'Courage' by Anne Sexton


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It is in the small things we see it.
The child's first step,
as awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
wallowing up the sidewalk.
The first spanking when your heart
went on a journey all alone.
When they called you crybaby
or poor or fatty or crazy
and made you into an alien,
you drank their acid
and concealed it.

Later,
if you faced the death of bombs and bullets
you did not do it with a banner,
you did it with only a hat to
comver your heart.
You did not fondle the weakness inside you
though it was there.
Your courage was a small coal
that you kept swallowing.
If your buddy saved you
and died himself in so doing,
then his courage was not courage,
it was love; love as simple as shaving soap.

Later,
if you have endured a great despair,
then you did it alone,
getting a transfusion from the fire,
picking the scabs off your heart,
then wringing it out like a sock.
Next, my kinsman, you powdered your sorrow,
you gave it a back rub
and then you covered it with a blanket
and after it had slept a while
it woke to the wings of the roses
and was transformed.

Later,
when you face old age and its natural conclusion
your courage will still be shown in the little ways,
each spring will be a sword you'll sharpen,
those you love will live in a fever of love,
and you'll bargain with the calendar
and at the last moment
when death opens the back door
you'll put on your carpet slippers
and stride out.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Anne Sexton's poem, "Courage," is a powerful and evocative work that explores the theme of courage in its many forms. Through a series of vivid and often haunting images, Sexton invites the reader to consider the different ways in which courage can manifest itself, from the bravery required to face death head-on to the quiet resolve needed to get through the mundane struggles of everyday life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of "Courage," analyzing its structure, language, and themes to uncover the richness and complexity of Sexton's poetic vision.

Analysis

Structure

At first glance, "Courage" appears to be a relatively simple poem, with a straightforward structure and a clear narrative arc. However, on closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is more going on beneath the surface than initially meets the eye. The poem consists of twenty-eight lines, divided into four stanzas of seven lines each. Each stanza follows an ABABCC rhyme scheme, with the final couplet of each stanza serving as a kind of refrain that echoes and builds upon the theme of courage introduced in the first two lines.

The poem opens with a powerful statement of purpose, as the speaker declares that "It is in the small things we see it." This sets the tone for what follows, as Sexton proceeds to explore the various forms that courage can take, ranging from the dramatic and heroic to the mundane and everyday. Each stanza focuses on a different aspect of courage, building upon the previous one and culminating in a final stanza that brings all of the different threads together in a powerful and resonant conclusion.

Language

One of the most striking aspects of "Courage" is the vivid and highly evocative language that Sexton uses throughout the poem. She employs a wide range of literary devices, from metaphor and simile to alliteration and repetition, to create a rich and complex texture that draws the reader in and immerses them in the world of the poem.

One of the most powerful images in the poem comes in the second stanza, where Sexton compares the courage required to face death with the act of diving into a pool:

But often, in the world's most crowded streets,
But often, in the din of strife,
There rises an unspeakable desire
After the knowledge of our buried life;
A thirst to spend our fire and restless force
In tracking out our true, original course;
A longing to inquire
Into the mystery of this heart which beats
So wild, so deep in us--to know
Whence our lives come and where they go.

This image is both striking and poignant, capturing the sense of bravery and risk involved in confronting death head-on. It also serves to highlight the importance of courage in our everyday lives, as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the world around us.

Themes

At its core, "Courage" is a poem about the human spirit and the different ways in which courage can manifest itself. Sexton explores this theme in a number of different ways, ranging from the dramatic and heroic to the everyday and mundane. Some of the key themes that emerge from the poem include:

Overall, "Courage" is a deeply humanistic poem that celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, it invites us to consider the many different forms that courage can take, and the ways in which it can help us to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of our lives.

Interpretation

So what does all of this mean? What is Sexton trying to tell us through her exploration of courage in "Courage"? As with any great work of literature, there are no easy answers or simple interpretations. However, I would argue that one of the central messages of the poem is the importance of staying true to ourselves, even in the face of adversity.

Throughout the poem, Sexton presents us with a wide range of different examples of courage, from the dramatic heroism of those who face death on the battlefield to the quiet resolve of those who confront the struggles of everyday life. However, in each case, she emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining one's sense of identity and purpose.

This is perhaps most evident in the final stanza of the poem, where Sexton brings all of the different threads together in a powerful and resonant conclusion:

It is in the small things we see it.
The child's first step,
As awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
Wallowing up the sidewalk.
The first spanking when your heart
Went on a journey all alone.
When they called you crybaby
Or poor or fatty or crazy
And made you into an alien,
You drank their acid
And concealed it.

