Why have your eyes gone into their own room?

Why have your eyes gone into their own room?

In the poem "Her Kind" by Anne Sexton, the line "Why have your eyes gone into their own room?" stands out as a powerful and evocative image that captures the sense of isolation and alienation experienced by the speaker. This line speaks to the idea of feeling disconnected from oneself and others, of retreating into a private inner world where one's thoughts and emotions are hidden away from the outside world.

The image of eyes going into their own room suggests a turning inward, a withdrawal from the external world and a retreat into the self. It conveys a sense of introspection and introspection, of looking inward to explore one's own thoughts and feelings. The eyes, which are often seen as windows to the soul, are now closed off and hidden away, creating a barrier between the speaker and the outside world.

This sense of isolation and detachment is a recurring theme in Sexton's work, as she often explores the complexities of human emotion and the struggles of the individual to connect with others. In "Her Kind," the speaker grapples with feelings of alienation and otherness, of being misunderstood and marginalized by society. The line "Why have your eyes gone into their own room?" captures this sense of disconnection and separation, of feeling like an outsider in a world that does not understand or accept her.

The image of eyes going into their own room also suggests a sense of protection and self-preservation. By retreating into a private inner world, the speaker is able to shield herself from the harsh realities of the outside world and find solace in her own thoughts and emotions. This act of self-preservation is a coping mechanism for dealing with the pain and suffering that comes with being different and misunderstood.

Overall, the line "Why have your eyes gone into their own room?" in the context of Anne Sexton's work speaks to the themes of isolation, alienation, and self-preservation. It is a powerful and evocative image that captures the struggles of the individual to connect with others and find a sense of belonging in a world that often feels cold and indifferent.