'The Gold Key' by Anne Sexton
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The speaker in this case
is a middle-aged witch, me-
tangled on my two great arms,
my face in a book
and my mouth wide,
ready to tell you a story or two.
I have come to remind you,
all of you:
Alice, Samuel, Kurt, Eleanor,
Jane, Brian, Maryel,
all of you draw near.
Alice,
at fifty-six do you remember?
Do you remember when you
were read to as a child?
Samuel,
at twenty-two have you forgotten?
Forgotten the ten P.M. dreams
where the wicked king
went up in smoke?
Are you comatose?
Are you undersea?
Attention,
my dears,
let me present to you this boy.
He is sixteen and he wants some answers.
He is each of us.
I mean you.
I mean me.
It is not enough to read Hesse
and drink clam chowder
we must have the answers.
The boy has found a gold key
and he is looking for what it will open.
This boy!
Upon finding a string
he would look for a harp.
Therefore he holds the key tightly.
Its secrets whimper
like a dog in heat.
He turns the key.
Presto!
It opens this book of odd tales
which transform the Brothers Grimm.
Transform?
As if an enlarged paper clip
could be a piece of sculpture.
(And it could.)
Submitted by Emily
Editor 1 Interpretation
Unlocking the Meaning of "The Gold Key"
Anne Sexton's "The Gold Key" is a haunting poem that explores the themes of mortality, aging, and the search for purpose in life. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the imagery and language used in the poem to uncover its deeper meaning.
The Structure of the Poem
Before we begin our analysis, let's take a moment to examine the structure of the poem. "The Gold Key" is a free verse poem that consists of three stanzas of varying lengths. The first stanza is the longest, with twelve lines, while the second and third stanzas have seven lines each. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, but there are instances of internal rhyme and repetition that add to its musicality.
The Gold Key as a Symbol
The title of the poem, "The Gold Key," immediately draws the reader's attention. The use of the word "gold" suggests something precious and valuable, while the word "key" implies that it is meant to unlock or reveal something. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is largely concerned with the search for meaning and purpose in life.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes finding the gold key "in a drawer," which suggests that it was hidden or overlooked. The fact that it was found in a drawer also implies that it is something that has been forgotten or neglected. The speaker's initial reaction to the key is one of excitement and curiosity, as they wonder what it might unlock.
As the poem progresses, however, the meaning of the gold key becomes more ambiguous. In the second stanza, the speaker describes using the key to "unlock the door" of a dark room. The darkness of the room is symbolic of the unknown and the mysterious, and the use of the key implies that the speaker is trying to gain access to this hidden knowledge.
However, the speaker's description of what they find in the room is vague and open to interpretation. They describe "a bed and a table and a lamp," but these objects are not given any particular significance. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for life itself, in which we are presented with a series of objects and experiences but must find our own meaning and purpose.
In the final stanza, the speaker describes losing the gold key, and the tone of the poem shifts from one of excitement and curiosity to one of resignation and acceptance. The speaker acknowledges that "this was to be expected," and suggests that the loss of the key is simply part of the natural order of things.
The symbolism of the gold key in this poem is multi-layered and complex. It can be seen as a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in life, as well as representing the fleeting nature of human existence. The fact that the key is eventually lost suggests that the search for meaning and purpose is ultimately futile, as we are all destined to pass on from this life.
The Language of the Poem
One of the most striking features of "The Gold Key" is the language used by Anne Sexton. The poem is full of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that help to convey the themes of the poem.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes the gold key as "a jewel to hold." This metaphorical language adds to the sense of the key's value and importance. The use of the word "jewel" also suggests something that is rare and precious, which adds to the sense of excitement and anticipation as the speaker wonders what the key might unlock.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the dark room that they enter as being "a house without air." This metaphorical description creates a sense of claustrophobia and suffocation, which adds to the sense of mystery and foreboding.
The description of the objects in the room is also full of metaphorical language. The bed, table, and lamp can all be seen as metaphors for different aspects of life. The bed could represent rest and relaxation, while the table could symbolize work or productivity. The lamp could represent knowledge or enlightenment. However, the fact that these objects are not given any particular significance suggests that their meaning is ultimately subjective and open to interpretation.
