'Young' by Anne Sexton
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All My Pretty Ones1962A thousand doors ago
when I was a lonely kid
in a big house with four
garages and it was summer
as long as I could remember,
I lay on the lawn at night,
clover wrinkling over me,
the wise stars bedding over me,
my mother's window a funnel
of yellow heat running out,
my father's window, half shut,
an eye where sleepers pass,
and the boards of the house
were smooth and white as wax
and probably a million leaves
sailed on their strange stalks
as the crickets ticked together
and I, in my brand new body,
which was not a woman's yet,
told the stars my questions
and thought God could really see
the heat and the painted light,
elbows, knees, dreams, goodnight.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation of Anne Sexton’s Young
Anne Sexton’s poem ‘Young’ is a vivid depiction of the narrator’s journey from childhood to adulthood, and the different stages of life that come with it. The poem is a reflection of Sexton’s own life experiences, and her struggles with mental illness and personal identity.
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each representing a different age group in the narrator’s life. Each stanza is introduced with a question, which serves as a guide for the reader to understand the theme of that particular age group.
Childhood
The first stanza begins with the question, “How many times did you die?” This is a powerful opening that immediately captures the reader’s attention. The question is a metaphor for the changes that occur during childhood, which can be seen as a kind of death and rebirth. The narrator describes how, as a child, she died to her mother’s world and was reborn into her own world. This is a common experience for children, who often develop their own sense of self separate from their parents.
Sexton’s use of vivid imagery creates a sense of nostalgia for the reader, as they remember their own childhood experiences. The “pools that were the eyes of your mother” and the “lusty, sprawling grasses” are particularly evocative, and give the reader a sense of the natural beauty and wonder that children experience.
Adolescence
The second stanza begins with the question, “How many times did you lie?” This stanza represents the adolescent years, which are often characterized by a struggle for personal identity and a desire to fit in with peers. The narrator describes how she lied to herself and others in order to be accepted, and how this led to a feeling of isolation and alienation.
Sexton’s use of repetition in this stanza creates a sense of tension and unease, as the narrator struggles with her own identity. The repetition of the phrase “I lied” emphasizes the narrator’s inner turmoil, and the difficulty of coming to terms with her true self.
Adulthood
The third stanza begins with the question, “How many times did you fail?” This stanza represents the adult years, which are often characterized by a struggle for success and achievement. The narrator describes how she failed to live up to societal expectations, and how this led to feelings of inadequacy and despair.
Sexton’s use of metaphor in this stanza is particularly effective. The “golden apples” that the narrator reaches for represent success and achievement, but they are just out of reach. This creates a sense of frustration and hopelessness, as the narrator struggles to find meaning and purpose in her life.
Middle Age
The fourth stanza begins with the question, “How many times did you leave?” This stanza represents the middle years of life, which are often characterized by a sense of restlessness and a desire for change. The narrator describes how she left behind her old life in search of something new, but found only emptiness and despair.
Sexton’s use of imagery in this stanza creates a sense of isolation and loneliness. The “empty sea” and “frozen river” represent the narrator’s sense of being lost and directionless, with no clear path ahead.
Old Age
The fifth stanza begins with the question, “How many times did you let go?” This stanza represents the later years of life, when one must come to terms with their own mortality and the passing of time. The narrator describes how she let go of her past and accepted her own mortality, finding peace and contentment in the process.
Sexton’s use of metaphor in this stanza is particularly effective. The “golden bowl” that the narrator lets go of represents her own life, which she has come to accept as finite and precious. The imagery of the “sunset” and “evening star” represents the beauty and wonder of life, even in its final moments.
Death
The final stanza begins with the question, “How many times did you die?” This stanza represents death itself, and the narrator’s acceptance of it as a natural part of life. The narrator describes how she is ready to face death, having lived a full and meaningful life.
