'The Witch's Life' by Anne Sexton


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When I was a child
there was an old woman in our neighborhood whom we called The Witch.
All day she peered from her second story
window
from behind the wrinkled curtains
and sometimes she would open the window
and yell: Get out of my life!
She had hair like kelp
and a voice like a boulder.

I think of her sometimes now
and wonder if I am becoming her.
My shoes turn up like a jester's.
Clumps of my hair, as I write this,
curl up individually like toes.
I am shoveling the children out,
scoop after scoop.
Only my books anoint me,
and a few friends,
those who reach into my veins.
Maybe I am becoming a hermit,
opening the door for only
a few special animals?
Maybe my skull is too crowded
and it has no opening through which
to feed it soup?
Maybe I have plugged up my sockets
to keep the gods in?
Maybe, although my heart
is a kitten of butter,
I am blowing it up like a zeppelin.
Yes. It is the witch's life,
climbing the primordial climb,
a dream within a dream,
then sitting here
holding a basket of fire.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Witch's Life by Anne Sexton: A Detailed Interpretation

As I read Anne Sexton's poem, The Witch's Life, I cannot help but be drawn into its dark and enchanting world. With its vivid descriptions and haunting imagery, the poem tells the story of a witch who lives alone in the woods, practicing her magic and communing with nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem, and offer my own understanding and analysis of its meaning.

Themes

One of the main themes of The Witch's Life is the power of nature and the importance of respecting it. The witch lives in harmony with the forest and its inhabitants, and she understands the cycles of life and death that govern the natural world. She uses her magic to heal the sick and wounded animals that come to her, and she uses the herbs and plants around her to create potions and spells. In this way, she is both a guardian of nature and a servant of its power.

Another theme of the poem is the isolation and loneliness of the witch. She lives apart from society, rejected and feared by those who do not understand her. However, she also finds solace and comfort in her isolation, and she cherishes her freedom and independence. The witch is a symbol of the outsider, the rebel, and the outcast, and her story speaks to the human need for connection and belonging, as well as the desire for individuality and self-expression.

Symbols

The Witch's Life is rich in symbols and metaphors that deepen its meaning and add layers of significance to the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the forest itself, which represents both the power and the danger of nature. The witch's home is nestled in the heart of the forest, and it is both a haven and a fortress. The forest is a place of mystery and magic, where the veil between the human and the supernatural worlds is thin. It is also a place of danger and uncertainty, where predators lurk and the weather can turn treacherous at any moment.

Another symbol in the poem is the witch's broomstick, which is a traditional tool of witches in folklore and mythology. The broomstick represents the witch's power of flight and her ability to transcend the limitations of the physical world. It also symbolizes her connection to the natural world, as broomsticks were originally made from the branches of birch trees, which were believed to have protective and healing properties.

Literary Devices

Anne Sexton employs a variety of literary devices in The Witch's Life, including vivid imagery, repetition, and alliteration. Her use of these devices creates a sense of musicality and rhythm in the poem, as well as a heightened sensory experience for the reader.

One example of Sexton's use of imagery is in the lines, "The owls are bearing away the last gold / leaves of the day." This image not only creates a visual picture of the setting sun, but it also evokes a sense of loss and melancholy, as the day fades into darkness and the cycle of life continues.

Sexton also uses repetition to emphasize certain words and phrases throughout the poem, such as "the witch," "the forest," and "the broomstick." This repetition reinforces the central themes and symbols of the poem, and it also creates a sense of unity and coherence.

Lastly, Sexton employs alliteration in several places in the poem, such as in the lines, "The horned owl hoots and the deer / raise their heads to listen." This use of alliteration creates a sense of harmony and balance in the poem, as well as a sense of musicality and beauty.

Interpretation

As I read The Witch's Life, I am struck by its powerful message of respect for nature and its call for individuality and self-expression. The witch is a symbol of the marginalized and the misunderstood, and her story speaks to the human need for acceptance and belonging, as well as the desire for freedom and independence.

The poem also speaks to the power of magic and the supernatural, and it invites us to consider the ways in which we can connect with the natural world and honor its cycles and rhythms. The witch's broomstick is a symbol of this power, and it reminds us that we too have the ability to transcend our physical limitations and connect with something greater than ourselves.

In conclusion, Anne Sexton's The Witch's Life is a haunting and enchanting poem that speaks to the human experience in profound and meaningful ways. Through its themes, symbols, and literary devices, the poem invites us to explore our own relationship with nature, magic, and the supernatural, and to embrace our own individuality and self-expression.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Witch's Life: A Poem of Power and Femininity

Anne Sexton's "The Witch's Life" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of femininity, power, and the role of women in society. Written in Sexton's signature confessional style, the poem is a deeply personal exploration of the author's own experiences as a woman, as well as a broader commentary on the societal expectations and limitations placed on women.

At its core, "The Witch's Life" is a celebration of the power and strength of women. The poem opens with the lines "I have walked a great while over the snow, / And I am not tall nor strong." These lines immediately establish the speaker as a woman who is physically small and seemingly weak. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker possesses a different kind of strength – a strength that comes from within.

The speaker describes herself as a witch, and throughout the poem, she uses this identity as a way to reclaim power and agency in a world that often seeks to diminish and control women. She speaks of her ability to "turn the seasons back" and "make the stars dance" – powerful acts that suggest a deep connection to the natural world and a sense of control over the forces of nature.

However, the poem also acknowledges the dangers and risks that come with embracing this kind of power. The speaker describes how she has been "burned, blinded, and beat" for her beliefs, and how she has "lain in the reeds / With a shadow knife in my hand." These lines suggest that the speaker has faced persecution and violence for her identity as a witch, and that her power has come at a great cost.

Despite these risks, the speaker remains defiant and unapologetic. She declares that she will "not be burned again," and that she will continue to embrace her identity as a witch and all that it represents. This sense of defiance and strength in the face of adversity is a powerful message for women, who are often told to be quiet, submissive, and obedient.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Witch's Life" is its use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid and evocative descriptions of the natural world, from the "white fields" of snow to the "black lake" where the speaker goes to "sing to the swans." These images create a sense of magic and mystery, and suggest that the speaker's power comes from a deep connection to the natural world.

The poem also makes use of religious imagery, particularly in its references to the Christian devil. The speaker describes how she has "danced with a devil" and how she has "swallowed fire." These lines suggest that the speaker's identity as a witch is seen as a threat to the dominant religious and cultural norms of her society, and that she has been demonized and persecuted as a result.

However, the poem also suggests that the speaker's connection to the devil is not necessarily a negative thing. She describes how she has "ridden on a nightmare" and how she has "worn a cock's feather." These lines suggest that the speaker is not afraid to embrace the darker, more taboo aspects of her identity, and that she sees them as a source of power and strength.

Overall, "The Witch's Life" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the strength and power of women, particularly those who have been marginalized and persecuted for their beliefs and identities. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem creates a sense of magic and mystery, and invites readers to embrace their own inner strength and power. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a woman in a world that often seeks to diminish and control us, and it is a testament to the enduring power of femininity and the human spirit.

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