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Gwendolyn Brooks and Anne Sexton delve into the complex and controversial subject of abortion through their respective poems, "The Mother" and "The Abortion." This analysis aims to uncover the emotional nuances and profound regret embedded in these poems, with a particular focus on the authors' skillful use of tone, imagery, and self-reflection.
In Gwendolyn Brooks' poignant poem "The Mother," a tone of deep sadness and lingering longing permeates the verses. Brooks crafts her language meticulously, choosing words and expressions that echo with the ache of unfulfilled maternal instincts.
Lines like "You will never neglect or beat them, or silence or buy with a sweet" reveal a profound yearning to engage in the tender acts associated with motherhood.
The paradox encapsulated in the poem's title, "The Mother," becomes a powerful vehicle for Brooks to convey the heart-wrenching reality—she never had the chance to experience genuine motherhood due to her agonizing decision to abort.
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The vivid imagery she paints, describing the activities she and her unborn child would have shared, serves to create a visceral connection with the reader. This connection, coupled with the knowledge of the abortion, intensifies the emotional experience, evoking sensations of profound sorrow and remorse.
The interplay between vivid imagery and reader emotions serves as a conduit for understanding Brooks' remorse. As the poem unfolds, there is a discernible shift in tone towards a more pronounced sense of remorse, particularly evident in the transition of addressees—from a generic audience to the direct acknowledgment of the aborted child.
Brooks pleads for forgiveness, admitting wrongdoing with phrases like "the crime was other than mine." This shift in focus signifies not only a maternal yearning but also a poignant acknowledgment of the gravity of her actions. The admission of love for the aborted child and the subtle confession of unintentional deliberateness emphasize her deep sorrow for what she recognizes as a conscious, deliberate act.
In Anne Sexton's "The Abortion," the portrayal of emotions is intricately entwined with the shifting settings within the poem. The narrative begins with Sexton still carrying the unborn child, and she uses language that paints a world brimming with life—describing the landscape as hilly, mountainous, and adorned with the symbolically charged color green, representing new life.
However, as the poem progresses and Sexton returns from her abortion, the setting undergoes a stark transformation into a gloomy, desolate portrayal. This shift mirrors the emotional turmoil within Sexton herself, symbolizing the emptiness left in the absence of her child.
The opening line, "Somebody who should have been born is gone," serves as a direct expression of Sexton's anti-abortion stance. This poignant statement establishes the tone, making it clear that Sexton believes abortion is inherently wrong, yet she proceeds with the act. Notably, Sexton avoids describing the actual abortion process with the expected severity, making an allusion to Rumplestiltskin and implying a less traumatic experience than anticipated.
Throughout the poem, the repetition of regretful lines serves as a haunting refrain, echoing Sexton's ongoing remorse. The comparison to Rumplestiltskin becomes a metaphor for the absence of horror in the abortion experience, contrary to the darker narrative of the fairy tale. Sexton's self-labeling as a coward in the poem's conclusion lays bare her internal conflict and regret, underscoring the emotional weight of her choice.
Both Gwendolyn Brooks and Anne Sexton demonstrate a keen awareness that, from their perspective, abortion is morally wrong. Despite their acknowledgment of regret and remorse, both poems maintain a simplicity and soothing quality, rendering them accessible and relatable even to a child's understanding.
The stress on abortion carrying emotions of sadness, sorrow, and guilt becomes a thematic underpinning shared by both poets. This emphasis reinforces the poets' commitment to exploring the intricate emotional landscape of abortion, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of human decisions.
The ease with which readers can connect to and understand the conveyed emotions is a testament to the universality of the poems. The exploration of the paradox—knowing something is wrong yet proceeding with it—resonates with readers who may have grappled with similar internal conflicts. The relatability and understanding derived from the poems highlight the complexity of human decisions in the face of moral and emotional dilemmas.
In conclusion, the poems "The Mother" by Gwendolyn Brooks and "The Abortion" by Anne Sexton offer profound insights into the emotional landscape surrounding abortion. The poets' adept use of tone, vivid imagery, and personal reflection draws readers into the complexities of their choices. Despite their awareness of the moral dilemma, both women chose to undergo abortion, illustrating the intricate interplay between personal convictions and human decisions.
The emotional weight carried by these poems transcends the specific experiences of Brooks and Sexton, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and moral compass. Through these poetic explorations, the poems provide a nuanced perspective on the universal themes of regret, longing, and the haunting aftermath of decisions made in the realm of profound moral complexity.
The Emotional Landscape of Abortion: Brooks and Sexton's Poems. (2016, Nov 03). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/abortion-poems-essay
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