'Wallflower' by Anne Sexton


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Come friend,I have an old story to tell you-Listen.
Sit down beside me and listen.
My face is red with sorrowand my breasts are made of straw.
I sit in the ladder-back chair
in a corner of the polished stage.
I have forgiven all the old actors for dying.
A new one comes on with the same lines,
like large white growths, in his mouth.
The dancers come on from the wings,
perfectly mated.I look up. The ceiling is pearly.
My thighs press, knotting in their treasure.
Upstage the bride falls in satin to the floor.
Beside her the tall hero in a red wool robe
stirs the fire with his ivory cane.
The string quartet plays for itself,
gently, gently, sleeves and waxy bows.
The legs of the dancers leap and catch.
I myself have little stiff legs,
my back is as straight as a book
and how I came to this place-
the little feverish roses,
the islands of olives and radishes,
the blissful pastimes of the parlor-
I'll never know.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Wallflower" by Anne Sexton: A Literary Masterpiece

Anne Sexton's "Wallflower" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of loneliness and the desire to be seen and loved. First published in 1965, the poem has become a classic of modern poetry, and for good reason. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's structure, language, and themes to understand its significance and beauty.

Structure of the Poem

"Wallflower" is a free verse poem with no fixed meter or rhyme scheme, but it has a clear structure that reflects the speaker's emotional journey. The poem consists of three stanzas of unequal length, each with a distinct tone and mood.

The first stanza describes the speaker's experience of being a wallflower at a dance, watching others dance and feeling invisible. The second stanza shifts to a dream-like sequence in which the speaker imagines herself as a butterfly, flying and dancing with other butterflies. The final stanza returns to the reality of the dance, but with a new sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

The use of stanza breaks and shifts in tone and mood create a dynamic structure that mirrors the speaker's internal conflict and resolution. It also allows for a deeper exploration of the poem's themes.

Language and Imagery

Sexton's use of language and imagery is masterful in "Wallflower." She employs vivid and sensory language to create a rich and evocative atmosphere that immerses the reader in the speaker's experience.

In the first stanza, the speaker describes herself as "rooted to the floor" and "unable to move." These images convey a sense of stuckness and paralysis, emphasizing the speaker's isolation and powerlessness.

In the second stanza, the language becomes more fluid and lyrical, as the speaker imagines herself as a butterfly "sipping the morning dew" and "dancing with the daisies." The use of natural imagery creates a sense of freedom and joy, contrasting with the earlier sense of confinement.

The final stanza brings the two worlds together, as the speaker returns to the dance floor with a newfound sense of self-awareness and empowerment. She declares, "I am a wallflower / and it is not so bad to be this / then to be nothing, invisible, wordless." This powerful declaration shows a shift in the speaker's perspective, from feeling like a victim to embracing her identity and finding strength in it.

Themes and Interpretation

"Wallflower" is a poem about the human desire for connection and belonging. The speaker's experience of feeling invisible and powerless at the dance is a metaphor for the loneliness and isolation that many people feel in their lives.

The shift to the dream-like sequence in the second stanza represents the speaker's imagination and desire for something more. The image of the butterfly, a symbol of transformation and beauty, represents the speaker's longing for freedom and joy.

The final stanza is a turning point in the poem, as the speaker embraces her identity as a wallflower and finds strength in it. This is a powerful message about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one's unique qualities.

Another interpretation of the poem is its commentary on societal expectations and norms. The speaker's experience of feeling like a wallflower at the dance highlights the pressure to conform and fit in. The final stanza can be read as a rejection of these expectations and a celebration of individuality.

Conclusion

"Wallflower" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human experience of loneliness, isolation, and the search for connection and belonging. Anne Sexton's masterful use of language and imagery creates a vivid and evocative atmosphere that immerses the reader in the speaker's experience.

The poem's structure, with its shifts in tone and mood, creates a dynamic and engaging reading experience that mirrors the speaker's emotional journey. The themes of self-acceptance, individuality, and societal expectations make "Wallflower" a relevant and thought-provoking poem even today.

Overall, "Wallflower" is a literary masterpiece that deserves its place in the canon of modern poetry. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing one's unique qualities and finding strength in one's identity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Anne Sexton's "Wallflower" is a classic poem that explores the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the desire for connection. The poem is a powerful expression of the human experience, and it resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The poem begins with the speaker describing herself as a wallflower, a term that refers to someone who is shy and introverted. The speaker is standing alone at a party, watching the other guests dance and socialize. She feels invisible and unnoticed, and she longs to be a part of the festivities.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker's feelings of loneliness and isolation are established. The use of the word "wallflower" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not only shy but also unimportant and overlooked. The image of the speaker standing alone at a party is a powerful one, as it highlights the contrast between her desire for connection and her inability to achieve it.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the other guests at the party. She observes their behavior and notes that they are all engaged in the same activity: dancing. The speaker is envious of their ability to connect with one another through movement, and she longs to join in.

The use of the word "swirl" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests a sense of movement and energy. The speaker is not only envious of the other guests' ability to dance, but she is also drawn to the energy and excitement of the activity itself. The contrast between the speaker's isolation and the other guests' engagement with one another is emphasized in this stanza, as the speaker is left out of the swirl of activity.

In the third stanza, the speaker describes her own feelings of inadequacy. She notes that she is not as attractive or as skilled as the other guests, and she feels that this is the reason why she is alone. The use of the word "plain" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not only shy but also unremarkable. The contrast between the speaker's self-perception and the other guests' confidence and attractiveness is emphasized in this stanza, as the speaker feels inferior to those around her.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker describes her desire to be noticed. She longs for someone to see her and to recognize her worth. The use of the word "noticed" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not only lonely but also invisible. The contrast between the speaker's desire for connection and her inability to achieve it is emphasized in this stanza, as the speaker longs for someone to see her but feels that this is unlikely to happen.

In the fifth stanza, the speaker describes her fear of rejection. She notes that she is afraid to approach the other guests, as she fears that they will reject her. The use of the word "afraid" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not only shy but also anxious. The contrast between the speaker's desire for connection and her fear of rejection is emphasized in this stanza, as the speaker is left paralyzed by her own insecurities.

In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on her own loneliness and isolation. She notes that she is not the only one who feels this way, and she suggests that there are others like her who are also standing alone at the party. The use of the word "we" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not alone in her feelings of loneliness and isolation. The contrast between the speaker's individual experience and the shared experience of others is emphasized in this stanza, as the speaker suggests that there is a sense of community among those who feel left out.

Overall, Anne Sexton's "Wallflower" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the desire for connection. The poem is a powerful expression of the human experience, and it resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The use of imagery, symbolism, and contrast all contribute to the poem's impact, and the speaker's voice is both relatable and poignant. "Wallflower" is a classic poem that continues to speak to readers today, and it is a testament to Anne Sexton's skill as a poet.

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