Courage Summary
Anne Sexton

Courage Summary

First Stanza

Sexton uses the title "Courage" as a theme to be explained. The "it" in the first stanza is courage, and the items listed after "it" are examples of courage. Sexton likens a small thing such as a "child's first step" to a large thing, an earthquake, meaning that, both literally and metaphorically, taking a first step is a momentous occasion. In all of these examples, Sexton attempts to show the courageous aspect of everyday, often mundane, events. Being a confessional poet, Sexton is surely speaking to another part of herself; however, these events are universal as well, a point underscored by her use of the second person "we" and "you." Also, most of these examples are taken from childhood, a time of exploration and firsts. It is also human beings' most vulnerable time. This vulnerability often leads to suffering, something that Sexton points out as frequently repressed. This is what... View more of the Courage Summary