Prof. Rosen Rodney Harris
Eng.1121 March 28, 2009
Poetry Explication
A Starry Night is poem by Ann Sexton. The author commences by describing the lifeless town that sits beneath the dark. As an eerie and desolate place, the author makes it clear that this town is lifeless. Inspired only by a “black- haired” tree that stands to breath life in this “dead” town is the only activity noted in the starry skies that tries to inject this boring town with life. As the author expresses the connection between the dead town and the lively sky, she shows the image of a tree which represents hair reaching up to the sky in an attempt to make a connection with the lively sky.
It is ironic however, that hair would be represented as such when in the same breath, it is describes a deceased woman who has banished into the heat of the night. The town being as peaceful as it were unveils an atmosphere that may be pleasing or conducive for one to die. The heat from the night coupled with the star lit sky captivates the author’s imagination and she finds herself captivated in the arms of the night.
It seem to be a haunting image that blends in with the finer details of the scenery- the bright orange moon, the star scattered sky and the serpent wind. Yet through its captivating appearance, it cast an ominous spirit over the town. This would be the way the author wanted to die. Across from the tree is a building which appears to be a church. It also has an object on its roof which is reaching up to the sky. This may be perceived as another attempt to make a connection with the sky reaching out for help.
A bright yellow moon shining down on the town illuminates it and gives it hope of being rescued. Because the moon is very large and commanding, it dominates the sky. It is surrounded by a supporting cast of stars of various sizes and shades of brightness which also shines down on the town in an attempt to rescue it the clutches of the dark. With the town not cover a large area of land, the arrangement of the stars in the sky are also able give light and life to what is beneath it. A clear blue sky holds the both the moon and the stars in place while it enables them to perform their duty. As the light from the stars and moon shines, the sky provides the perfect mirror. It helps to reflect upon a town yearning for life.
As the wind blows, it is perceived to possess the power to usher death into everything in its path. In addition, the action of the moon “BULBING” and the starts responding as obedient children; reflect how things react when God commands.
Additionally, the wind which is harshly being described as an “old unseen serpent” reveals itself as an invisible blanket over the stars. Though unseen, it still has the capability of “swallowing up” the stars. It is this mysterious wind that welcomes the dark, the starry night the author longs for. After visually experiencing this surreal event, the author confirms that the way she wishes to die – entangled in the arms of nature. It is important to note that the author is not exhibiting a resistance to the welcoming arms of this night. She wishes to make it clear that separating herself from this will not be met with a fight or resistance. She wishes to be “sucked up”, taken up without surrender. There will no crying, or moments for reflection- just whisked away, one can say – in the twinkling of an eye. In essence this fierce wind – the serpent, has the power to take the author on its wings and usher her into the heart of the life filled sky, where death will await her no more.
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