Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anne Sexton's poem "The Fallen Angels" is a vivid and introspective exploration of the interplay between creativity, morality, and the self. Through the metaphor of fallen angels—beings that occupy the liminal space between salvation and damnation—Sexton delves into the complexity of the human condition, particularly the struggle between the sacred and the profane. The poem also reflects on the duality of existence, where one can be both "saved and lost," echoing the poet's own experiences with mental illness, spirituality, and the creative process.

The poem opens with a question—"Who are they?"—which is answered by the "peasantry" with a description of the fallen angels: "Fallen angels who were not good enough to be saved, / nor had enough to be lost." This characterization sets the tone for the poem, introducing the angels as beings who exist in a state of ambiguity, neither fully redeemed nor entirely condemned. They are figures of both moral failure and potential, embodying the tension between the divine and the earthly.

These fallen angels become a symbol for the creative process itself, as they "come on to my clean / sheet of paper and leave a Rorschach blot." The image of the Rorschach blot—a psychological test that reveals the unconscious mind—suggests that the angels are manifestations of the poet’s inner thoughts and emotions, which spill onto the page in unpredictable and abstract forms. The poet acknowledges that the angels do not do this "to be mean," but rather to give a sign, a prompt for the poet to "shove it around till something comes." This reflects the often chaotic and unstructured nature of creativity, where meaning emerges through the act of writing, even when it begins in confusion or disorder.

Sexton identifies with these fallen angels, describing herself as "like them— / both saved and lost." This identification highlights the poet’s sense of duality, the feeling of being caught between opposing forces or identities. The comparison to "Humpty Dumpty / off the alphabet" suggests a sense of fragmentation or disintegration, as if the poet, like the famous nursery rhyme character, has fallen from a place of order and structure (represented by the alphabet) into a state of disorder. Each morning, the poet must push these angels off her bed, a metaphor for the constant struggle to manage or contain the forces within her that threaten to overwhelm or disrupt her life.

The poem continues with a series of whimsical yet unsettling images, as the angels get "in the salad / rolling in it like a dog," a behavior that the poet must correct by picking them out, just as her daughter picks out anchovies. This domestic scene, with its blend of the mundane and the bizarre, underscores the intrusive nature of these angels—they are ever-present, influencing even the most ordinary aspects of the poet's life.

The angels' behavior changes with the seasons, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and mood. In May, they "dance on the jonquils, / wearing out their toes, / laughing like fish," a playful and almost joyful image that contrasts with their actions in "November, / the dread month," when they "suck the childhood out of the berries / and turn them sour and inedible." Here, Sexton touches on themes of loss and decay, as the angels, once playful, become agents of destruction, draining life and sweetness from the world around them.

Despite their disruptive nature, the angels are also protective and supportive. They "wiggle up life" and "pass out their magic / like Assorted Lifesavers," suggesting that they bring vitality and a sense of wonder, even as they complicate the poet’s existence. They accompany the poet to the dentist, offering protection from pain, and even attend class with her, though they "lie to my students." This duality reflects the complex role of the angels—they are both beneficial and deceitful, offering comfort while also embodying the poet’s darker impulses.

The poem concludes with an invocation to one of these fallen angels, now referred to as "the companion within me." The poet asks the angel to "whisper something holy / before you pinch me / into the grave." This final plea highlights the poet’s desire for redemption or sanctification, even as she acknowledges the inevitability of death. The image of being "pinched into the grave" suggests that the angels, for all their mischief and ambiguity, are also agents of fate, guiding the poet toward her ultimate end.

In "The Fallen Angels," Anne Sexton masterfully explores the complexities of the human psyche, using the metaphor of fallen angels to illustrate the tensions between creativity and destruction, salvation and damnation, order and chaos. The poem reflects Sexton’s deep understanding of the human condition, particularly the ways in which we are all, at times, both "saved and lost," navigating a world that is as beautiful as it is terrifying. Through her evocative language and rich imagery, Sexton invites readers to consider their own inner struggles and the forces that shape their lives, ultimately suggesting that these conflicts are an integral part of the human experience.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...