ceiling of skin." This imagery is significant as it represents the vulnerability and fragility of love. The skin is a delicate and sensitive organ, and the fact that the heart is described as having a ceiling of skin suggests that love is something that needs to be protected and cared for.
In conclusion, The Big Heart by Anne Sexton is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the theme of love. The use of metaphorical imagery and color adds depth and meaning to the poem, and the various aspects of the heart that are described represent the different emotions and complexities that come with love. This poem is a beautiful representation of the human heart and its ability to love and feel deeply.
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