Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anne Sexton’s "Protestant Easter" is a poignant and introspective reflection on the complexities of faith, particularly through the lens of a child grappling with the mysteries of religious belief. The poem captures the innocence and confusion of an eight-year-old narrator who is trying to make sense of the story of Jesus, his resurrection, and the rituals surrounding Easter. Sexton’s exploration of these themes is marked by a blend of childlike wonder and subtle skepticism, creating a narrative that is both endearing and thought-provoking.

The poem begins with a straightforward, almost simplistic depiction of Jesus as a "little boy" who was "good all the time." This portrayal immediately sets the tone of the poem, suggesting that the child narrator views Jesus in a simplistic, almost naive way, much like one might view a character in a storybook. The phrase "No wonder that he grew up to be such a big shot" is both humorous and telling, as it reflects the child’s understanding of Jesus as someone who became important because of his goodness. This early depiction of Jesus as a "big shot" who can "forgive people so much" sets the stage for the child’s later confusion about the nature of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

As the poem progresses, the narrator’s thoughts become more fragmented and uncertain. The child muses on the various possibilities of what happened to Jesus after his death, asking whether he was "hiding" or if he "could fly." This uncertainty is a central theme of the poem, highlighting the difficulty of reconciling religious teachings with a child’s understanding of the world. The child’s speculation that "maybe Jesus was only getting his work done" or "maybe he was afraid for a minute / so he hid under the big stones" humanizes Jesus, portraying him not as a distant, divine figure, but as someone who might have been scared and vulnerable.

The narrator’s confusion is further emphasized by the repeated use of the word "maybe," which appears throughout the poem. This uncertainty is juxtaposed with the more concrete images of the physical world, such as the "purple crocus / blowing its way out of the snow" and the "upside-down rowboat" ceiling of the church. These images ground the child’s thoughts in the tangible world, even as they grapple with the intangible mysteries of faith.

Sexton also explores the ritualistic aspects of Easter and how they are perceived by the child. The narrator notes the "Cross they built like a capital T" and the congregation "singing their Alleluia / in the churchy way." These observations suggest a disconnect between the child’s understanding of the rituals and the deeper meaning behind them. The child’s focus on the physical aspects of the church service, such as the "stained-glass window" and the "face of a mouse" that can be seen within it, further underscores this sense of detachment.

The poem culminates in the child’s realization that "it doesn’t matter how he got there. / It matters where he was going." This insight is profound in its simplicity, reflecting a child’s intuitive grasp of the essence of faith—what is important is not the specifics of Jesus’ resurrection, but the broader implications of his journey and what it means for the believer. However, this realization is tinged with ambiguity, as the narrator admits to being "not quite sure" about what really happened, and concludes that the people "decided to become Protestants" because "they aren't quite sure."

In the final lines, the child’s focus shifts to themselves, noting that they "always sit straight" and are wearing "white gloves." These details, seemingly trivial, highlight the importance of outward appearances and social conformity in the religious context, while also suggesting a deeper longing for certainty and belonging.

"Protestant Easter" is a masterful exploration of the intersection of childhood innocence and religious faith. Through the eyes of a child, Sexton captures the confusion, wonder, and skepticism that often accompany the process of understanding complex spiritual concepts. The poem’s blend of humor, introspection, and subtle critique of religious practices makes it a compelling reflection on the nature of belief and the ways in which we seek to make sense of the divine.

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