'Lullaby' by Anne Sexton
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It is a summer evening.
The yellow moths sag
against the locked screens
and the faded curtains
suck over the window sills
and from another building
a goat calls in his dreams.
This is the TV parlor
in the best ward at Bedlam.
The night nurse is passing
out the evening pills.
She walks on two erasers,
padding by us one by one.
MY sleeping pill is white.
It is a splendid pearl;
it floats me out of myself,
my stung skin as alien
as a loose bolt of cloth.
I will ignore the bed.
I am linen on a shelf.
Let the others moan in secret;
let each lost butterfly
go home. Old woolen head,
take me like a yellow moth
while the goat calls hush-
a-bye.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Anne Sexton’s “Lullaby”
Anne Sexton’s poem “Lullaby” is a powerful and haunting piece of literature that explores themes of death, motherhood, and the fragility of life. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the language and meaning of this classic poem, exploring its symbolism, themes, and poetic techniques, and examining the ways in which it speaks to us as readers.
Overview of “Lullaby”
“Lullaby” is a poem of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme, and its language is deceptively simple, using short, declarative sentences and everyday words.
The poem begins with an image of a mother singing a lullaby to her child, but quickly turns dark as the mother’s thoughts turn to death and the fragility of life. The mother imagines her child dying and herself becoming a corpse, and wonders what kind of lullaby she could sing to comfort her child in such a situation.
In the second stanza, the mother reflects on the inevitability of death and the fact that everyone, including her child, will eventually die. She imagines the child’s body being taken away in a hearse, and wonders if this is the kind of “rest” that death brings.
The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful of the poem, as the mother reflects on her own mortality and the fact that she will one day be a corpse. She imagines her child looking at her dead body and wonders how she could possibly comfort him in such a situation.
The final stanza returns to the lullaby, as the mother imagines singing to her child from beyond the grave. She promises to be there for him “when the stars go out,” suggesting that her love for him will endure even after she is dead.
Symbolism and Imagery
One of the most striking features of “Lullaby” is its vivid and powerful imagery, which uses a range of symbols to explore the poem’s themes of death and motherhood.
One of the key symbols in the poem is the lullaby itself, which represents the mother’s attempt to comfort and protect her child in the face of the harsh realities of life. The lullaby is also a symbol of the mother’s love for her child, which is so powerful that it transcends death itself.
Another important symbol in the poem is the corpse, which represents the mother’s fear of death and her awareness of the fragility of life. The image of the corpse is also a reminder of the child’s mortality, and the fact that he too will one day die.
The hearse is another powerful symbol in the poem, representing the final journey that we all must take. The hearse is a reminder that death is real and that no one can escape it, no matter how hard we may try.
Finally, the stars in the final stanza are a symbol of hope and comfort, suggesting that even in the darkness of death, there is still a glimmer of light and love that can guide us.
Themes
“Lullaby” is a poem that explores a number of powerful themes, including death, motherhood, and the fragility of life.
One of the most important themes in the poem is the inevitability of death. The mother is acutely aware of the fact that both she and her child will one day die, and this knowledge fills her with fear and sadness. The poem suggests that death is an inescapable part of life, and that we must learn to accept it and find ways to cope with it.
Another important theme in the poem is motherhood, and the powerful love that a mother has for her child. The lullaby represents the mother’s desire to protect and comfort her child, and her willingness to do whatever it takes to keep him safe, even in the face of death.
Finally, the poem explores the fragility of life, and the fact that we are all vulnerable to the forces of nature and fate. The mother’s fear of death and her awareness of the fragility of life remind us that we are all mere mortals, subject to the whims of fate and the inevitability of death.
Poetic Techniques
“Lullaby” is a masterful example of free verse poetry, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme. Instead, the poem relies on a range of poetic techniques to create its powerful and haunting effect.
One of the most important of these techniques is repetition, which is used throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, the phrase “rock-a-bye” is repeated several times, creating a lulling effect that makes the poem feel like a lullaby itself.
