'The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man' by Anne Sexton

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Like Oedipus I am losing my sight.
LIke Judas I have done my wrong.
Their punishment is over;
the shame and disgrace of it
are all used up.
But as for me,
look into my face
and you will know that crimes dropped upon me
as from a high building
and although I cannot speak of them
or explain the degrading details
I have remembered much
about Judas -
about Judas, the old and the famous -
that you overlooked.The story of his life
is the story of mine.
I have one glass eye.
My nerves push against its painted surface
but the other one
waiting for judgement
continues to see . . .Of course
the New Testament is very small.
Its mouth opens four times -
as out-of-date as a prehistoric monster,
yet somehow man-made
held together by pullies
like the stone jaw of a back-hoe.
It gouges out the Judaic ground,
taking its own backyard
like a virgin daughter.And furthermore how did Judas come into it -
that Judas Iscariot,
belonging to the tribe of Reuben?
He should have tried to lift him up there!
His neck like an iron pole,
hard as Newcastle,
his heart as stiff as beeswax,
his legs swollen and unmarked,
his other limbs still growing.
All of it heavy!
That dead weight that would have been his fault
. He should have known!In the first place who builds up such ugliness?
I think of this man saying . . .
Look! Here's the price to do it
plus the cost of the raw materials
and if it took him three or four days
to do it, then, they'd understand.
They figured it weighed enough
to support a man. They said,
fifteen stone is the approximate weight
of a thief.Its ugliness is a matter of custom.
If there was a mistake made
then the Crucifix was constructed wrong . . .
not from the quality of the pine,
not from hanging a mirror,
not from dropping the studding or the drill
but from having an inspriation.
But Judas was not a genius
or under the auspices of an inspiration.I don't know whether it was gold or silver.
I don't know why he betrayed him
other than his motives,
other than the avaricious and dishonest man.
And then there were the forbidden crimes,
those that were expressly foretold,
and then overlooked
and then forgotten
except by me . . .
Judas had a mother
just as I had a mother.
Oh! Honor and relish the facts!
Do not think of the intense sensation
I have as I tell you this
but think only . . .Judas had a mother.
His mother had a dream.
Because of this dream
he was altogether managed by fate
and thus he raped her.
As a crime we hear little of this.
Also he sold his God.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Anne Sexton's "The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man" is a haunting and deeply moving piece of poetry that explores the themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems cruel and indifferent.

At its heart, "The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man" is a lament for a lost love, a tribute to a man who was taken too soon and whose absence is felt keenly by the poet. But it is also a meditation on the nature of love itself, and the ways in which it can transform us, inspire us, and ultimately break us.

The poem begins with a series of vivid and arresting images that set the stage for the story that follows. The first line, "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king," immediately captures the reader's attention with its paradoxical and intriguing message. The phrase suggests that even a single advantage or talent can make a person stand out in a world that is otherwise uniform and featureless. It also hints at the idea of power and authority, suggesting that those who are different or exceptional can often rise to positions of prominence and influence.

As the poem unfolds, we learn more about the titular one-eyed man and his relationship with the poet. He is described as a figure of great strength and vitality, a man who "walked like a god" and "rode his horse like the wind." He is also portrayed as a passionate and sensitive lover, a man who "made love with the fury of a wolf" and who "wept like a child" when his beloved was sad or unhappy.

But despite his many virtues, the one-eyed man is not invincible. He is mortal, like all of us, and his death leaves a deep and lasting wound in the poet's heart. She mourns his passing with a raw and unflinching intensity, describing her grief in vivid and sometimes shocking terms. She speaks of "screaming like an animal" and "puking up my heart" as she tries to come to terms with the loss of her beloved.

At the same time, however, the poet refuses to succumb to despair or hopelessness. She finds solace in the memories of her time with the one-eyed man, recalling moments of joy and beauty that they shared together. She also draws strength from her own resilience and determination, refusing to let her grief consume her completely.

Throughout the poem, Sexton uses a variety of literary techniques to create a powerful and evocative mood. She makes use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to convey the complex emotions and ideas that underpin the story. She also employs a range of poetic devices, including repetition, alliteration, and rhyme, to create a sense of rhythm and flow that propels the reader through the narrative.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man" is the way in which it challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The poem is written from the perspective of a female speaker, who is not afraid to express her own desires and emotions in a society that often seeks to silence or marginalize women. She is portrayed as a strong and passionate woman, who is not afraid to love deeply and fiercely, even if it ultimately leads to heartbreak.

At the same time, however, the poem also explores the limits of human love and the ways in which it can sometimes fail us. The one-eyed man is not a perfect hero, but a flawed and vulnerable human being, capable of both great courage and great weakness. His death is a reminder that even the most powerful and charismatic figures are ultimately subject to the forces of fate and mortality.

In conclusion, "The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a work that is both beautiful and haunting, uplifting and tragic. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and evocative themes, it speaks to the deepest aspirations and fears of the human heart, offering a vision of hope and resilience in the face of loss and grief. It is a work that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man: A Poetic Masterpiece by Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for her confessional style of writing that delves deep into the human psyche. Her poem, The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man, is a classic example of her unique style that combines myth, folklore, and personal experience to create a hauntingly beautiful narrative.

The poem tells the story of a one-eyed man who is feared and shunned by society. He is seen as a monster, a freak of nature, and is forced to live in isolation. However, the one-eyed man is not what he seems. He is a wise and compassionate soul who has the ability to see beyond the surface and into the hearts of others.

The poem begins with a description of the one-eyed man:

"Once upon a time there was a one-eyed man, who saw only half as much as you and I do. But it didn't matter that he was half-blind, for he could see things we couldn't see."

This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It establishes the one-eyed man as a unique and special character who possesses a gift that others do not. The fact that he is half-blind is not a hindrance but rather a source of strength.

The poem then goes on to describe how the one-eyed man is treated by society:

"The people in the town all feared him, for they thought he was a monster. They called him names and threw stones at him, and he was forced to live alone."

This stanza highlights the cruelty and ignorance of society. The one-eyed man is ostracized and treated as an outcast simply because he is different. The use of the word "monster" is particularly poignant as it suggests that society sees him as something less than human.

Despite the mistreatment he receives, the one-eyed man remains kind and compassionate:

"But the one-eyed man was not a monster, he was a gentle soul. He saw the world in a different way, and he knew things we didn't know."

This stanza is a turning point in the poem. It reveals the true nature of the one-eyed man and challenges the reader's preconceived notions about him. He is not a monster but rather a "gentle soul" who possesses a unique perspective on the world.

The poem then goes on to describe how the one-eyed man helps others:

"He would sit by the river and listen to the water, and he would hear the secrets of the world. He would share these secrets with the animals, and they would come to him for advice."

This stanza is particularly beautiful as it shows how the one-eyed man's gift allows him to connect with nature and the animals. He is not only wise but also compassionate and willing to share his knowledge with others.

The poem ends with a powerful message:

"So if you ever see a one-eyed man, don't be afraid of him. For he may be the wisest person you'll ever meet, and he may have a secret to share with you."

This final stanza is a call to action. It challenges the reader to look beyond appearances and to see the value in those who are different. It suggests that we should not be afraid of those who are different but rather embrace them and learn from them.

In conclusion, The Legend Of The One-Eyed Man is a poetic masterpiece that combines myth, folklore, and personal experience to create a powerful narrative. It challenges the reader to look beyond appearances and to see the value in those who are different. It is a timeless message that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Anne Sexton's unique style and powerful imagery make this poem a must-read for anyone who loves poetry.

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