Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anne Sexton's "Is It True?" is a raw, contemplative piece that oscillates between reverence and irreverence, deep introspection, and external commentary. The poem grapples with the nature of faith, the existence of God, and the struggle with personal and societal sin. It is a journey through doubt, seeking answers in a world that seems to provide none.

The poem begins with a vivid depiction of the ordinary—the carpenter under the sun, working, pausing to look at the sky, much like a hen glancing heavenward while drinking. This imagery sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing the juxtaposition of the mundane with the divine. Sexton then shifts to a more personal reflection, recalling a time she knelt before the Pope, driven not by faith but by physical pain. This act of desperation highlights a central theme of the poem: the search for comfort and answers in religion, even when belief is tenuous.

Sexton introduces the idea of sin and evil, not as deliberate choices, but as something that "crawled in and out" of her, possibly through her cigarettes, a symbol of her "passionate habit." This casual yet intense acknowledgment of sin contrasts sharply with the structured, often judgmental view of sin in traditional religious contexts. Sexton's God, who is "bored" and turns away like "an opium eater," suggests a deity detached from human suffering and moral dilemmas.

The poet's exploration of faith is further complicated by her references to modern society. She mentions Israel's transformation, the legalization of abortion by the Supreme Court, and the commercialization of religious symbols, all of which seem to dilute the sacred. Yet, despite these changes, the sun still "passes over filth and is not defiled," symbolizing the enduring purity of some aspects of existence, untouched by human corruption.

Sexton's repeated question, "Is it true?" reflects her profound uncertainty. She doubts the validity of religious dogma, the authenticity of her experiences, and the possibility of finding true meaning in a world that seems increasingly disillusioned. The priest she consults offers no real answers, failing to grasp the depth of her questioning. His understanding of evil is superficial, missing the existential crisis Sexton presents.

The poem takes a turn towards existential despair as Sexton considers the possibility of reintroducing God into her life, only to conclude that "all is wilderness." This wilderness is not a place of refuge but a desolate landscape where even her tears are "stinky," a sign of decay and death. She questions the utility of faith, the existence of God, and whether there is any nourishment in the universe—whether in the "wind's hat" or the "sea's olive."

Despite her doubts, Sexton expresses a deep desire for connection, for something to believe in. She imagines a God made of wood, whom she could "wear like a house" and praise. This God, unlike the distant and abstract deity she struggles with, is tangible and practical, offering shelter and warmth. She blesses the everyday objects in her life—spoons, shoes, lights—finding solace in their utility and constancy.

As the poem progresses, Sexton reflects on the absurdity and tragedy of life. She recalls the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House, hidden during World War II, and questions the motivations behind such actions. This memory leads her to a meditation on heaven, imagining it as a place of whimsical beauty and abundance, yet she remains skeptical, asking again, "Is it true?"

The poem ends with a vision of Christ, "soiled with my sour tears," yet enduring despite his suffering. This image captures the paradox of faith—Christ as a symbol of hope and redemption, even as he bears the weight of human sin and suffering. Sexton’s Christ is not triumphant but fragile, his wings still flapping even after he has stopped flying, symbolizing a persistent, if futile, struggle for meaning and salvation.

"Is It True?" is a powerful exploration of doubt, faith, and the human condition. Sexton’s questioning is relentless, her language raw and visceral, capturing the existential angst of a soul searching for answers in a world that offers few certainties. The poem’s refrain, "Is it true?" resonates throughout, leaving the reader with a sense of unresolved tension, a reflection of the poet’s own spiritual and existential turmoil.

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