Your Kinsman

1. Choose several lines from Anne Sexton's poem "Courage" explain them in detail. Examine the lines for meaning, figurative language and appeal.





My favorite part of the poem begins in the third stanza, where it explains how sorrow was treated as a friend. The entire stanza portrays images of how sorrow can break you down, but if you treat it like a friend it will transform into something happier. An example of imagery in this poem is, "Picking the scabs off your heart, then wringing it out like a sock." This line explains getting the courage within and getting rid of the wounds and injuries you have received in the past. Forgiving and forgetting is a great way to have a happier and more pleasant life style. A great example of personification are the lines, "When death opens the back door you'll put on your carpet slippers and stride out." This line shows us that death isn't going to be a planned event. When its your time to go, nature will take its course and you will pass away unexpectedly and unplanned, just the way it should be. This poem is a great description of the word "courage", it tells us that we should have built it up, showed it compassion and love, treat it as a friend, and it will become stronger as you grow older.