'Gods' by Anne Sexton

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Ms. Sexton went out looking for the gods.
She began looking in the sky
-expecting a large white angel with a blue crotch.No one.She looked next in all the learned books
and the print spat back at her.No oneShe made a pilgrimage to the great poet
and he belched in her face.No one.She prayed in all the churches of the world
and learned a great deal about culture.No one.She went to the Atlantic, the Pacific, for surely God...No one.She went to the Buddha, the Brahma, the Pyramids
and found immense postcards.No one.Then she journeyed back to her own house
and the gods of the world were shut in the lavatory.At last!
she cried out,
and locked the door.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Gods by Anne Sexton: A Profound Exploration of Human Nature

Anne Sexton's Gods is a masterpiece of poetry that delves deep into the nature of human beings, their desires, dreams, and fears. In this poem, Sexton vividly portrays how the gods of ancient Greek mythology mirror the human psyche and how their myths reveal the truths and complexities of human existence. Using powerful imagery and metaphors, Sexton explores the deep-seated human need for love, the struggle for identity, and the eternal quest for meaning.

The Poem: An Overview

Gods is a 28-line poem that is divided into seven stanzas. Each stanza comprises four lines, with the exception of the last one, which has only two. The poem is written in free verse, and there is no regular rhyme scheme or meter. However, the poem's structure is meticulously crafted, with each stanza adding to the overall meaning and theme of the poem.

The Themes: Love, Identity, and Meaning

The poem's main themes are love, identity, and meaning. Sexton explores these themes through the portrayal of the Greek gods and their myths. The gods in this poem represent different aspects of human nature, and their myths reveal the truths and complexities of human existence.

Love

The theme of love is central to the poem. Sexton examines human beings' need for love and their desperation in its absence. The gods in this poem are portrayed as beings who are desperate for love and attention. For example, Zeus is described as "a beaked king" who is "always hungry" for his wife. Similarly, Aphrodite is depicted as a goddess who is "lonely" and "begging" for love.

Identity

The theme of identity is also explored in the poem. Sexton examines the struggle for identity and how it is shaped by external factors. The gods in this poem are portrayed as beings who are defined by their roles and responsibilities. For example, Zeus is depicted as a king who rules over the gods, while Apollo is portrayed as a god of light and music. Sexton suggests that human beings are also defined by their roles and responsibilities, and that they often struggle to find their true selves.

Meaning

The theme of meaning is explored in the poem through the portrayal of the gods and their myths. Sexton suggests that the myths reveal the deeper truths of human existence and the eternal quest for meaning. The gods in this poem are portrayed as beings who are searching for meaning and purpose in life. For example, Demeter is depicted as a goddess who is searching for her daughter, while Hades is portrayed as a god who is searching for a companion.

The Imagery: Vivid and Powerful

One of the most striking features of this poem is its vivid and powerful imagery. Sexton uses metaphor and simile to create rich and evocative images that convey the poem's themes and ideas. For example, she describes Aphrodite as a "lonely honeybee," highlighting the goddess's desperation for love. Similarly, she describes Zeus as a "beaked king," highlighting his hunger for power and control.

Another example of powerful imagery is the portrayal of Hades. Sexton describes him as a god who is "a blackened bird with a beak of bone," creating an image of death and decay. This image is echoed in the final stanza of the poem, where Hades is described as a god who "sits in his dark house like a great bat."

The Interpretation: A Profound Exploration of Human Nature

Gods is a profound exploration of human nature, as revealed through the myths and legends of ancient Greece. Sexton uses the gods as symbols of different aspects of human nature, exploring themes such as love, identity, and meaning. The poem's vivid and powerful imagery creates a rich and evocative portrait of the gods and their struggles, highlighting the profound truths and complexities of human existence.

In conclusion, Anne Sexton's Gods is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the deepest aspects of human nature. Through the portrayal of the Greek gods and their myths, Sexton offers a powerful and profound meditation on love, identity, and meaning. The poem's vivid and evocative imagery creates a rich and powerful portrait of the gods, highlighting the eternal quest for understanding and enlightenment that lies at the heart of human existence.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Gods: A Masterpiece by Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for her confessional style of writing. Her poetry is raw, honest, and often deals with themes of mental illness, death, and sexuality. One of her most celebrated works is "Poetry Gods," a poem that explores the relationship between the poet and her craft. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of this masterpiece.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the "Poetry Gods," asking them to "take me as your apprentice." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is seeking guidance and mentorship from the gods of poetry. The use of the word "apprentice" suggests that the speaker is humble and willing to learn from those who have come before her.

The first stanza of the poem is filled with vivid imagery that paints a picture of the speaker's relationship with poetry. She describes herself as a "child of the muses," suggesting that she was born to write. The use of the word "child" also implies that the speaker is still learning and growing in her craft. She goes on to describe how poetry "flows through my veins," emphasizing the importance of poetry in her life. The use of the word "veins" suggests that poetry is a part of her very being, something that she cannot live without.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to address the Poetry Gods directly. She asks them to "teach me the magic of your craft," indicating that she wants to learn the secrets of poetry from those who have mastered it. The use of the word "magic" suggests that poetry is not just a skill, but something mystical and otherworldly. The speaker goes on to describe how she wants to "dance with words," emphasizing the importance of rhythm and flow in poetry. The use of the word "dance" suggests that poetry is not just about the words themselves, but how they are arranged and presented.

The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to express her frustrations with poetry. She describes how she has "struggled with your craft," indicating that poetry is not easy to master. The use of the word "struggled" suggests that the speaker has faced obstacles and challenges in her writing. She goes on to describe how she has "cried over your mysteries," emphasizing the complexity and depth of poetry. The use of the word "mysteries" suggests that poetry is not something that can be easily understood or explained.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to express her love for poetry. She describes how poetry is "my lover and my friend," indicating that it is both a source of comfort and passion for her. The use of the word "lover" suggests that poetry is something that the speaker is deeply connected to on an emotional level. She goes on to describe how poetry "fills me up and empties me out," emphasizing the transformative power of poetry. The use of the words "fills" and "empties" suggests that poetry is something that can both nourish and deplete the speaker.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker makes her final plea to the Poetry Gods. She asks them to "take me as your own," indicating that she wants to be fully immersed in the world of poetry. The use of the word "own" suggests that the speaker wants to be a part of something greater than herself. She goes on to describe how she wants to "live and die by your craft," emphasizing the importance of poetry in her life. The use of the words "live" and "die" suggests that poetry is not just a hobby or a passion, but something that the speaker is willing to dedicate her entire life to.

In terms of structure, "Poetry Gods" is a five-stanza poem with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB). This rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and flow in poetry. The use of repetition throughout the poem (e.g. "take me as your apprentice," "teach me the magic of your craft") also adds to the musicality of the poem.

In terms of language, "Poetry Gods" is filled with vivid imagery and metaphor. The use of the word "child" in the first stanza, for example, suggests that the speaker is still learning and growing in her craft. The use of the word "magic" in the second stanza emphasizes the mystical and otherworldly nature of poetry. The use of the word "mysteries" in the third stanza suggests that poetry is something that cannot be easily understood or explained. The use of the word "lover" in the fourth stanza emphasizes the emotional connection that the speaker has with poetry.

In conclusion, "Poetry Gods" is a masterpiece of confessional poetry that explores the relationship between the poet and her craft. Through vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition, Anne Sexton paints a picture of a poet who is seeking guidance and mentorship from the gods of poetry. The poem is both musical and emotional, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, flow, and passion in poetry. "Poetry Gods" is a testament to the transformative power of poetry and the deep connection that poets have with their craft.

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