"Courage" By Anne Sexton

 

 "Courage"

By Anne Sexton

 

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.

Summary ,

"Courage" by Anne Sexton is a reflective poem that examines the nature of bravery across different stages of life, portraying courage as present in both small and profound moments. The poem explores the different manifestations of courage throughout the stages of life. The poem portrays courage not as grand heroic acts but as small, everyday moments of bravery that are often overlooked.

The poem begins by exploring childhood, where courage is shown through seemingly minor acts such as taking a first step or enduring a scolding. These early acts of bravery are significant as they mark the first confrontations with fear and pain. Sexton emphasizes that even these small moments require great strength.

Moving into adolescence and young adulthood, the poem highlights the courage needed to face emotional struggles and the fear of rejection. Acts like standing up to bullies or dealing with personal insecurities are portrayed as significant forms of bravery. Sexton suggests that the internal battles during this stage are as challenging as any physical confrontation.

As the poem progresses to adulthood, Sexton depicts courage in the context of life's inevitable hardships. Facing grief, loss, and personal failures requires a quiet, enduring bravery. The resilience to continue despite these challenges is presented as a powerful form of courage, one that sustains individuals through life’s difficulties.

In the final stanza, Sexton turns to old age and the ultimate act of courage: facing death. She portrays this as a dignified acceptance of mortality, requiring the deepest form of bravery. The poem concludes by emphasizing that courage is not only found in grand, heroic acts but also in the everyday moments of endurance and acceptance throughout life.

Anne Sexton’s "Courage" reveals that true bravery is present in all stages of life, manifesting in the resilience and grace with which individuals face their fears, pains, and ultimately, their mortality.

Themes in "Courage" by Anne Sexton include :

1. Everyday Bravery:

   • The poem highlights that courage is not always about grand heroic acts but is often found in the small, everyday moments of life. From taking a first step as a child to facing death, courage is portrayed as an integral part of the human experience.

2. Resilience and Endurance:

   • Sexton emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. The poem illustrates how individuals show courage by enduring pain, loss, and adversity throughout different stages of life.

3. Emotional Strength:

   • Emotional bravery is a recurring theme, particularly in the context of facing fear, rejection, and grief. Sexton suggests that the ability to confront and navigate emotional struggles is a profound form of courage.

4. Growth and Transformation:

   • Each stage of life requires different forms of courage, reflecting personal growth and transformation. Sexton underscores how bravery evolves as individuals move from childhood to adulthood and eventually face mortality.

5. Acceptance of Mortality:

   • The poem explores the courage needed to accept the inevitability of death. Sexton presents this acceptance as a dignified and final act of bravery, symbolizing the culmination of a life lived with courage.

6. Universal Human Experience:

   • Courage is depicted as a universal human trait, experienced by all at various points in life. Sexton’s portrayal of courage connects deeply with the shared experiences of fear, pain, and perseverance.