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Analysis and comments on For God While Sleeping by Anne Sexton

Comment 2 of 2, added on September 25th, 2007 at 10:57 AM.

The disturbing feverish images ("like a pig on exhibit", "drooling blood
and vinegar","jaw gapes" and "your diaper sags"), almost blasphemous, a
mixture of pity, ignorance, concern and delusion create a nightmare image
of Christ crucified in the feverish dream of an unbeliever or maybe just a
poor untaught observer. Even as a dream, it seems to drift off into an
Icarus legend in the final stanza, connecting suggestive images. The
persona of the poem doesn't seem to recognize or admit their culpability in
this tragic sight ("I do not know your name" and "you are somebody's
fault") and responds with pity ("poor old convict") though not with
understanding.
It would be interesting to know under what circumstances this poem was
written. Is the fever real or is life the feverish dream the poet suggests?


Mike from United States
Comment 1 of 2, added on November 7th, 2005 at 9:53 AM.

I think that poem was writen from the bottom of your heart. I really
enjoyed it! It really touched me. you are a great poet!

Tez from United States



Information about For God While Sleeping

Poet: Anne Sexton
Poem: For God While Sleeping
Added: Feb 20 2003
Viewed: 4799 times


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By: Anne Sexton

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