Welcome, young scholars, to a journey into the heart of human resilience. Today, we delve into a truly remarkable poem, Anne Sexton’s “Courage.” This poem is not just a collection of words; it is a profound exploration of what it means to be brave, not in grand, heroic acts, but in the quiet, persistent moments of everyday life. Prepare to discover how Sexton masterfully weaves language to reveal the extraordinary strength hidden within ordinary experiences.
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
cover 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.
Understanding Anne Sexton’s “Courage”: A Comprehensive Summary
Anne Sexton’s “Courage” is a powerful and deeply moving exploration of bravery, not as a grand, singular act, but as a continuous, evolving force throughout a human life. First published in her 1973 collection, The Awful Truth, the poem quickly became a celebrated piece, showcasing Sexton’s profound insight into the human condition. It resonates with readers because it redefines courage, making it accessible and relatable to everyone.
The Central Idea of Courage
The poem’s central idea is that courage is found in the everyday, often unnoticed acts of resilience and endurance that span a lifetime. It begins in childhood and persists through every stage of existence, culminating in a quiet acceptance of mortality. Sexton argues that true bravery is an internal strength, honed by experience, rather than an outward display of heroism.
Noteworthy Aspects of “Courage”
- A Lifelong Journey: The poem traces the development of courage across four distinct stages of life: childhood, young adulthood and conflict, middle age and despair, and finally, old age and death. This chronological structure allows readers to see courage as a dynamic, ever-present aspect of human experience.
- Redefining Heroism: Sexton challenges conventional notions of heroism. Instead of focusing on battlefield glory, the poem highlights the bravery required to take a first step, endure insults, face personal despair, or simply accept the inevitable end of life.
- Interconnected Themes: While courage is the dominant theme, the poem also intricately explores the human lifecycle, the complexities of love, the pain of suffering, and the inevitability of death. These elements are presented as interconnected, each demanding a unique form of bravery.
- Universal Appeal: Through its relatable imagery and honest portrayal of human struggles, “Courage” speaks to universal experiences of vulnerability, strength, and transformation.
A Deep Dive into the Poem “Courage”: Stanza by Stanza Analysis
To truly appreciate Anne Sexton’s “Courage,” one must examine how each stanza contributes to the poem’s overarching message, building a comprehensive picture of lifelong bravery. The poem’s structure guides readers through different phases of life, revealing the varied forms courage takes.
Stanza One: The Genesis of Courage in Childhood
The poem opens by establishing that courage is rooted in “the small things.” This initial stanza focuses on childhood experiences, illustrating how foundational acts of bravery begin early in life.
The child’s first step,
as awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
wallowing up the sidewalk.
Here, Sexton highlights seemingly minor achievements that are, for a child, monumental. The simile “as awesome as an earthquake” elevates the child’s first step to a moment of immense significance, emphasizing the internal bravery required to attempt something new and potentially frightening. The image of “wallowing up the sidewalk” captures the awkward, determined effort of learning, another early act of courage.
The stanza then shifts to the pain of social ostracization:
When they called you crybaby
or poor or fatty or crazy
and made you into an alien,
you drank their acid
and concealed it.
This powerful imagery of “drank their acid and concealed it” vividly portrays the emotional pain inflicted by cruel words and the silent strength required to internalize and hide that hurt. This act of concealment, of enduring pain without outward display, is presented as an early, profound form of courage.
Stanza Two: Courage in Conflict and the Power of Love
The second stanza, introduced by “Later,” moves into young adulthood, specifically addressing the courage required in times of war and profound adversity.
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
cover your heart.
You did not fondle the weakness inside you
though it was there.
Your courage was a small coal
that you kept swallowing.
This passage powerfully contrasts traditional heroic imagery with a more internal, understated bravery. Facing “bombs and bullets” without a “banner” suggests a quiet, personal endurance rather than public glory. The image of “only a hat to cover your heart” symbolizes a vulnerable yet resolute spirit. The metaphor “Your courage was a small coal that you kept swallowing” is particularly striking, conveying the difficult, painful, and continuous effort of maintaining courage in the face of overwhelming fear. It is a constant, internal struggle.
