Anne Sexton

(1928-1974)
“Her Kind” (1960)
“The Truth the Dead Know” (1962)
“And One for My Dame” (1962)

Sexton’s work seems to challenge the traditional 1950’s/1960’s view of womanhood.

In “Her Kind,” the speaker talks about her day by day (“light by light”) existence, wanting something else. In the second stanza, she breaks out of the norm a little by doing normal duties for non-normal recipients, worms and elves, and in the last stanza we see her carted off to be burned for her witchcraft. In one sense, it is commendable for her to try to break out of the norm, especially if life for her and her family is so earthbound, so un-engaging like it is in “And One for My Dame.”

This young dame grows up with a Dad who might as well live in his car. He is a cheat (12), works more than he has to (36), and doesn’t involve himself and take joy in raising his family (21-22). Later she marries, and her husband isn’t any better. His sample cases are “branded with [her] father’s name.” (45).

Is there anything transcendent in their lives? Are there any great mysteries approached, realities hinted at? Any deeper meaning? Why wouldn’t housewives rebel? Against materialism and banality?

But don’t let such rebellion against triviality suck out with it the great meaning within the home and motherhood. Motherhood has just as much dignity as any woman who chooses to enter the marketplace. And a man who comes home and loves his wife and their family can truly free her to enjoy it.