Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anne Sexton’s poem "Two Hands" is a contemplative meditation on the origins of humanity, the interconnectedness of men and women, and the everyday actions that link us to the divine. Through the imagery of hands—one representing man and the other woman—Sexton explores themes of creation, the sanctity of life, and the significance of ordinary, seemingly mundane actions. The poem is a celebration of the human experience, suggesting that even the simplest acts are imbued with a sacredness that ties them to the divine.

The poem begins with a powerful creation myth: "From the sea came a hand, / ignorant as a penny, / troubled with the salt of its mother." This hand, emerging from the sea, represents the birth of man. The sea, often a symbol of the subconscious, the origin of life, or the unknown, gives rise to a hand that is "ignorant" and "troubled," yet full of potential. The hand is "mute with the silence of the fishes," suggesting a nascent state, one that is yet to find its voice or purpose. However, this hand is also "quick with the altars of the tides," indicating an inherent connection to the rhythms and cycles of nature, a readiness to participate in the world’s rituals.

The next lines elevate the creation of man and woman to a divine act: "and God reached out of His mouth / and called it man. / Up came the other hand / and God called it woman." The imagery of God reaching "out of His mouth" is unusual and evocative, suggesting that humanity is spoken into existence, brought forth through the divine word. The pairing of the hands as man and woman emphasizes the complementary nature of the sexes, each necessary to the other, each an equal participant in the act of creation.

The hands "applauded," and Sexton emphasizes that "this was no sin. / It was as it was meant to be." In this context, the applause represents an acknowledgment of creation, a celebration of life that is pure and untainted by original sin. Sexton’s affirmation that "it was as it was meant to be" highlights the natural, intended harmony between man and woman, suggesting that their union is fundamentally good and divinely sanctioned.

The poem then shifts to a more modern, everyday setting, where Sexton observes the actions of various individuals: "I see them roaming the streets: / Levi complaining about his mattress, / Sarah studying a beetle, / Mandrake holding his coffee mug, / Sally playing the drum at a football game, / John closing the eyes of the dying woman." These vignettes capture ordinary people engaged in mundane tasks, yet each action is imbued with significance. Levi’s complaint, Sarah’s curiosity, Mandrake’s routine, Sally’s participation in a communal event, and John’s compassion for the dying all reflect the diverse ways in which humans interact with the world and each other.

Sexton extends this idea to those who are "in prison, / even the prison of their bodies," drawing a parallel to Christ, who was "prisoned in His body / until the triumph came." This comparison elevates the suffering and struggles of ordinary people to a Christ-like level, suggesting that even in their confinement or pain, there is the potential for redemption or transcendence. The image of Christ "prisoned" in His body until His resurrection underscores the idea that human existence, with all its limitations and struggles, is part of a larger, divine plan.

The poem concludes with a call to action: "Unwind, hands, / you angel webs, / unwind like the coil of a jumping jack, / cup together and let yourselves fill up with / and applaud, world, / applaud." Here, Sexton returns to the imagery of hands, urging them to "unwind" and "cup together," signifying a release of potential and a gathering of collective strength or purpose. The comparison to "angel webs" suggests a connection to the divine, while the image of the "coil of a jumping jack" evokes energy, readiness, and playfulness. The final exhortation to "applaud, world, / applaud" is a celebration of life, an invitation to recognize and honor the beauty and sanctity of existence, even in its most ordinary forms.

"Two Hands" by Anne Sexton is a richly layered poem that explores the sacredness of human life and the divine origin of both men and women. Through the imagery of hands and the everyday actions of people, Sexton elevates the mundane to the level of the divine, suggesting that all human actions, no matter how small, are part of a larger, sacred tapestry. The poem ultimately calls for a recognition of this sacredness and a celebration of life in all its forms, urging us to "applaud" the world and our place within it.

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