'Frenzy' by Anne Sexton


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I am not lazy.
I am on the amphetamine of the soul.
I am, each day,
typing out the God
my typewriter believes in.
Very quick. Very intense,
like a wolf at a live heart.
Not lazy.
When a lazy man, they say,
looks toward heaven,
the angels close the windows.

Oh angels,
keep the windows open
so that I may reach in
and steal each object,
objects that tell me the sea is not dying,
objects that tell me the dirt has a life-wish,
that the Christ who walked for me,
walked on true ground
and that this frenzy,
like bees stinging the heart all morning,
will keep the angels
with their windows open,
wide as an English bathtub.


Submitted by Emily

Editor 1 Interpretation

Frenzy by Anne Sexton: A Masterpiece of Confessional Poetry

Anne Sexton was one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, known for her powerful confessional poetry that delved deep into the human psyche and explored themes of mental illness, sexuality, and gender roles. Her poem "Frenzy" is a perfect example of her unique style, which combines raw emotion with vivid imagery and metaphors. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of "Frenzy" and how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning.

Themes

At its core, "Frenzy" is a poem about the intense, overwhelming emotions that can drive a person to the brink of madness. Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid, often violent imagery to convey the speaker's sense of emotional turmoil. The poem opens with the line, "I am not lazy. I am on the amphetamine of the soul," immediately establishing the speaker's frenzied, manic state. The speaker goes on to describe their "brain's electrical rhythms" as "a whirlpool," and compares their body to a "raging fire." These images suggest a state of intense, almost uncontrollable energy, which is a hallmark of mania and other forms of mental illness.

Another key theme of "Frenzy" is the speaker's struggle to find meaning and purpose in their life. The speaker describes themselves as feeling "empty as a shell" and searching for something to fill the void inside them. They try to find meaning in their work, their relationships, and their own identity, but everything seems to fall short. This sense of existential despair is a common theme in Sexton's work, and speaks to the universal human experience of searching for meaning and purpose in a chaotic and often meaningless world.

Finally, "Frenzy" can also be read as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women. The speaker describes themselves as a "desperate housewife," trapped in a life of domesticity and yearning for something more. They describe their body as a "caged bird" and their mind as a "shackled slave," suggesting a sense of confinement and oppression. This theme of female oppression is a recurring theme in Sexton's work, as she often explored the ways in which society restricts and controls women's lives.

Imagery and Symbolism

One of the most striking things about "Frenzy" is its use of vivid, often violent imagery to convey the speaker's emotional state. The poem is full of images of fire, water, and electricity, all of which suggest a sense of intense energy and emotional volatility. For example, the speaker describes their body as a "raging fire" and their brain's electrical rhythms as a "whirlpool," both of which suggest a sense of intense, almost uncontrollable energy. Similarly, the image of a "caged bird" suggests a sense of confinement and oppression, while the image of a "shackled slave" suggests a sense of powerlessness and helplessness.

Another key symbol in "Frenzy" is the color red, which appears throughout the poem. The speaker describes their "red demons" and their "red blood," both of which suggest a sense of passion and intensity. However, the color red can also be read as a symbol of danger and warning, suggesting that the speaker's intense emotions are not entirely positive. This ambiguity is a hallmark of Sexton's work, as she often explored the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions.

Interpretation

So, what does "Frenzy" mean? At its core, the poem is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the intense emotions that drive us. The speaker's frenzied, manic state suggests a sense of emotional volatility that many of us can relate to, whether we struggle with mental illness or not. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of searching for meaning and purpose in a chaotic and often meaningless world, and the frustration and despair that can come with that search. Finally, "Frenzy" can also be read as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women, and the ways in which those expectations can be limiting and oppressive.

Overall, "Frenzy" is a masterpiece of confessional poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Sexton's powerful imagery and raw emotion make the poem a visceral experience, one that speaks to the most primal and intense parts of the human experience. Whether you're a fan of confessional poetry or just looking for a powerful exploration of the human psyche, "Frenzy" is a must-read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Frenzy by Anne Sexton: A Poem of Madness and Despair

Anne Sexton was a poet who was known for her confessional style of writing. Her poems were often autobiographical and dealt with themes of mental illness, death, and sexuality. One of her most famous poems, Frenzy, is a haunting portrayal of a woman's descent into madness.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and mood. The first stanza is calm and reflective, with the speaker describing her surroundings in detail. She talks about the "green-eyed cat" and the "yellow flowers" in the garden. However, there is a sense of unease that underlies the description. The speaker talks about the "black sky" and the "dead moon" which suggest a sense of foreboding.

The second stanza is where the poem takes a dark turn. The speaker describes her own mental state, saying that she is "mad with rage" and "crazy with fear." She talks about how she wants to "tear the world apart" and "kill everything in sight." The language is violent and intense, reflecting the speaker's inner turmoil.

The third stanza is the most surreal and dreamlike. The speaker talks about a "white horse" that appears to her in her madness. She describes how she rides the horse through the night, "flying over the rooftops" and "galloping through the streets." The imagery is vivid and fantastical, but there is still a sense of darkness and despair.

The poem as a whole is a powerful portrayal of mental illness and the destructive nature of madness. The speaker's descent into madness is gradual, starting with a sense of unease and building to a violent and chaotic climax. The use of surreal imagery, such as the white horse, adds to the sense of disorientation and confusion.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the use of language. Sexton's writing is visceral and intense, with a rawness that is both unsettling and captivating. The use of repetition, such as the repeated use of the word "mad," adds to the sense of frenzy and chaos.

The poem also touches on themes of gender and power. The speaker's rage and violence are often associated with traditionally masculine traits, such as aggression and dominance. However, the speaker is also a woman, which adds a layer of complexity to the poem. The idea of a woman being consumed by madness and violence challenges traditional gender roles and expectations.

In conclusion, Frenzy is a powerful and haunting poem that explores themes of mental illness, gender, and power. Sexton's use of language and imagery creates a sense of disorientation and chaos that mirrors the speaker's descent into madness. The poem is a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

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