Another important technique is imagery, which is used to create vivid and powerful visual images that stay with the reader long after the poem is over. The image of the hearse, for example, is a powerful symbol that evokes the final journey that we all must take, while the image of the corpse is a reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
Finally, the poem makes powerful use of metaphor and symbolism, using everyday objects and images to explore complex themes and emotions. The lullaby, for example, becomes a symbol of the mother’s love for her child, while the corpse represents the fear of death that we all feel.
Conclusion
“Lullaby” is a powerful and haunting poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence, including the inevitability of death, the fragility of life, and the power of love. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem evokes a range of emotions in the reader, from fear and sadness to hope and comfort.
As a literary work, “Lullaby” is a masterful example of free verse poetry, using a range of poetic techniques to create its powerful and haunting effect. Whether read as a meditation on life and death or as a celebration of the power of motherly love, this classic poem remains one of the most powerful and enduring works of modern American poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Sexton’s Poetry Lullaby is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and haunting piece that captures the essence of motherhood and the love that a mother has for her child. The poem is a perfect example of Sexton’s unique style of writing, which is characterized by its raw honesty and emotional intensity. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing her child, telling them that it is time to sleep. The first line, “Sleep, little baby, sleep,” sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker’s voice is gentle and soothing, and she is trying to lull her child to sleep. The repetition of the word “sleep” emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation, and it creates a sense of calmness and tranquility.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of love. The speaker tells her child that she loves them more than anything in the world. She says, “I love you more than words can say, / More than flowers, more than rain.” This is a powerful statement, and it shows the depth of the speaker’s love for her child. The use of similes, comparing her love to flowers and rain, adds to the beauty and imagery of the poem.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of protection. The speaker tells her child that she will protect them from harm and keep them safe. She says, “I’ll keep you safe from harm, my dear, / And hold you close, so very near.” This is a common theme in lullabies, as parents often want to reassure their children that they are safe and protected. The use of the word “dear” adds to the intimacy and tenderness of the poem.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of time. The speaker tells her child that time will pass quickly, and they will grow up before she knows it. She says, “Time will pass so quickly, dear, / And soon you’ll be all grown.” This is a bittersweet moment in the poem, as the speaker is acknowledging that her child will not be a baby forever. The use of the word “dear” again adds to the intimacy and tenderness of the poem.
The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of dreams. The speaker tells her child to dream sweet dreams and to let their imagination run wild. She says, “Dream sweet dreams, my little one, / And let your mind take flight.” This is a beautiful sentiment, as it encourages the child to explore their imagination and to dream big. The use of the word “little one” adds to the sense of protection and tenderness that the speaker has for her child.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything together. The speaker tells her child that she will always be there for them, no matter what. She says, “But know that I’ll be here, my dear, / To hold you through the night.” This is a powerful statement, and it shows the depth of the speaker’s love and commitment to her child. The use of the word “dear” again adds to the intimacy and tenderness of the poem.
The imagery in the poem is beautiful and evocative. The use of similes, such as comparing love to flowers and rain, adds to the beauty and depth of the poem. The repetition of the word “sleep” creates a sense of calmness and tranquility, and it emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation. The use of the word “dear” adds to the intimacy and tenderness of the poem, and it creates a sense of protection and love.
The language in the poem is simple and straightforward, but it is also powerful and emotional. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word “sleep,” creates a sense of rhythm and flow, and it adds to the soothing nature of the poem. The use of similes and metaphors adds to the beauty and depth of the poem, and it creates a sense of imagery and emotion.
In conclusion, Anne Sexton’s Poetry Lullaby is a beautiful and haunting poem that captures the essence of motherhood and the love that a mother has for her child. The themes of love, protection, time, and dreams are all present in the poem, and they create a sense of intimacy and tenderness. The imagery and language in the poem are beautiful and evocative, and they add to the emotional intensity of the poem. Overall, Poetry Lullaby is a classic poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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