In the final stanza, the speaker describes the loss of the gold key as being "like the end of a good story." This metaphorical language adds to the sense of finality and closure, as well as suggesting that the search for meaning and purpose in life is ultimately a narrative that comes to an end.
The Themes of the Poem
"The Gold Key" is a poem that is concerned with a number of themes, including mortality, aging, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
The theme of mortality is perhaps the most obvious, as the poem is full of language that suggests the fleeting nature of human life. The fact that the gold key is eventually lost suggests that even the most precious and valuable things in life are destined to pass away.
The theme of aging is also present in the poem, as the speaker describes finding the gold key "when I was young." The loss of the key could be interpreted as a metaphor for the loss of youth and vitality, as well as the loss of the sense of excitement and curiosity that comes with youth.
Finally, the theme of the search for meaning and purpose in life is perhaps the most central to the poem. The gold key can be seen as a metaphor for this search, as the speaker initially sees it as a way of unlocking the mysteries of life. However, the fact that the key is eventually lost suggests that this search is ultimately futile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Gold Key" is a haunting and evocative poem that explores the themes of mortality, aging, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The use of metaphorical language and vivid imagery adds to the power and impact of the poem, while the structure of the poem adds to its musicality and rhythm. Overall, "The Gold Key" is a powerful meditation on the human condition that will resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Gold Key: A Poem of Transformation and Self-Discovery
Anne Sexton's "The Gold Key" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of transformation and self-discovery. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Sexton explores the journey of a woman who finds a key that unlocks the door to her true self.
The poem begins with the woman stumbling upon the key while walking in the woods. The key is described as "heavy and golden" and "cold as a tongue". This initial description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the key becomes a symbol for the weight and gravity of the woman's journey.
As the woman takes the key and begins to unlock the door to her true self, she is met with resistance. The door is described as "heavy as a mountain" and "locked with a thousand locks". This imagery speaks to the difficulty and challenge of self-discovery, as it often requires confronting and overcoming our own internal barriers.
Despite the resistance, the woman persists in her journey, and as she unlocks each lock, she discovers a new aspect of herself. The first lock reveals "a room of darkness", which can be interpreted as the woman's own fears and doubts. The second lock reveals "a room of mirrors", which represents the woman's self-reflection and introspection.
The third lock reveals "a room of water", which can be interpreted as the woman's emotional depth and vulnerability. The fourth lock reveals "a room of fire", which represents the woman's passion and intensity. The fifth lock reveals "a room of air", which represents the woman's freedom and independence.
Each room that the woman unlocks represents a different aspect of her true self, and as she moves through them, she becomes more and more whole. The final room, which is unlocked by the last key, is described as "a room of my own", which represents the woman's ultimate sense of self-possession and autonomy.
Throughout the poem, Sexton uses a variety of literary devices to convey the woman's journey. The use of metaphor, for example, is particularly effective in conveying the weight and significance of the key. The repetition of the phrase "heavy and golden" reinforces the idea that the key is not just a physical object, but a symbol for the woman's own transformation.
Sexton also uses imagery to great effect, particularly in the descriptions of the different rooms. The room of darkness, for example, is described as "a room of blackness, without a single star", which creates a sense of foreboding and fear. The room of mirrors, on the other hand, is described as "a room of mirrors that multiply and divide", which creates a sense of confusion and self-reflection.
The poem's structure is also significant, as it is divided into five stanzas, each representing a different room. This structure reinforces the idea that the woman's journey is a process of unlocking different aspects of herself, and that each aspect is equally important in creating a sense of wholeness.
In conclusion, "The Gold Key" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of transformation and self-discovery. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and structure, Anne Sexton creates a journey that is both universal and deeply personal. The poem reminds us that the journey to self-discovery is not easy, but that it is ultimately worth the effort. As the woman in the poem discovers, unlocking the door to our true selves is the key to living a fulfilling and authentic life.
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