Sexton's Spiritual Journey in “The Awful Rowing Toward Good”

Abstract

Anne Sexton appeared on the scene of American mystic consciousness as a pioneering spirit. Sexton employed the rituals of psycho-analysis to create new mystic forms capable of coping with the spiritual tensions of a fast and discordant life. Combining various forms of the confessional mode, Sexton developed it into a mystical instrument of self expression, self-analysis, purgation and mental therapy that paved the way for mystical illumination and union. Sexton conceives of her life as religious search which takes the form of a journey. In The Awful Rowing Toward God Sexton’s journey assumes its complete religious form when she ultimately finds in ‘rowing’ the central metaphor of her poetry as well as life.

Key words: mystic, psycho- analysis, confessional, purgation etc.