Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anne Sexton’s poem "Praying on a 707" is a deeply introspective piece that explores the complex dynamics between the speaker, her mother, and her relationship with God. The poem is set against the backdrop of a flight, where the speaker attempts to converse with God but finds herself interrupted by memories and the pervasive influence of her mother. Through vivid imagery, sharp contrasts, and a conversational tone, Sexton delves into themes of familial control, the struggle for independence, and the challenge of authentic communication with the divine.

The poem begins with a direct address to the speaker’s mother, who is depicted as a disruptive force whenever the speaker tries to connect with God: "Mother, / each time I talk to God / you interfere." This interference is portrayed not just as a physical or verbal interruption, but as a deeper, more ingrained influence that permeates the speaker’s thoughts and actions. The mother, described as part of "the bla-bla set," is someone who trivializes or undermines the speaker’s efforts to engage in serious, personal endeavors, whether it’s writing a poem, making love, or praying.

The mother’s presence is both mocking and overpowering, as she turns significant moments into something banal or sarcastic. For instance, when the speaker writes a poem, the mother gives "a treasurer's report," and when the speaker makes love, the mother interjects with "the funniest lines." This characterization of the mother as Mrs. Sarcasm underscores the idea that she trivializes and distorts the speaker’s experiences, making it difficult for the speaker to engage in meaningful self-expression.

The poem then shifts to a broader reflection on the mother’s influence on future generations: "why are there any children left?" The speaker observes that the mother’s traits have been passed down to the children, who "curtsy in just your style" and "shake hands how-do-you-do / in the same inimitable manner." Despite the speaker’s critical view of her mother, there is an acknowledgment that her influence is pervasive, shaping not just the speaker but the next generation as well. The children, however, manage to embody certain qualities—such as nurturing their own children—that the speaker implies her mother lacked.

There is a sense of resignation in the speaker’s recognition of how deeply she and others have been shaped by the mother: "we ape you, / we ape you further." This line suggests that despite any attempts at rebellion or independence, the speaker and others inevitably mimic the mother’s behavior and attitudes. The poem’s imagery, such as "the great pine of summer" and "the garden made of noses," evokes a world that is both lush and suffocating, a reflection of the mother’s dual role as both nurturer and oppressor.

The poem takes a turn when the speaker describes a doll, Mary Gray, which could have been a gift from the mother, the grandmother, or the maid. The maid, being Italian, is noted to have "soul," a quality the speaker seems to imply her mother lacked. This detail adds another layer to the speaker’s complex feelings toward her mother—there is a recognition of warmth and authenticity in others that contrasts with the mother’s cold, controlling presence.

As the poem returns to the setting of the flight, the speaker again attempts to connect with God, "below the clouds as small as puppies," and "the sun standing fire." This celestial imagery contrasts sharply with the earlier, earthbound images of the mother, highlighting the speaker’s desire to rise above her mother’s influence and seek spiritual clarity. However, the speaker’s attempt at divine communication is once again undermined as she hears God, who mirrors the mother’s critical voice, telling her "you haven’t, / you haven’t." This repeated negation suggests that the speaker’s efforts, whether in prayer or in life, are continually dismissed or devalued, leaving her in a state of unresolved tension.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of both the mother and God floating "with the same belly / up," suggesting that in the speaker’s mind, the two are intertwined. The image of floating belly up evokes a sense of helplessness or surrender, yet it also implies a shared, almost conspiratorial connection between the mother and the divine, one that leaves the speaker feeling isolated and unfulfilled.

"Praying on a 707" is a poignant exploration of the ways in which familial relationships can shape, and sometimes hinder, one’s spiritual and personal growth. Through her evocative language and layered imagery, Anne Sexton captures the struggle to break free from inherited patterns and the longing for a pure, unmediated connection with the divine.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...