I was spread out daily and examined for flaws

I was spread out daily and examined for flaws

Anne Sexton was a poet known for her raw and confessional style of writing, delving into themes of mental illness, motherhood, and the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society. In her poem "The Double Image," Sexton writes, "I was spread out daily and examined for flaws," a line that encapsulates the intense scrutiny and self-examination that characterized much of her work.

Sexton's poetry often delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, exploring the complexities of mental illness and the ways in which it can shape one's identity. In "The Double Image," Sexton grapples with the idea of duality, of being both mother and daughter, both saint and sinner. The line "I was spread out daily and examined for flaws" speaks to the relentless self-criticism and self-doubt that plagued Sexton throughout her life.

Sexton's struggles with mental illness are well-documented, and her poetry often serves as a way for her to confront and process her inner demons. In "The Double Image," she writes of feeling like a "split person," torn between conflicting desires and impulses. The line "I was spread out daily and examined for flaws" suggests a sense of vulnerability and exposure, as though Sexton's innermost thoughts and feelings are laid bare for all to see.

Sexton's poetry is marked by its honesty and vulnerability, and she is unafraid to confront the darker aspects of her own psyche. In "The Double Image," she writes of feeling like a "monster," a "freak of nature" who is constantly at war with herself. The line "I was spread out daily and examined for flaws" speaks to the intense self-scrutiny and self-doubt that characterized much of Sexton's work.

Overall, the line "I was spread out daily and examined for flaws" captures the essence of Anne Sexton's poetry – a relentless exploration of the self, warts and all. Through her work, Sexton invites readers to confront their own inner demons and to embrace the complexities of the human experience.