'Locked Doors' by Anne Sexton

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For the angels who inhabit this town,
although their shape constantly changes,
each night we leave some cold potatoes
and a bowl of milk on the windowsill.
Usually they inhabit heaven where,
by the way, no tears are allowed.
They push the moon around like
a boiled yam.
The Milky Way is their hen
with her many children.
When it is night the cows lie down
but the moon, that big bull,
stands up.However, there is a locked room up there
with an iron door that can't be opened.
It has all your bad dreams in it.
It is hell.
Some say the devil locks the door
from the inside.
Some say the angels lock it from the outside.
The people inside have no water
and are never allowed to touch.
They crack like macadam.
They are mute.
They do not cry help
except inside
where their hearts are covered with grubs.I would like to unlock that door,
turn the rusty key
and hold each fallen one in my arms
but I cannot, I cannot.
I can only sit here on earth
at my place at the table.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Locked Doors by Anne Sexton: An Analysis

Anne Sexton’s “Locked Doors” is a powerful poem that explores the theme of loneliness and the longing for human connection. In this poem, the speaker portrays their isolation and emotional turmoil, which is intensified by the boundaries they have created for themselves. Through the use of symbolism, imagery, and language, Sexton delves into the complexities of human emotion and the pain of living in a world where we are often unable to connect with others.

A Deeper Look at the Poem

The poem begins with the speaker describing their surroundings, painting a vivid picture of a room that is closed off from the world:

Locked doors, and the keys were lost
years ago.

The use of the word “lost” here implies that the speaker has intentionally created a barrier between themselves and the outside world. They are no longer interested in seeking out connections with others, and have locked themselves away in isolation. The imagery of “locked doors” is a powerful symbol of the speaker’s emotional state, suggesting that they have closed themselves off from others and are unable to open up.

Throughout the poem, the speaker continues to describe their isolated existence, highlighting the emptiness and loneliness of their life. They describe their surroundings in detail, from the “windowless walls” to the “ghosts that haunt this room.” These details create a sense of suffocation and despair, emphasizing the speaker’s isolation and lack of human connection.

There are no mirrors here.

This line is particularly striking, as it suggests that the speaker has removed even the possibility of self-reflection. They are so consumed by their own pain and loneliness that they cannot bear to look at themselves in the mirror.

I think I am a man.

This line is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker has lost touch with their own identity. They have become so disconnected from others that they no longer feel like themselves. This is a powerful reflection on the impact of loneliness and isolation on the human psyche.

The Power of Language

One of the most striking features of “Locked Doors” is the use of language. Sexton’s words create a vivid and haunting atmosphere, drawing the reader into the speaker’s world. The use of concrete imagery, such as “the windowless walls” and “the ghosts that haunt this room,” creates a sense of claustrophobia and despair.

At the same time, Sexton’s language is also beautiful and poetic. Lines such as “the sun comes in like honey” and “I am a hive of honey / bees” create a sense of warmth and sweetness in the midst of the speaker’s pain. This contrast between beauty and despair is a powerful reflection of the complexities of human emotion.

The Theme of Loneliness

Perhaps the most significant theme in “Locked Doors” is the theme of loneliness. The poem explores the pain of being disconnected from others and the longing for human connection. The speaker is trapped in their own emotional prison, unable to break free from their isolation and connect with others.

The use of the symbol of the “locked doors” is particularly powerful in this context. The speaker has created their own barriers, preventing them from connecting with others. This is a reflection of the way in which we often create our own emotional barriers, preventing us from forming meaningful connections with others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Locked Doors” is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the complexities of human emotion. Sexton’s use of imagery, language, and symbolism creates a vivid portrait of a person trapped in their own emotional prison, unable to connect with others. The theme of loneliness is particularly striking, emphasizing the pain of being disconnected from others and the longing for human connection. This is a poem that speaks to the human experience, reminding us of the importance of human connection and the devastating impact of loneliness and isolation.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Locked Doors: A Deep Dive into Anne Sexton's Masterpiece

Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for her confessional style of writing. Her poems often explore the darker aspects of human nature, including mental illness, suicide, and addiction. One of her most famous works, "Poetry Locked Doors," is a haunting exploration of the creative process and the struggle to find inspiration.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a dream in which she is locked in a room with no windows or doors. She is alone and unable to escape. This dream serves as a metaphor for the creative process, which can often feel isolating and frustrating. The speaker is trapped in her own mind, unable to find a way out.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of poetry as a key that can unlock the door to the speaker's creativity. She writes, "I say to myself / I will break through that door / someday." This line suggests that the speaker is determined to find a way to access her creativity, even if it means breaking down barriers.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes the act of writing as a form of self-harm. She writes, "I am a knife / cutting / into my own heart." This line suggests that the act of writing is painful and that the speaker is willing to endure that pain in order to create something meaningful.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of inspiration as a force that comes from outside of the speaker. She writes, "I wait for the inspiration / to strike / like a match." This line suggests that the speaker is not in control of her own creativity and that she must wait for inspiration to come to her.

The fifth stanza of the poem is a turning point. The speaker realizes that she has been waiting for inspiration to come to her, but that she must take action in order to find it. She writes, "But I am the door / I am the doorknob / I am the knocker / I am the knocker." This line suggests that the speaker is the key to her own creativity and that she must take responsibility for unlocking it.

The sixth stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges herself to take control of her own creativity and to stop waiting for inspiration to come to her. She writes, "I must stand / on my own two legs / I must become my own / inspiration." This line suggests that the speaker is ready to take control of her own creative process and to find inspiration within herself.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful affirmation of the speaker's determination to unlock her own creativity. She writes, "I will break through that door / someday / I promise myself." This line suggests that the speaker is committed to finding a way to access her creativity and that she will not give up until she does.

In "Poetry Locked Doors," Anne Sexton explores the struggle to find inspiration and the creative process itself. The poem is a powerful reminder that creativity can be a painful and isolating experience, but that it is ultimately worth the effort. The speaker's determination to find a way to access her own creativity is inspiring, and her realization that she is the key to her own success is a powerful message for anyone struggling to find their own creative voice.

Overall, "Poetry Locked Doors" is a masterpiece of confessional poetry. Anne Sexton's raw and honest exploration of the creative process is both haunting and inspiring, and her message of self-determination is one that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to find their own creative voice.

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