The snow has quietness in it; no songs, no smells, no shouts or traffic. When I speak my own voice shocks me

The snow has quietness in it; no songs, no smells, no shouts or traffic. When I speak my own voice shocks me

Anne Sexton was a poet known for her raw and confessional style, delving into themes of mental illness, motherhood, and the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society. In her work, she often explored the complexities of human emotions and the darkness that can reside within the human psyche. The quote "The snow has quietness in it; no songs, no smells, no shouts or traffic. When I speak my own voice shocks me" encapsulates the sense of isolation and introspection that can be found in Sexton's poetry.

The image of snow as a symbol of silence and stillness is a recurring motif in Sexton's work. Snow is often used to represent a sense of emptiness or numbness, a blank canvas upon which the poet can project her innermost thoughts and feelings. In this context, the snow becomes a metaphor for the quietness and solitude that can be both comforting and unsettling.

The absence of songs, smells, shouts, and traffic in the snow further emphasizes the idea of isolation and detachment from the outside world. Sexton's speaker is alone with her thoughts, surrounded by a vast expanse of white that reflects her own inner turmoil. The silence of the snow allows her to confront her own voice, which shocks her with its intensity and honesty.

Sexton's poetry often grapples with the complexities of self-expression and the struggle to find one's own voice in a world that can be deafeningly loud. The quote suggests a sense of disorientation and disconnection, as the speaker confronts the stark reality of her own thoughts and emotions. The shock of hearing her own voice may be a reminder of the power and vulnerability that comes with self-expression, as well as the fear of being truly seen and understood.

Overall, the quote "The snow has quietness in it; no songs, no smells, no shouts or traffic. When I speak my own voice shocks me" captures the essence of Anne Sexton's introspective and emotionally charged poetry. It speaks to the themes of isolation, self-discovery, and the struggle to find one's own voice in a world that can be overwhelming and chaotic.