'Doctors' by Anne Sexton
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They work with herbs
and penicillin
They work with gentleness
and the scalpel.
They dig out the cancer,
close an incision
and say a prayer
to the poverty of the skin.
They are not Gods
though they would like to be;
they are only a human
trying to fix up a human.
Many humans die.
They die like the tender,
palpitating berries
in November.
But all along the doctors remember:
First do no harm.
They would kiss if it would heal.
It would not heal.If the doctors cure
then the sun sees it.
If the doctors kill
then the earth hides it.
The doctors should fear arrogance
more than cardiac arrest.
If they are too proud,
and some are,
then they leave home on horseback
but God returns them on foot.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Doctors by Anne Sexton: A Masterpiece of Psychological Exploration
If there is one thing that stands out in Anne Sexton's poetry, it is her unflinching exploration of the human psyche. Whether she is writing about personal struggles, societal norms, or universal themes, Sexton always manages to dig deep and plumb the depths of the human experience.
One of her most powerful poems in this regard is "Poetry, Doctors." In just a few short stanzas, Sexton manages to capture the complex relationship between mental illness, creativity, and the medical profession. Let's take a closer look.
Form and Structure
Before we dive into the content of the poem, it is worth noting its form and structure. "Poetry, Doctors" is a free-verse poem, meaning that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter scheme. Instead, Sexton allows the lines to flow naturally, using enjambment to create a sense of momentum and fluidity.
The poem is divided into six stanzas of varying lengths, with the longest consisting of eight lines and the shortest just one. This gives the poem a sense of spaciousness and allows Sexton to explore different ideas without feeling constrained by a rigid structure.
Content and Themes
So, what is "Poetry, Doctors" actually about? At its core, the poem is an exploration of the tension between creativity and mental illness. Sexton begins by describing the "mad poet" who "lies down / in the yellow brambles / to rasp his heart / and bleed him." This image is both visceral and haunting, evoking the idea of the tortured artist who must suffer in order to create.
But then Sexton introduces the doctors, who "pull him out by his hair / and patch him up with antiseptic." Suddenly, we are reminded of the medical establishment's role in treating mental illness. While doctors may be able to alleviate some of the pain and suffering of mental illness, they are also in danger of stifling creativity and forcing individuals to conform to societal norms.
Sexton continues to explore this tension between creativity and conformity in the following stanzas. She writes about the "giant poets" who are "smothered by bigness" and the "little poets" who are "lost in the shuffle." Here, Sexton seems to be lamenting the fact that society often prizes conformity over creativity, rewarding those who fit in and punishing those who dare to be different.
But there is also a sense of defiance in Sexton's words. She writes that "we are the doctors too" and that "we will not let you go / until you have taken your medication." Here, she is reclaiming the power of the creative individual, asserting that even in the face of mental illness and societal pressure, we have the ability to control our own destinies.
Interpretation and Analysis
"Poetry, Doctors" is a complex and layered poem that invites multiple interpretations. Here are a few possible ways of reading the poem:
The Creative Process as Torture
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the creative process and the pain that often accompanies it. The "mad poet" lying in the brambles can be seen as a metaphor for the artist who must suffer in order to create. The doctors, in this reading, represent society's attempts to suppress creativity and force individuals to conform to norms. By reclaiming the power of the creative individual, Sexton is asserting the importance of artistic expression even in the face of pain and suffering.
Mental Illness and the Medical Establishment
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of the medical establishment's treatment of mental illness. The doctors who "patch up" the mad poet can be seen as a metaphor for the way in which mental illness is often treated as a medical problem to be solved rather than a complex psychological issue that requires understanding and empathy. By asserting that "we are the doctors too," Sexton is suggesting that we all have a role to play in supporting individuals with mental illness and that medical treatment alone is not enough.
Society's Pressure to Conform
A third interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the pressure to conform to societal norms. The "giant poets" who are "smothered by bigness" and the "little poets" who are "lost in the shuffle" can be seen as a metaphor for the ways in which society rewards conformity and punishes those who dare to be different. By asserting that "we will not let you go / until you have taken your medication," Sexton is suggesting that even in the face of this pressure, we have the power to assert our own identities and resist conformity.
Conclusion
"Poetry, Doctors" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that invites multiple interpretations. Whether we read it as a meditation on the creative process, a critique of the medical establishment, or a commentary on societal pressure to conform, Sexton's words challenge us to think deeply about the complex interplay between mental illness, creativity, and societal norms. As we continue to grapple with these issues in our own lives, Sexton's poem remains a timeless and poignant reminder of the power of poetry to explore the deepest aspects of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Doctors: A Masterpiece by Anne Sexton
Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for her confessional poetry that explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences. Her poem, "The Poetry Doctors," is a masterpiece that delves into the art of writing poetry and the role of the poet in society. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the significance of this poem.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the "poetry doctors" who are "in the house." The use of the phrase "in the house" creates a sense of urgency and importance, as if the doctors are needed immediately. The speaker then goes on to describe the symptoms of a "sick" poem, such as "a limpness, a deadness, something wrong with the skin." This metaphorical language creates a vivid image of a poem that is lifeless and lacking in vitality.
The speaker then asks the doctors to "bring out the dead," which is a reference to the practice of bringing out dead bodies during the time of the Black Death. This comparison highlights the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action. The use of the phrase "bring out the dead" also creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the poem is in critical condition.
The poem then takes a turn as the speaker begins to describe the process of healing the sick poem. The doctors are instructed to "take the poem and put it on the table," which is a metaphor for examining the poem closely and dissecting it to find the root of the problem. The use of the word "table" also creates a sense of clinical detachment, as if the doctors are performing surgery on the poem.
The speaker then goes on to describe the various treatments that the poem may need, such as "a shot of rhythm" or "a shot of form." This use of medical terminology creates a sense of professionalism and expertise, as if the doctors are prescribing medicine for the poem. The use of the word "shot" also creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the poem needs to be treated quickly.
The poem then takes another turn as the speaker begins to describe the role of the poet in society. The speaker states that the poet is "the one who is supposed to be doing the healing," which highlights the importance of poetry in society. The use of the word "supposed" also creates a sense of responsibility, as if the poet has a duty to heal the sick poem and by extension, society.
The speaker then goes on to describe the various qualities that a poet must possess, such as "a good ear" and "a good eye." These qualities are essential for a poet to be able to create poetry that is alive and vibrant. The use of the word "good" also creates a sense of excellence and mastery, as if the poet must be skilled in their craft.
The poem then ends with the speaker addressing the doctors once again, thanking them for their help in healing the sick poem. The use of the word "thank" creates a sense of gratitude and appreciation, as if the speaker is truly thankful for the doctors' help.
Overall, "The Poetry Doctors" is a masterpiece that explores the art of writing poetry and the role of the poet in society. The use of metaphorical language, medical terminology, and vivid imagery creates a sense of urgency and importance, as if the poem is in critical condition and needs immediate attention. The poem also highlights the importance of poetry in society and the responsibility that poets have to create poetry that is alive and vibrant. Anne Sexton's "The Poetry Doctors" is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and educate poets for generations to come.
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