'The Fallen Angels' by Anne Sexton
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They come on to my clean
sheet of paper and leave a Rorschach blot.
They do not do this to be mean,
they do it to give me a sign
they want me, as Aubrey Beardsley once said,
to shove it around till something comes.
Clumsy as I am,
I do it.
For I am like them -
both saved and lost,
tumbling downward like Humpty Dumpty
off the alphabet.Each morning I push them off my bed
and when they get in the salad
rolling in it like a dog,
I pick each one out
just the way my daughter
picks out the anchoives.
In May they dance on the jonquils,
wearing out their toes,
laughing like fish.
In November, the dread month,
they suck the childhood out of the berries
and turn them sour and inedible.Yet they keep me company.
They wiggle up life.
They pass out their magic
like Assorted Lifesavers.
They go with me to the dentist
and protect me form the drill.
At the same time,
they go to class with me
and lie to my students.O fallen angel,
the companion within me,
whisper something holy
before you pinch me
into the grave.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Fallen Angels: A Deep Dive into Anne Sexton's Poetic World
Have you ever felt like the world around you is falling apart? Have you ever looked up to the sky and wondered if there is a higher power out there watching over us, or if we are just mere mortals trying to make sense of our existence in this chaotic universe? If you have, then you will relate to Anne Sexton's masterpiece, "The Fallen Angels".
In this 31-line poem, Sexton takes us on a journey through the psyche of a fallen angel, who is struggling to come to terms with his new reality. Through powerful imagery and a hauntingly beautiful language, Sexton challenges our perceptions of good and evil, and leaves us pondering about our own place in the grand scheme of things.
The Structure of the Poem
Before we delve deeper into the themes and motifs of "The Fallen Angels", let's take a closer look at its structure. The poem is divided into four stanzas, with each stanza comprising of varying numbers of lines. The first stanza is made up of only one line, the second stanza has five lines, the third stanza has fourteen lines, and the final stanza consists of eleven lines.
The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem, with its stark and somber opening line, "The angels are falling softly". The use of the present continuous tense creates a sense of ongoing action and immediacy, while the adverb "softly" hints at a gentleness that belies the gravity of the situation. The fact that there is only one line in this stanza also adds to its impact, as if the weight of the entire poem is resting on this singular statement.
In the second stanza, the fallen angel speaks directly to the reader, asking us if we have ever seen an angel fall. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if we are being drawn into the fallen angel's personal world. The imagery in this stanza is also powerful, with the use of words like "plummet", "shatter", and "dust" creating a sense of violence and destruction.
The third stanza is the longest and most complex, comprising of fourteen lines. Here, Sexton explores the fallen angel's psychological state in more detail. The use of rhetorical questions, such as "Shall I not take my reputation from the dead?" and "Shall I not take my shadow from the wall?" creates a sense of confusion and uncertainty, as if the fallen angel is grappling with his own identity. The repeated use of the word "shall" also adds a sense of inevitability to the proceedings, as if the fallen angel is resigned to his fate.
In the final stanza, the fallen angel speaks of his longing for the heavens, and his ultimate acceptance of his new reality. The use of the word "sorrow" creates a sense of melancholy, while the final line, "And I have learned to live with dust and I shall walk like a beggar on the earth", brings the poem to a poignant and deeply moving conclusion.
The Themes and Motifs of the Poem
"The Fallen Angels" is a complex and multi-layered poem, with several themes and motifs running through it. One of the key themes of the poem is the concept of identity, and how it can be broken down and reconstructed in the face of adversity. The fallen angel's struggle to define himself in the third stanza is a powerful reminder of how fragile our sense of self can be, and how easily it can be shattered by external forces.
Another important theme of the poem is the concept of redemption, and how even the most fallen of beings can find a way to make peace with their situation. The fallen angel's acceptance of his new reality in the final stanza is a testament to the power of resilience and inner strength, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
The motif of falling is also central to the poem, both metaphorically and literally. The image of the fallen angel plummeting from the heavens is a powerful one, and creates a sense of chaos and destruction. However, the fallen angel's gradual acceptance of his new reality also suggests that falling can be a transformative experience, and that it can ultimately lead to growth and self-discovery.
The Language and Imagery of the Poem
One of the most striking aspects of "The Fallen Angels" is its use of language and imagery. Sexton's poetic style is both elegant and haunting, with a lyrical quality that draws the reader in and holds them captive until the very end.
The use of vivid imagery is also a hallmark of Sexton's style, with the fallen angel's descent from the heavens described in visceral detail. The use of words like "plummet", "crash", and "shatter" create a sense of violence and chaos, while the repeated references to dust and ashes add a sense of mortality and decay.
Sexton's use of rhetorical questions is also effective, creating a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty that leaves the reader questioning their own perceptions of good and evil. The repeated use of the word "shall" in the third stanza also adds a sense of inevitability to the proceedings, as if the fallen angel's fate is already sealed.
Final Thoughts
"The Fallen Angels" is a powerful and deeply moving poem that tackles complex themes and ideas with elegance and grace. Sexton's use of language and imagery is masterful, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy that draws the reader in and holds them captive until the very end.
Through the fallen angel's struggle to come to terms with his new reality, Sexton reminds us of the importance of resilience and inner strength, and of the power of redemption and self-discovery. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, urging you to question your own place in the grand scheme of things, and to find hope in even the darkest of times.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Sexton’s “The Fallen Angels” is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter, which gives it a raw and emotional quality. Sexton’s use of vivid imagery and biblical allusions adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding read.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the fallen angels, who are described as “the ones who fell from grace.” This biblical reference sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is steeped in religious imagery. The speaker goes on to describe the angels as “the ones who lost their wings,” which is a metaphor for their loss of innocence and purity. The angels are no longer able to fly, which represents their separation from God and their descent into sin.
The speaker then turns to the theme of guilt, asking the angels if they “still feel the weight of sin.” This question is rhetorical, as the angels are unable to respond, but it highlights the idea that guilt is a heavy burden that can weigh us down. The speaker goes on to describe the angels as “the ones who cannot forgive themselves,” which suggests that they are trapped in a cycle of self-blame and self-punishment. This is a common theme in Sexton’s work, as she often explores the idea of self-destructive behavior and the need for forgiveness.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker describes the angels as “the ones who fell into the fire.” This is a reference to the biblical story of Lucifer, who was cast out of heaven and sent to hell. The fire represents the punishment for sin, and the angels are trapped in it, unable to escape. This image is both terrifying and tragic, as it suggests that the angels are doomed to suffer for eternity.
Despite this bleak imagery, the poem ends on a note of hope. The speaker asks the angels if they “still believe in grace,” which suggests that there is still a chance for redemption. Grace is a central concept in Christianity, representing the unmerited favor of God. The speaker is asking if the angels still believe that they can be forgiven and saved, despite their sins. This is a powerful message of hope, as it suggests that even the most fallen and sinful can be redeemed.
Overall, “The Fallen Angels” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Sexton’s use of vivid imagery and biblical allusions adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding read. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the deepest aspects of the human experience, and to offer hope and redemption in the face of even the darkest of circumstances.
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