'Words' by Anne Sexton
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Be careful of words,
even the miraculous ones.
For the miraculous we do our best,
sometimes they swarm like insects
and leave not a sting but a kiss.
They can be as good as fingers.
They can be as trusty as the rock
you stick your bottom on.
But they can be both daisies and bruises.
Yet I am in love with words.
They are doves falling out of the ceiling.
They are six holy oranges sitting in my lap.
They are the trees, the legs of summer,
and the sun, its passionate face.
Yet often they fail me.
I have so much I want to say,
so many stories, images, proverbs, etc.
But the words aren't good enough,
the wrong ones kiss me.
Sometimes I fly like an eagle
but with the wings of a wren.
But I try to take care
and be gentle to them.
Words and eggs must be handled with care.
Once broken they are impossible
things to repair.
Submitted by Emily
Editor 1 Interpretation
Words: A Critical Interpretation of Anne Sexton's Poem
Anne Sexton is a renowned American poet, whose works are known to be deeply personal and often deal with the themes of death, mental illness, and sexuality. In her poem "Words," Sexton explores the power and limitations of language, while also examining the role of the poet in society. This critical interpretation aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the poem, unpacking its key themes and symbols, and examining the ways in which Sexton uses language to convey her ideas.
Background and Context
"Words" was first published in Sexton's 1966 collection, "Live or Die." The collection was written during a particularly tumultuous period in Sexton's life, as she struggled with mental illness and underwent a series of hospitalizations. During this time, Sexton began to experiment with confessional poetry, which drew heavily on her own experiences and emotions.
"Words" is a prime example of Sexton's confessional style, as the poem explores her own struggles with language and communication. The poem opens with the lines, "Be careful of words, / Even the miraculous ones. / For the miraculous we do our best, / sometimes they swarm like insects / and leave not a sting but a kiss."
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Sexton acknowledges the power of language to both heal and harm. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of language and its limitations.
Themes and Symbols
One of the major themes of "Words" is the power of language to both create and destroy. Throughout the poem, Sexton uses a variety of symbols to illustrate the ways in which words can be both beautiful and dangerous.
One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the image of insects. In the first stanza, Sexton compares miraculous words to swarming insects, which can either leave a sting or a kiss. This image suggests that words can be both harmful and beneficial, depending on the context in which they are used.
Another key symbol in the poem is the image of the sword. In the second stanza, Sexton writes, "Sometimes I see it there, / cutting a good swath in my body, / the blood rushing out as if / I were a spring lawn sprinkler." This image suggests that words can be used as weapons, cutting through the speaker's body and causing physical harm.
Finally, the poem also explores the theme of the poet's role in society. In the final stanza, Sexton writes, "I too, dislike it: there are things that are important beyond / all this fiddle." Here, the poet is acknowledging the limitations of language, and the fact that there are some things that cannot be expressed through words alone.
Language and Tone
One of the most striking aspects of "Words" is the way in which Sexton uses language to convey her ideas. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Sexton to experiment with different forms of language, and to use a variety of techniques to convey her ideas.
One of the most effective techniques used in the poem is repetition. Throughout the poem, Sexton repeats certain phrases and images, creating a sense of rhythm and unity. For example, the phrase "Be careful of words" appears twice in the poem, in both the first and last stanzas. This repetition serves to reinforce the poem's central message, and to create a sense of coherence and structure.
Another notable feature of the poem is its tone. Sexton's confessional style is characterized by its frankness and honesty, and "Words" is no exception. The poem is written in a conversational tone, as if the speaker is addressing the reader directly. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the speaker's world and emotions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Words" is a powerful and deeply personal poem that explores the theme of language and its limitations. Sexton's use of symbols and repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence, while her confessional style and conversational tone draw the reader into the speaker's world. Ultimately, "Words" is a meditation on the power and dangers of language, and the role of the poet in society.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Words by Anne Sexton: A Deep Dive into the Power of Language
Anne Sexton’s poem “Words” is a powerful exploration of the impact of language on our lives. In just 24 lines, Sexton manages to convey the complexity and nuance of the words we use every day, and the ways in which they can shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. In this analysis, we’ll take a closer look at the themes and techniques used in “Words,” and explore what makes this poem such a timeless classic.
The Power of Words
At its core, “Words” is a meditation on the power of language. Sexton begins by describing words as “heavy” and “light,” suggesting that they can carry great weight and significance. She goes on to describe words as “stones” that can “make a person weep,” or “feathers” that can “make a person fly.” This contrast between the heaviness and lightness of words sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and highlights the ways in which language can both uplift and oppress us.
Sexton also explores the idea that words can be both a blessing and a curse. She writes, “Words are like a strange rain / of frogs falling on my roof at night,” suggesting that they can be both beautiful and unsettling. Later in the poem, she describes words as “a knife” that can “cut into your guts,” highlighting the ways in which language can be used to hurt and harm.
The poem also touches on the idea that words can be used to manipulate and control others. Sexton writes, “Words are a sawed-off shotgun / with which to blow your brains out,” suggesting that language can be used as a weapon to intimidate and coerce. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s world, where we are constantly bombarded with messages from politicians, advertisers, and social media influencers who seek to shape our opinions and behaviors.
The Importance of Self-Expression
Another key theme in “Words” is the importance of self-expression. Sexton writes, “Words are the only thing left alive / you’ve got to take them and make them soar.” This line suggests that words are a vital tool for expressing ourselves and connecting with others. It also implies that we have a responsibility to use language in a way that is authentic and meaningful.
Throughout the poem, Sexton emphasizes the importance of finding our own voice and using it to communicate our thoughts and feelings. She writes, “Words are the only thing left to hold onto / in the ruins of the world.” This line suggests that even in the darkest of times, language can be a source of hope and connection.
The Beauty of Language
Despite the darker themes explored in “Words,” Sexton also celebrates the beauty and power of language. She writes, “Words are the wings both intellect and imagination fly on,” suggesting that language can be a source of inspiration and creativity. She also describes words as “a river” that can “carry you on its back / to places you might never have dreamed to go.” This image highlights the ways in which language can transport us to new worlds and experiences.
Sexton also plays with the sounds and rhythms of language throughout the poem, using alliteration and repetition to create a musical quality. For example, she writes, “Words are like a small creek / that has turned into a roaring river / and carries a load of ducks and geese.” This passage is not only visually striking, but also creates a sense of movement and energy that mirrors the power of language itself.
Conclusion
In “Words,” Anne Sexton explores the complex and multifaceted nature of language. Through her use of vivid imagery, repetition, and contrast, she highlights the ways in which words can both uplift and oppress us. She also emphasizes the importance of self-expression and finding our own voice, while celebrating the beauty and power of language itself.
As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the themes explored in “Words” are more relevant than ever. This poem serves as a reminder of the importance of using language thoughtfully and intentionally, and of the power that words can have to shape our lives and the world around us.
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