'The Fury Of Earth' by Anne Sexton
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The day of fire is coming, the thrush,
will fly ablaze like a little sky rocket,
the beetle will sink like a giant bulldozer,
and at the breaking of the morning the houses
will turn into oil and will in their tides
of fire be a becoming and an ending, a red fan.
What then, man in your easy chair,
of the anointment of the sick,
of the New Jerusalem?
You will have to polish up the stars
with Bab-o and find a new God
as the earth empties out
into the gnarled hands of the old redeemer.
Submitted by RW
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Fury of Earth: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh boy, where do I even begin with Anne Sexton's unforgettable poem, The Fury of Earth? This piece is a masterpiece of imagery, language, and emotion that leaves the reader breathless and contemplative. In this literary criticism, I will explore the themes, symbols, and language used in The Fury of Earth and provide my interpretation of them.
Background
First, let's set the scene. The Fury of Earth was published in Anne Sexton's collection of poems titled Live or Die, which was released in 1966. This collection is known for its intense and confessional nature, with themes such as death, mental illness, and motherhood being explored throughout its pages. The Fury of Earth is no exception to this, as it deals with the theme of destruction and chaos, but also with the natural force and power of the earth.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in The Fury of Earth is the idea of destruction and chaos. Sexton uses vivid imagery to describe the earth's fury, with lines such as "the trees plunge in a silence of teeth" and "the sky cracks its poems in naked wonder". The use of violent and chaotic language creates a sense of fear and awe in the reader, as they are forced to confront the power of nature.
Another theme that can be found in The Fury of Earth is the idea of rebirth and growth. While the poem may initially seem apocalyptic, Sexton also includes lines such as "the earth is a bride again" and "the moon blazes like a medal". These lines suggest that while destruction may occur, it is also a natural part of the cycle of life and that growth and renewal will come after it.
Symbols
One of the most striking symbols used in The Fury of Earth is that of the "fury". The word itself conjures up images of rage and chaos, which is exactly what Sexton is trying to convey. The fury of the earth is a symbol of its power and unpredictability, but also its beauty and majesty.
Another symbol that can be found in The Fury of Earth is that of the moon. Sexton uses the moon to represent both the earth's femininity and its cyclical nature. The moon is described as "a silver button on the cloak of the sky" and "a medal" which suggests both beauty and power.
Language
The language used in The Fury of Earth is incredibly powerful and evocative. Sexton's use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a sense of awe and fear in the reader. For example, the line "the earth rocks forward with a brute desire" is both violent and sensual, reflecting the power of nature and its ability to both create and destroy.
Sexton's use of repetition is also notable in The Fury of Earth. The repeated use of the word "fury" creates a sense of urgency and intensity, while the repetition of the phrase "the earth is a bride again" emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death.
Interpretation
So, what does it all mean? In my interpretation, The Fury of Earth is a reflection of the power and unpredictability of nature. Sexton is suggesting that while we may try to control and tame the earth, it will always remain a force to be reckoned with. However, she also suggests that destruction and chaos are a natural part of the cycle of life, and that growth and renewal will come after it.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on our relationship with nature. Sexton seems to be suggesting that we need to respect and appreciate the earth's power, rather than trying to dominate it. By personifying the earth as a bride and a fury, she is highlighting the importance of acknowledging nature as a living, breathing entity with its own desires and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Fury of Earth is a stunning example of Anne Sexton's ability to create powerful and evocative poetry. Through her use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and striking symbols, she is able to convey the power and beauty of nature, as well as its potential for chaos and destruction. The poem is a call to respect and appreciate the earth's power, and to acknowledge our place in the cycle of life and death. It is a truly unforgettable piece of poetry and one that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Fury of Earth: A Poem of Nature's Wrath
Anne Sexton's poem, The Fury of Earth, is a powerful and evocative piece that explores the destructive power of nature. Written in 1974, the poem is a response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Agnes, which hit the eastern coast of the United States in June of that year. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem, and examine how Sexton uses these elements to convey her message about the fury of nature.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the hurricane, as Sexton paints a picture of the storm's destructive force:
The earth is a devil's dice
and the hurricane leaves a convulsion
of angry angels in its wake.
The metaphor of the earth as a devil's dice suggests that nature is capricious and unpredictable, and that the forces that govern it are beyond human understanding. The hurricane, in turn, is described as leaving a "convulsion of angry angels" in its wake, which suggests that the storm is not just a natural phenomenon, but a manifestation of divine anger or punishment.
Sexton continues to explore this theme of divine wrath throughout the poem, as she describes the hurricane as a "fist of God" and a "whip of the Lord." These images suggest that the storm is not just a random occurrence, but a deliberate act of punishment or retribution. The use of religious imagery also adds a sense of gravity and seriousness to the poem, as if the hurricane is not just a natural disaster, but a sign of something much larger and more ominous.
The poem also contains a number of vivid and evocative images that convey the destructive power of the storm. For example, Sexton describes the hurricane as "a black rose / that has turned to dust," which suggests that the storm has destroyed something beautiful and delicate. The image of the rose turning to dust also suggests that the storm has reduced something once vibrant and alive to nothingness.
Sexton also uses the image of the hurricane as a "whip" to convey the violence and brutality of the storm. The image of a whip suggests not just physical force, but also the idea of punishment and control. The hurricane, in this sense, is not just a force of nature, but a manifestation of human cruelty and oppression.
The poem also contains a number of references to the human impact of the storm. Sexton describes the hurricane as "a thief in the night," which suggests that the storm has taken something valuable or precious from the people it has affected. The image of the storm as a thief also suggests that the storm has acted with malice and intent, rather than as a random act of nature.
Sexton also describes the aftermath of the storm, as she writes:
The earth is a graveyard
and the hurricane is its gravedigger.
This image suggests that the storm has not just caused physical destruction, but has also left an emotional and psychological impact on the people it has affected. The idea of the earth as a graveyard also suggests that the storm has caused death and loss, and that the people affected by the storm are left to mourn and grieve.
Throughout the poem, Sexton uses language that is both powerful and evocative. She uses metaphors and imagery to convey the destructive power of the storm, and to explore the idea of divine wrath and punishment. The use of religious imagery adds a sense of gravity and seriousness to the poem, and suggests that the storm is not just a natural disaster, but a sign of something much larger and more ominous.
In conclusion, The Fury of Earth is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the destructive power of nature. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Anne Sexton conveys the idea of divine wrath and punishment, and explores the impact of the storm on the people it has affected. The poem is a reminder of the awesome power of nature, and a warning of the potential consequences of human actions on the environment.
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