The stanza then introduces a transformative idea about love:
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.
Here, Sexton suggests that in its purest form, courage can transcend into love, especially in acts of self-sacrifice. The simile “love as simple as shaving soap” grounds this profound emotion in everyday reality, making it relatable and emphasizing its fundamental, unpretentious nature. This highlights that the deepest forms of bravery are often rooted in connection and care for others.
Stanza Three: Courage in Despair and the Path to Transformation
The third stanza, again beginning with “Later,” explores the courage needed to confront and overcome deep personal despair, a common human experience.
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.
These lines use visceral imagery to describe the arduous process of healing from emotional pain. “Getting a transfusion from the fire” suggests drawing strength from a powerful, perhaps painful, source to revitalize oneself. “Picking the scabs off your heart” and “wringing it out like a sock” are raw, almost brutal metaphors that convey the active, often agonizing work involved in confronting and processing deep sorrow. This is not passive suffering, but an active, courageous engagement with one’s own pain.
The stanza concludes with a beautiful image of transformation:
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.
Through personification, sorrow is treated with tenderness and care, suggesting that healing involves acknowledging and nurturing one’s pain, not just fighting it. The imagery of sorrow sleeping and then waking “to the wings of the roses” symbolizes a gentle, natural rebirth and transformation. This shows that courage is not just about enduring, but also about the capacity for renewal and growth after suffering.
Stanza Four: Courage in Facing Mortality
The final stanza, introduced by “Later,” addresses the ultimate act of courage: facing old age and the inevitability of death.
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
Sexton reiterates that courage remains present “in the little ways,” even at life’s end. The metaphor “each spring will be a sword you’ll sharpen” suggests that even in old age, there is a continuous, quiet preparation for life’s ongoing challenges, a sharpening of one’s spirit. The idea of loved ones living “in a fever of love” speaks to the enduring power of human connection, which provides strength and comfort. “Bargain with the calendar” poignantly captures the human desire to prolong life, a subtle act of defiance against time.
The poem concludes with a remarkably peaceful and accepting vision of death:
and at the last moment
when death opens the back door
you’ll put on your carpet slippers
and stride out.
This powerful personification of death opening “the back door” presents it not as a terrifying monster, but as a quiet, almost domestic event. The image of putting on “carpet slippers and stride out” conveys a sense of calm readiness and acceptance. This final act is not one of fear or struggle, but of quiet dignity and a final, profound act of courage, walking into the unknown with composure. It is a testament to a life lived with enduring bravery.
Anne Sexton’s Craft: Literary and Poetic Devices in “Courage”
Anne Sexton’s “Courage” is a masterclass in poetic craftsmanship. Her skillful use of literary and poetic devices enhances the poem’s emotional impact, thematic depth, and overall resonance. Understanding these techniques unlocks a richer appreciation of the poem.
Vivid Imagery and Sensory Detail
Sexton excels at creating striking images that appeal directly to the reader’s senses, making abstract concepts tangible and experiences vivid. The poem is replete with examples:
- “The child’s first step, as awesome as an earthquake” creates a powerful visual and kinesthetic sense of a monumental event.
- “You drank their acid and concealed it” evokes a strong visceral sensation of pain and its internalization.
- “getting a transfusion from the fire” conjures an image of intense, almost alchemical healing.
- “picking the scabs off your heart” is a raw, tactile image of confronting deep emotional wounds.
- “woke to the wings of the roses” offers a beautiful, delicate visual of transformation and rebirth.
These images are not merely decorative; they are essential to conveying the intensity of the experiences and the nature of the courage required to face them.
Figurative Language: Metaphor, Simile, and Personification
Sexton frequently employs figurative language to draw insightful comparisons and give life to abstract ideas, deepening the poem’s meaning.
- Simile: Direct comparisons using “like” or “as” are used to clarify and intensify emotions or actions.
- “The child’s first step, as awesome as an earthquake” emphasizes the profound significance of a small act.
- “love as simple as shaving soap” grounds a powerful emotion in everyday reality, highlighting its fundamental nature.
