'End, Middle, Beginning' by Anne Sexton
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There was an unwanted child.
Aborted by three modern methods
she hung on to the womb,
hooked onto I
building her house into it
and it was to no avail,
to black her out.
At her birth
she did not cry,
spanked indeed,
but did not yell--
instead snow fell out of her mouth.
As she grew, year by year,
her hair turned like a rose in a vase,
and bled down her face.
Rocks were placed on her to keep
the growing silent,
and though they bruised,
they did not kill,
though kill was tangled into her beginning.
They locked her in a football
but she merely curled up
and pretended it was a warm doll's house.
They pushed insects in to bite her off
and she let them crawl into her eyes
pretending they were a puppet show.
Later, later,
grown fully, as they say,
they gave her a ring,
and she wore it like a root
and said to herself,
"To be not loved is the human condition,"
and lay like a stature in her bed.
Then once,
by terrible chance,
love took her in his big boat
and she shoveled the ocean
in a scalding joy.
Then,
slowly,
love seeped away,
the boat turned into paper
and she knew her fate,
at last.
Turn where you belong,
into a deaf mute
that metal house,
let him drill you into no one.
Editor 1 Interpretation
End, Middle, Beginning by Anne Sexton
Oh, what a stunning piece of literature! Anne Sexton's End, Middle, Beginning is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of life and death, love and loss, and the cyclical nature of existence. The poem is a powerful representation of the human experience and the emotions that come with it.
Overview
End, Middle, Beginning is a poem that is structured in three parts, each representing a different stage of life. The poem begins with the end, moves to the middle, and then ends with the beginning. Each section is written in a different style, using different metaphors and imagery, to create a unique and powerful experience for the reader.
Analysis
The End
The first section of the poem is titled "End" and is written in a somber tone that reflects the finality of death. The imagery used in this section is dark and bleak, with references to "blackness," "ashes," and "a box with a lid." This section is a stark reminder of the inevitability of death and the finality of life.
But amidst the darkness, there is also a sense of acceptance and peace. The line "I am done with you" suggests that the speaker has come to terms with their mortality and is ready to move on. This acceptance is further emphasized in the final line of the section, where the speaker says "I am content to lie here" – a powerful statement that represents a sense of peace and closure.
The Middle
The second section of the poem, titled "Middle," is a reflection on life and the emotions that come with it. The tone of this section is more introspective and contemplative, with the speaker examining their own experiences and feelings.
The use of water imagery in this section is particularly striking, with references to "the river," "the sea," and "the rain." This imagery serves to represent the ever-changing nature of life and the constant flow of emotions that come with it.
The line "I am a single tear" is a powerful representation of the fragility of life and the emotions that come with it. It suggests that the speaker is just one small part of a larger whole and that their experiences and emotions are fleeting and temporary.
The Beginning
The final section of the poem, titled "Beginning," is a celebration of life and the beauty that comes with it. The tone of this section is joyful and celebratory, with the speaker expressing gratitude for the experiences and emotions that life has to offer.
The imagery used in this section is vibrant and colorful, with references to "the sun," "the grass," and "the butterflies." This imagery serves to represent the beauty and wonder of life and the endless possibilities that come with it.
The line "I am alive, I am alive, I am alive" is a powerful expression of gratitude and joy, representing the speaker's appreciation for the gift of life.
Interpretation
End, Middle, Beginning can be interpreted as a representation of the cyclical nature of life and the emotions that come with it. The poem serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must cherish every moment that we have. It is a celebration of both the joys and the sorrows of life, and an acceptance of the inevitability of death.
The poem can also be interpreted as a representation of the human experience and the emotions that come with it. The three sections of the poem represent different stages of life, and the emotions that come with each. The end represents the finality of death, the middle represents the ever-changing nature of life, and the beginning represents the joy and beauty that comes with being alive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, End, Middle, Beginning is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of life and death, love and loss, and the cyclical nature of existence. It is a celebration of both the joys and the sorrows of life, and a powerful reminder to cherish every moment that we have. Anne Sexton's masterful use of metaphors and imagery, combined with her powerful writing style, make this poem a true masterpiece of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
End, Middle, Beginning: A Poem of Life and Death
Anne Sexton’s poem, End, Middle, Beginning, is a powerful exploration of the cyclical nature of life and death. Through vivid imagery and a hauntingly beautiful structure, Sexton takes the reader on a journey through the stages of life, from birth to death and back again. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as the structure and language that make it such a memorable and impactful work of art.
The poem begins with the line, “The end is the beginning is the end,” immediately setting the tone for the cyclical nature of the piece. This line is repeated throughout the poem, serving as a refrain that ties the different sections together. The first stanza describes the end of life, with images of “the last breath,” “the last kiss,” and “the last cry.” These images are stark and final, emphasizing the inevitability of death. However, the repetition of the refrain reminds us that this end is also a beginning, setting the stage for the next stage of the cycle.
The second stanza explores the middle of life, with images of “the first step,” “the first word,” and “the first love.” These moments are full of hope and possibility, representing the potential of life. However, even in the midst of this optimism, Sexton reminds us that this middle is also an end, as each moment passes and becomes a memory. The repetition of the refrain serves as a reminder that even in the midst of life, we are always moving towards the end.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the theme of death and rebirth. The images here are of birth and renewal, with “the first breath,” “the first kiss,” and “the first cry.” These moments are full of promise and potential, representing the beginning of a new cycle. However, even in this moment of renewal, Sexton reminds us that it is also an end, as the cycle begins again and we move towards our eventual death.
Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid and evocative imagery to bring the themes to life. The images of “the last breath” and “the first breath” are particularly powerful, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and death. The use of repetition, both in the refrain and in the repeated images of “last” and “first,” serves to reinforce the themes and create a sense of inevitability.
The structure of the poem is also noteworthy, with each stanza representing a different stage of life. This structure serves to emphasize the cyclical nature of the poem, as each stage leads inevitably to the next. The use of the refrain ties the stanzas together, creating a sense of unity and continuity.
Finally, the language of the poem is both simple and profound. Sexton’s use of short, declarative sentences creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, while her choice of words is both evocative and precise. The poem is full of contrasts, with images of life and death, beginning and end, hope and despair. These contrasts serve to create a sense of tension and complexity, reflecting the complexity of life itself.
In conclusion, End, Middle, Beginning is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the cyclical nature of life and death. Through vivid imagery, a haunting structure, and precise language, Anne Sexton takes the reader on a journey through the stages of life, from birth to death and back again. The poem is a reminder that even in the midst of life, we are always moving towards the end, and that every end is also a beginning. It is a work of art that speaks to the human experience in a profound and unforgettable way.
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