Anne Sexton's poem 'For My Lover, Returning To His Wife' delves into the emotional complexities of an extramarital affair from the mistress's perspective. It examines themes of infidelity, love, and the contrast between the enduring marital bond and the ephemeral nature of the affair. Sexton's use of free verse, anaphora, and metaphor enhances the confessional style, offering insight into personal and societal issues of the 1960s.
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Confessional poetry is a genre characterized by personal introspection and the exploration of taboo subjects
Free Verse
Confessional poetry often uses free verse, allowing for a more personal and conversational tone
First-Person Narrative
Confessional poetry often uses a first-person narrative, creating an intimate dialogue with the reader
Use of Literary Devices
Confessional poetry often employs literary devices such as anaphora and metaphor to convey complex emotions
Confessional poetry, along with other works of the time, reflected the evolving attitudes towards sexuality and relationships during the sexual revolution of the 1960s
Infidelity
The poem explores the theme of infidelity and its emotional consequences
Love
The poem juxtaposes the deep, sacred bond of marriage with the superficial affair between the narrator and her lover
Acceptance
The poem highlights the mistress's acceptance of relinquishing her lover to his wife, emphasizing the sanctity and resilience of the marital bond
Anaphora
The poem uses anaphora, repeating references to 'she,' the wife, to convey the mistress's preoccupation and envy
Metaphor
The poem employs metaphor to contrast the wife's enduring presence with the mistress's fleeting role
Imagery
The poem uses vivid imagery to create a stark contrast between the two women, adding emotional depth to the narrative
The poem's release during the sexual revolution of the 1960s reflects the changing attitudes towards sexuality and relationships at the time
Anne Sexton was a prominent American poet known for her confessional style and exploration of taboo subjects
Sexton's poetry often incorporated autobiographical elements and addressed controversial topics, earning her recognition and accolades
Sexton's forthright and fearless approach to writing about intimate and societal issues has secured her place as an influential and pioneering poet
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Poetic Form of Sexton's Poem
Free verse, no traditional metre or rhyme.
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Literary Devices Used
Anaphora and metaphor to convey complex emotions.
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Contrast Between the Women
Other woman's temporality vs. wife's enduring role.