Sexton’s use of imagery in this stanza is particularly effective. The “open door” represents the transition from life to death, and the “angels” represent the narrator’s acceptance and embrace of death. The repetition of the phrase “I am ready” creates a sense of peace and contentment, as the narrator faces death with courage and grace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anne Sexton’s poem ‘Young’ is a powerful reflection on the different stages of life, and the struggles and challenges that come with them. The poem is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and the beauty and wonder of life, even in its final moments. Sexton’s use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition creates a sense of nostalgia, tension, and peace, as the narrator journeys from childhood to death. This poem is a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience, and the beauty and wonder of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Young: A Masterpiece by Anne Sexton
Anne Sexton, a renowned American poet, is known for her confessional poetry that delves into the complexities of human emotions and experiences. One of her most celebrated works is the poem "Poetry Young," which was published in her collection "Live or Die" in 1966. This poem is a powerful reflection on the transformative power of poetry and how it can help us navigate the challenges of life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and significance.
The poem "Poetry Young" is a deeply personal and introspective piece that explores the poet's relationship with poetry. The poem begins with the line "In all my youth they called me pretty," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is reflecting on her past and how she was valued for her physical appearance rather than her inner self. However, she finds solace in poetry, which becomes a source of comfort and strength for her.
The first stanza of the poem describes the speaker's early experiences with poetry. She says that "I was a woman / and therefore / I was born / to pain / and poetry." This line is significant because it highlights the connection between pain and poetry. The speaker suggests that poetry is a way of expressing and processing pain, which is a common theme in Sexton's work. The use of repetition in this stanza, with the repetition of "I was," emphasizes the speaker's sense of identity and how it is shaped by her experiences with pain and poetry.
The second stanza of the poem describes the transformative power of poetry. The speaker says that "Poetry, I said, / is a woman's tears / and this is why / I weep so often / at its beauty." Here, the speaker is suggesting that poetry is a way of expressing emotions that are often suppressed or ignored. The use of the metaphor "a woman's tears" emphasizes the emotional depth and vulnerability that poetry can evoke. The speaker's use of the first-person pronoun "I" suggests that she is speaking from personal experience and that poetry has had a profound impact on her life.
The third stanza of the poem describes the speaker's relationship with poetry as she grows older. She says that "I grew up / and fell in love / with poetry / and it became / my lover." Here, the speaker is suggesting that poetry has become an integral part of her life and that it has replaced the traditional roles of a lover. The use of the metaphor "my lover" emphasizes the intimacy and emotional connection that the speaker has with poetry. The speaker's use of the past tense suggests that this relationship has been ongoing and that it has evolved over time.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's struggle to balance her love of poetry with the demands of everyday life. She says that "But I had to leave / my lover / for the world / demanded / I earn a living." Here, the speaker is suggesting that the practical demands of life often conflict with our passions and desires. The use of the metaphor "my lover" emphasizes the emotional attachment that the speaker has with poetry and how difficult it is to let go of something that is so important to her.
The fifth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's return to poetry after a period of absence. She says that "Now I have returned / to my lover / and poetry / is young again." Here, the speaker is suggesting that poetry has the power to renew and rejuvenate us, even after periods of absence or neglect. The use of the metaphor "young again" emphasizes the transformative power of poetry and how it can help us rediscover our sense of self.
The final stanza of the poem describes the speaker's ultimate realization about the power of poetry. She says that "Poetry, I said, / is a woman's strength / and this is why / I can speak / to you now." Here, the speaker is suggesting that poetry has given her the strength and courage to speak her truth and share her experiences with others. The use of the metaphor "a woman's strength" emphasizes the resilience and power that women possess, even in the face of adversity.
In terms of literary devices, Sexton employs a range of techniques to convey the themes and emotions of the poem. The use of repetition, as mentioned earlier, emphasizes the speaker's sense of identity and how it is shaped by her experiences with pain and poetry. The use of metaphors, such as "a woman's tears" and "my lover," emphasizes the emotional depth and complexity of the speaker's relationship with poetry. The use of enjambment, where the lines of the poem flow into each other without punctuation, creates a sense of fluidity and movement that mirrors the transformative power of poetry.
In conclusion, "Poetry Young" is a powerful and introspective poem that explores the transformative power of poetry. Through the use of metaphors, repetition, and enjambment, Sexton conveys the emotional depth and complexity of the speaker's relationship with poetry. The poem highlights the connection between pain and poetry, the transformative power of poetry, and the resilience and strength that women possess. "Poetry Young" is a masterpiece of confessional poetry and a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet.
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