'The Stand-Ins' by Anne Sexton
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In the dream
the swastika is neon
and flashes like a strobe light
into my eyes, all colors,
all vibrations
and I see the killer in him
and he turns on an oven,
an oven, an oven, an oven,
and on a pie plate he sticks
in my Yellow Star
and then
then when it is ready for serving—
this dream goes off into the wings
and on stage The Cross appears,
with Jesus sticking to it
and He is breathing
and breathing
and He is breathing
and breathing
and then He speaks,
a kind of whisper,
and says . . .
This is the start.
This is the end.
This is a light.
This is a start.
I woke.
I did not know the hour,
an hour of night like thick scum
but I considered the dreams,
the two: Swastika, Crucifix,
and said: Oh well,
it does't belong to me,
if a cigar can be a cigar
then a dream can be a dream.
Right?
Right?
And went back to sleep
and another start.
Submitted by Emily
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Stand-Ins: A Powerful Exploration of Identity and Existence
As a literary masterpiece, "The Stand-Ins," written by Anne Sexton, is a powerful exploration of identity and existence. This poem delves into the inner turmoil that accompanies the search for self, and the various masks that individuals wear in order to fit into society.
The Structure and Form of the Poem
"The Stand-Ins" follows a free-verse structure that is both engaging and fluid. The poem is organized into five distinct sections, with each section bringing about a new dimension to the exploration of identity.
The poem begins with a powerful opening line: "We are the stand-ins for ourselves." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the idea that individuals often present themselves as someone other than who they truly are.
The use of repetition throughout the poem is also noteworthy. For instance, the phrase "we are the stand-ins" is repeated several times, underscoring the importance and universality of the theme.
Themes and Interpretation
The central theme of "The Stand-Ins" is the struggle for identity. The poem explores the various ways in which individuals present themselves to the world, often hiding their true selves behind a facade. This is a common experience, particularly in modern society where individuals are expected to conform to certain norms and expectations.
The poem also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves and reject the need to put on a mask. Sexton writes:
We must not be dissuaded from our true selves.
For no one else can do our standing in.
This passage underscores the idea that each individual is unique and must take ownership of their identity.
Moreover, the poem also grapples with the concept of existence. Sexton explores the idea that individuals are merely "stand-ins" for themselves, highlighting the notion that our existence is often a mere shadow of the reality that we truly desire.
Another key theme that is explored in the poem is the power of language. Sexton uses a variety of metaphors and similes to describe the various masks that individuals wear, emphasizing the importance of language in shaping our perceptions of ourselves and others.
For instance, Sexton writes:
We are the acrobats, the trapeze artists of ourselves.
We are the clowns, the comedians, the great mimics of our time.
These metaphors suggest that individuals are constantly performing for others, and that our identities are often shaped by the language and narratives that we use to describe ourselves.
Poetic Devices and Techniques
One of the most notable aspects of "The Stand-Ins" is Sexton's use of metaphor and simile. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid and powerful imagery to describe the various masks that individuals wear.
For example, Sexton writes:
We are the stand-ins for ourselves,
the ballerinas of our own lives.
This metaphor suggests that individuals are constantly performing for others, much like ballerinas who must practice their routines until they are perfect.
Another key poetic device used in the poem is repetition. Sexton repeats the phrase "we are the stand-ins" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the universality of the theme and the importance of self-awareness.
Finally, the poem also contains several instances of alliteration and assonance, which give the poem a musical quality. For instance, the line "We are the clowns, the comedians, the great mimics of our time" contains several instances of consonance, which adds to the overall impact of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Stand-Ins" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of identity and existence. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and engaging poetic techniques, Sexton encourages readers to embrace their true selves and reject the need to conform to societal norms and expectations.
This poem serves as a reminder that each individual is unique and has something valuable to offer the world. As Sexton writes:
For no one else can do our standing in.
Indeed, it is only by accepting ourselves and embracing our true identities that we can truly thrive and make a meaningful impact on the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Stand-Ins: A Masterpiece of Anne Sexton
Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, is known for her confessional poetry that explores the themes of mental illness, suicide, and personal struggles. Her poem, The Stand-Ins, is a classic example of her unique style of writing that combines raw emotions with vivid imagery. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the lines, "I am the dog you put to sleep, / as you like to call the needle of oblivion, / come back to tell you this simple thing: / I never liked you." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a scathing critique of the speaker's former owner. The use of the first-person point of view gives the poem a personal touch, making it more relatable to the reader.
The theme of death and loss is prevalent throughout the poem. The speaker, who is a dog, has been put to sleep by its owner. However, instead of accepting its fate, the dog comes back to haunt its owner and express its true feelings. This theme of death and loss is further emphasized by the use of the word "oblivion," which means the state of being forgotten. The dog is forgotten by its owner, but it refuses to be forgotten and comes back to haunt its owner.
The poem also explores the theme of betrayal. The dog feels betrayed by its owner, who has put it to sleep. The use of the word "never" in the line "I never liked you" emphasizes the depth of the dog's feelings of betrayal. The dog's refusal to forgive its owner for what he has done is a powerful statement about the consequences of betrayal.
The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which contrasts with the chaotic emotions expressed in the poem. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase runs over into the next line, creates a sense of flow and continuity, making the poem easier to read and understand.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices, such as metaphor, alliteration, and personification. The use of metaphor is evident in the line "I am the grass stains / that you can't get out of your laundry." Here, the dog compares itself to a grass stain, which is a powerful image that emphasizes the dog's persistence in haunting its owner. The use of alliteration is evident in the line "I am the rat / that runs across your floor at night." The repetition of the "r" sound creates a sense of urgency and fear, making the image of the rat more vivid. Finally, the use of personification is evident in the line "I am the ghost of your dog." Here, the dog is given human-like qualities, which makes it more relatable to the reader.
In conclusion, The Stand-Ins is a masterpiece of Anne Sexton that explores the themes of death, loss, and betrayal. The use of the first-person point of view, the structure of the poem, and the literary devices used all contribute to making the poem a powerful and emotional piece of writing. The poem is a testament to Sexton's unique style of writing and her ability to express complex emotions in a simple and relatable way.
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