'The Other' by Anne Sexton

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Under my bowels, yellow with smoke,
it waits.
Under my eyes, those milk bunnies,
it waits.
It is waiting.
It is waiting.
Mr. Doppelganger.My brother.My spouse.
Mr. Doppelganger.My enemy.My lover.
When truth comes spilling out like peas
it hangs up the phone.
When the child is soothed and resting on the breast
it is my other who swallows Lysol.
When someone kisses someone or flushes the toilet
it is my other who sits in a ball and cries.
My other beats a tin drum in my heart.
My other hangs up laundry as I try to sleep.
My other cries and cries and cries
when I put on a cocktail dress.
It cries when I prick a potato.
It cries when I kiss someone hello.
It cries and cries and cries
until I put on a painted mask
and leer at Jesus in His passion.
Then it giggles.
It is a thumbscrew.
Its hatred makes it clairvoyant.
I can only sign over everything,
the house, the dog, the ladders, the jewels,
the soul, the family tree, the mailbox.Then I can sleep.Maybe.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Anne Sexton's "The Other"

Wow! Anne Sexton's "The Other" is a haunting and powerful poem that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. The poem is a journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of identity, desire, and the duality of the self. Sexton's use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader in and leaves them questioning their own sense of self.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with the speaker questioning the nature of the self, asking "Who am I?" The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker seeks to understand the duality of the self. The speaker sees herself as split into two entities, one that is "good" and one that is "bad." The "good" self is described as "the one that loves, that picks no quarrels," while the "bad" self is "the one that kills."

The imagery of the two selves is striking, with the "good" self portrayed as an angel and the "bad" self as a devil. The use of religious imagery adds another layer of meaning to the poem, suggesting that the speaker is grappling with questions of morality and sin. The speaker's desire to understand and reconcile these two aspects of herself is evident in the lines, "I want to love that other one / the dark one."

Sexton's use of metaphorical language is particularly effective in this poem. The speaker describes herself as "half a dozen hearts" and "a house with two rooms." These metaphors highlight the duality of the self and the internal conflict that the speaker is experiencing. The use of the number "two" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the dual nature of the self.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker declares, "I am two women." The use of the word "women" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees herself as two distinct and independent entities. The final line, "I do them both," suggests that the speaker has accepted and embraced her dual nature.

Interpretation of the Poem

"The Other" can be interpreted in a number of ways, but at its core, it is a poem about the struggle for self-acceptance. The speaker is grappling with the fact that she contains both "good" and "bad" aspects within herself. She is torn between her desire to be a "good" person and her darker impulses. Ultimately, the poem is about embracing these conflicting aspects of the self and finding a way to live with them.

The religious imagery in the poem adds another layer of meaning. The speaker is struggling with questions of morality and sin, and the use of angel and devil imagery highlights this struggle. The poem can be seen as a commentary on the traditional dichotomy between good and evil, and the difficulty of reconciling these two opposing forces within oneself.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on gender roles and societal expectations. The speaker is grappling with the fact that she contains both masculine and feminine qualities within herself. The use of the word "women" in the final stanza suggests that the speaker sees herself as embodying both traditionally masculine and feminine traits. The poem can be seen as a critique of the strict gender roles that society imposes on individuals, and the difficulty of reconciling these roles with one's own sense of self.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anne Sexton's "The Other" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of the human psyche. The poem is a journey of self-discovery, in which the speaker grapples with questions of identity, desire, and the duality of the self. Sexton's use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader in and leaves them questioning their own sense of self. Whether interpreted as a commentary on morality, gender roles, or simply the struggle for self-acceptance, "The Other" is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Anne Sexton’s “The Other” is a haunting and deeply personal poem that explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. Written in 1960, the poem is a reflection of Sexton’s own struggles with mental illness and her attempts to come to terms with her own sense of self.

The poem is structured in three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker’s identity. In the first part, the speaker describes herself as “the other woman,” a figure who is both desired and reviled by men. She is a symbol of temptation and sin, a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature. The speaker is acutely aware of her own power and the effect she has on men, but she is also aware of the price she pays for this power. She is an outsider, a figure who is always on the margins of society, never fully accepted or understood.

In the second part of the poem, the speaker explores her own sense of self. She describes herself as a “stranger” in her own body, someone who is disconnected from her own emotions and desires. She is trapped in a world that she does not understand, a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. The speaker is searching for a way to connect with herself, to find a sense of purpose and meaning in her life.

In the final part of the poem, the speaker confronts the reality of her own mortality. She describes herself as a “ghost,” a figure who is both present and absent, both alive and dead. She is haunted by the knowledge that she will one day die, and she is searching for a way to come to terms with this reality. The speaker is looking for a way to find meaning in her life, to make sense of the world around her, and to find a sense of peace in the face of death.

Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the speaker’s emotions and experiences. She uses metaphors and symbols to explore the themes of identity and self-discovery, and she creates a sense of tension and unease that is both unsettling and compelling.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Sexton uses language to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The speaker is never fully defined or understood, and her identity is constantly shifting and changing. This creates a sense of unease and tension that is both unsettling and compelling.

Another important aspect of the poem is the way in which Sexton explores the themes of gender and sexuality. The speaker is a woman who is both desired and reviled by men, and she is acutely aware of the power that she holds over them. She is a symbol of temptation and sin, a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature. This creates a sense of tension and unease that is both unsettling and compelling.

Overall, “The Other” is a powerful and deeply personal poem that explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. Sexton’s use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of tension and unease that is both unsettling and compelling, and her exploration of gender and sexuality adds an important layer of complexity to the poem. This is a poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it, a testament to Sexton’s skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

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