'More Than Myself' by Anne Sexton

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Not that it was beautiful,
but that, in the end, there was
a certain sense of order there;
something worth learning
in that narrow diary of my mind,
in the commonplaces of the asylum
where the cracked mirror
or my own selfish death
outstared me . . .
I tapped my own head;
it was glass, an inverted bowl.
It's small thing
to rage inside your own bowl.
At first it was private.
Then it was more than myself.


Submitted by Emily

Editor 1 Interpretation

"More Than Myself" by Anne Sexton: A Deep Exploration of Identity and Self-Reflection

As a literary work, "More Than Myself" is one of the most powerful poems ever written. In a style that is both unique and haunting, Anne Sexton explores the complexities of identity and the search for self-discovery. Her use of vivid imagery and intense language creates a world that is at once familiar and strange, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the raw emotions and experiences of the speaker.

The Poem's Content

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores different dimensions of the theme of self-discovery. In the first part, the speaker reflects on her own inner turmoil and the search for her true identity. She laments the loss of her own self and questions the meaning of her life. She says, "I have lost my way / and I have lost my self / and I am lost to myself." This sense of being lost is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it speaks to the deeper human experience of feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.

In the second part of the poem, the speaker explores the idea of transformation. She talks about the "other self" that she seeks, and the need to "strip off this sad garment of flesh." Here, she is not just talking about a physical transformation, but a transformation of the soul. She is seeking a new identity, a new way of living, and a new sense of purpose.

The third part of the poem brings together the themes of self-discovery and transformation. The speaker says, "I am more than myself / and still I lack something." Here, she is acknowledging that even though she has discovered new aspects of herself, there is still something missing. This is a powerful statement about the ongoing search for meaning and purpose in life. The poem ends with the speaker asking, "Who will discover me / lying naked / with my hair spread out / across the universe?" This final image is both beautiful and haunting, and it speaks to the ultimate quest for meaning and connection in life.

The Poem's Structure and Style

One of the most striking things about "More Than Myself" is its structure and style. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, as if the speaker is speaking directly from the heart.

The language used in the poem is also quite intense and vivid. Sexton uses metaphors and imagery to create a world that is both raw and beautiful. For example, she talks about the "sad garment of flesh" and the "other self" that she seeks. These powerful images create a sense of depth and complexity, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the meaning of the poem.

The Poem's Themes

As mentioned earlier, "More Than Myself" explores a number of themes related to identity and self-discovery. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of being lost. The speaker laments the loss of her own self, and the sense of disconnection and unfulfillment that comes with it. This is a theme that resonates with many people, as we all struggle at times to find our place in the world.

Another theme of the poem is transformation. The speaker is seeking a new identity, a new way of living, and a new sense of purpose. This theme speaks to the idea that we are all capable of change, and that we can always discover new aspects of ourselves.

Finally, the poem explores the ongoing search for meaning and connection in life. The speaker is seeking something more than just herself, something that is greater and more profound. This theme is one that speaks to the human condition, as we all search for something that is beyond ourselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "More Than Myself" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the complexities of identity and self-discovery. It speaks to the deeper human experience of feeling lost and disconnected, while also acknowledging the possibility of transformation and new beginnings. The poem's structure and style create a sense of freedom and spontaneity, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the meaning of the words. Overall, "More Than Myself" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to the power of language and the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

More Than Myself: A Poem of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Anne Sexton's "More Than Myself" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the search for meaning in life. Written in the confessional style that Sexton is known for, the poem is a deeply personal reflection on the poet's own journey towards self-realization and the realization that she is more than just herself.

The poem begins with the speaker describing herself as "a woman who is a woman / and nothing more." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is immediately presented as someone who feels limited by her gender and her identity. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to question this limited view of herself and starts to explore the idea that she is more than just a woman.

The first stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as the speaker describes herself as "a woman who is a woman / and nothing more." This line is repeated twice, emphasizing the speaker's sense of limitation and her frustration with her own identity. However, in the second stanza, the speaker begins to question this limited view of herself, asking "What does it mean to be a woman / but to sit alone in the darkness / and wish that it was still light outside?"

This question is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker is beginning to realize that her identity as a woman is not enough to define her. She is starting to see that there is more to her than just her gender, and that she has the power to define herself in new and exciting ways.

The third stanza of the poem is particularly interesting, as the speaker begins to explore the idea that she is more than just herself. She describes herself as "a woman who is more than herself / and yet, who is still herself." This line is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker is beginning to see herself as part of something larger than herself. She is starting to realize that she is connected to the world around her, and that her identity is not just limited to her own individual experience.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker declares that she is "more than a woman / more than a human being / more than myself." This line is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker has finally broken free from the limitations of her own identity and has embraced the idea that she is part of something larger than herself.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful one, as the speaker declares that she is "a woman who is a universe." This line is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker has finally embraced her own power and has realized that she is capable of great things. She is no longer limited by her own identity, but is instead part of something larger and more powerful than herself.

Overall, "More Than Myself" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the search for meaning in life. Through the use of powerful imagery and language, Sexton is able to convey the speaker's journey towards self-realization and the realization that she is more than just herself. This poem is a powerful reminder that we are all capable of great things, and that our identities are not limited to our own individual experiences. We are all part of something larger and more powerful than ourselves, and it is up to us to embrace our own power and potential.

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