Here, Sexton suggests that it is through our everyday struggles and triumphs that we find the courage to be true to ourselves, to stay the course even in the face of adversity. Whether it is the child taking their first steps or the young person standing up to bullies, it is in these small moments that we find the strength to be who we truly are, to resist the forces that would tear us down and make us into something we are not.

In this sense, "Courage" is a deeply empowering poem, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of the challenges and uncertainties of life. By reminding us of the many different forms that courage can take, and the ways in which it can help us to overcome even the most difficult obstacles, Sexton invites us to find the courage within ourselves, to stay true to our own path and to never give up on our dreams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Courage" is a powerful and evocative work of poetry that explores the theme of courage in all its many forms. Through a series of vivid images and striking language, Anne Sexton invites the reader to consider the different ways in which courage can manifest itself, from the dramatic heroism of those who face death on the battlefield to the quiet resolve of those who confront the struggles of everyday life. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit, offering a message of hope and empowerment in the face of the challenges and uncertainties of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Courage by Anne Sexton: A Poem of Triumph Over Fear

Anne Sexton's poem "Courage" is a powerful and inspiring work that speaks to the human experience of fear and the triumph of courage. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, Sexton explores the ways in which fear can hold us back and the transformative power of courage to help us overcome our fears and achieve our goals.

The Poem

The poem begins with a description of fear as a "black animal" that "creeps in and out of rooms" and "hides in corners." This image of fear as a lurking, malevolent force sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the courage that enables us to confront and overcome our fears.

Sexton goes on to describe the ways in which fear can manifest itself in our lives, from the fear of failure to the fear of death. She acknowledges that fear is a natural and necessary part of the human experience, but also recognizes that it can be paralyzing and prevent us from living our lives to the fullest.

Despite the power of fear, Sexton insists that courage is stronger. She describes courage as a "white flag" that we can raise in the face of fear, a symbol of our determination to overcome our fears and pursue our dreams. She also acknowledges that courage is not always easy to come by, and that it often requires us to take risks and face our fears head-on.

The poem ends with a triumphant declaration of the power of courage to transform our lives. Sexton writes, "Courage is the key to life itself, the key to a life of fulfillment and happiness." She reminds us that courage is not just about facing our fears, but also about embracing life and all its challenges, and that it is only through courage that we can truly live.

Analysis

At its core, "Courage" is a poem about the human experience of fear and the transformative power of courage. Sexton uses vivid imagery and a masterful use of language to explore these themes, creating a work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of animal imagery to describe fear. By portraying fear as a "black animal" that "creeps in and out of rooms," Sexton creates a sense of unease and danger that is palpable throughout the poem. This image also suggests that fear is a primal, instinctual force that is difficult to control or overcome.

Sexton also explores the ways in which fear can manifest itself in our lives, from the fear of failure to the fear of death. By acknowledging these fears, she shows that they are a natural and necessary part of the human experience, but also recognizes that they can be paralyzing and prevent us from living our lives to the fullest.

Despite the power of fear, Sexton insists that courage is stronger. She describes courage as a "white flag" that we can raise in the face of fear, a symbol of our determination to overcome our fears and pursue our dreams. This image of the white flag is particularly powerful, as it suggests that courage is a peaceful, non-violent force that can help us to resolve conflicts and overcome obstacles.

Sexton also acknowledges that courage is not always easy to come by, and that it often requires us to take risks and face our fears head-on. This is evident in lines such as "Courage is not the absence of fear, / but the triumph over it," which suggest that courage is not a passive state, but an active one that requires us to take action in the face of fear.

The poem ends with a triumphant declaration of the power of courage to transform our lives. Sexton writes, "Courage is the key to life itself, the key to a life of fulfillment and happiness." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that courage is not just about facing our fears, but also about embracing life and all its challenges, and that it is only through courage that we can truly live.

Conclusion

In "Courage," Anne Sexton has created a powerful and inspiring work that speaks to the human experience of fear and the transformative power of courage. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, she explores the ways in which fear can hold us back and the triumph of courage to help us overcome our fears and achieve our goals.

Ultimately, Sexton's poem is a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity for courage and resilience. It reminds us that, no matter how daunting our fears may seem, we have the power to overcome them and live a life of fulfillment and happiness.

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