- “wringing it out like a sock” vividly conveys the harsh, cleansing process of dealing with despair.
- Metaphor: Implied comparisons that equate one thing with another, revealing deeper truths.
- “Your courage was a small coal that you kept swallowing” is a central metaphor, illustrating courage as a difficult, internal, and continuous act of endurance.
- “each spring will be a sword you’ll sharpen” metaphorically connects the cyclical renewal of nature with the ongoing preparation for life’s challenges, even in old age.
- Personification: Giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
- “your heart went on a journey all alone” personifies the heart, emphasizing feelings of isolation.
- “you powdered your sorrow, you gave it a back rub and then you covered it with a blanket” personifies sorrow, treating it as something that can be nurtured and comforted, suggesting a gentle approach to healing.
- “when death opens the back door” personifies death as a gentle, almost domestic figure, making the final transition less terrifying.
Sound Devices: Assonance and Consonance
While “Courage” is in free verse, Sexton carefully crafts its sound through the repetition of vowel and consonant sounds, contributing to its musicality and emotional texture.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates a sense of flow and connection.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds, often at the end or middle of words, adds texture and emphasis.
- The repeated ‘d’ and ‘b’ sounds in “if you faced the death of bombs and bullets” create a sense of weight and gravity, mirroring the seriousness of the subject.
Structure and Rhythm: Free Verse, Stanza, and Anaphora
Sexton’s structural choices significantly impact the poem’s meaning and readability.
- Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This choice allows Sexton to create a natural, conversational rhythm that mimics the ebb and flow of thought and experience, making the poem feel intimate and authentic. It also gives her the freedom to vary line lengths and create emphasis where needed.
- Stanza Structure: “Courage” is composed of four distinct stanzas, each comprising twelve lines. This consistent stanza length provides a sense of order and balance, even within the free verse form. Each stanza functions as a chronological chapter, marking a different stage in life’s journey and a new manifestation of courage. This clear division helps readers follow the progression of the poem’s central theme.
- Anaphora and Repetition: The powerful repetition of the word “Later,” beginning the second, third, and fourth stanzas, functions as a significant anaphoric device. This repetition creates a strong sense of continuity and progression, emphasizing the passage of time and the cumulative nature of courage throughout a lifetime. It acts as a structural anchor, guiding the reader through the different phases of life and reinforcing the idea that courage is an ongoing process.
Diction and Tone
Sexton’s choice of words, or diction, is both accessible and profound. She uses relatively simple, direct language, yet imbues it with deep emotional resonance. The tone of “Courage” is complex and multifaceted. It shifts from reflective and empathetic in its portrayal of childhood struggles, to somber and resilient when discussing war and despair, and finally to a tone of quiet acceptance and wisdom in contemplating old age and death. This shifting tone mirrors the varied emotional landscape of a human life, making the poem deeply relatable.
Symbolism
Several elements in the poem function as symbols, representing broader ideas.
- The “child’s first step” symbolizes the beginning of independence, vulnerability, and the lifelong journey of confronting the unknown.
- The “acid” represents the hurtful words and experiences that wound us emotionally, and the act of “drinking” and “concealing” it symbolizes the internal fortitude required to bear such pain silently.
- The “small coal that you kept swallowing” symbolizes the difficult, often painful, and continuous effort of maintaining inner strength and resilience.
- “The wings of the roses” symbolize transformation, beauty, and renewal after a period of despair.
- “Death opens the back door” symbolizes a peaceful, unthreatening transition into the unknown, suggesting acceptance rather than fear.
The Enduring Message of “Courage”
Anne Sexton’s “Courage” is a timeless poem that reminds us that bravery is not reserved for epic heroes or grand gestures. It is woven into the fabric of everyday existence, present in the child’s first hesitant step, the soldier’s quiet endurance, the individual’s battle against despair, and the serene acceptance of life’s final chapter. This poem encourages readers to recognize and honor the profound strength within themselves and others, celebrating the quiet, persistent acts of resilience that define the human spirit. It is a powerful testament to the enduring capacity for courage, love, and transformation throughout the journey of life.