Metaphors In Courage By Anne Sexton

“Courage”, by Anne Sexton, is a poem that shows how courage is seen in different stages of life. Anne Sexton uses similes, metaphors and imagery to convey her theme, courage is used in every part of life. In the first stanza the first speaker describes how a child shows courage. In the first stanza the speaker states “It is in the small things we see it” (line 1). ‘It’ is a metaphor for courage and how it is often found in normal daily activities. The speaker goes on to talk about a child stating “The child's first step, as awesome as an earthquake” (line 2). The speaker uses a simile to compare the child’s first step to an earthquake. To most adults, walking does not take much courage. However, to a child walking is like an earthquake. The

The speaker talks about what happens after being emotionally hurt by stating “getting a transfusion from the fire, picking the scabs off our heart, then wringing it out like a sock” (lines 29-31). Words such as ‘transfusion’ and ‘scab’ creates an image of healing and the word ‘wringing’ creates an image of getting rid of unwanted substances. The speaker is explaining that to heal from despair, people need to get their spark back, stop hiding their feelings, and get rid of unwanted feelings. The speaker uses other examples of imagery when she states “Next, my kinsman, you powdered your sorrow, you gave it a back rub, and then you covered it with a blanket” (lines 32-34). The statement gives an image how a baby is comforted when upset. The speaker is explaining that after experiencing despair, it is okay to want to rest and be comforted like a child. The stanza is an example of courage because even after despair, people still have to keep on living. In the fourth stanza the speaker describes how courage is shown during old age. The speaker states “each spring will be a sword you’ll sharpen” (line 41). The sword is a metaphor for bravery. Each year the person sharpens his sword as death approaches him. The speaker states “when death opens the back door you’ll put on your carpet slippers and stride out” (lines 45-47). After showing courage for years, he will be able to walk with death to another life with