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The Struggle for Freedom in 'The Window that Watched Pru'

The Struggle for Freedom in 'The Window that Watched Pru'


The poem The Window the Watched Pru by Anne Sexton carries a tone of rebellion and assertiveness, conveying the persona's determination to act according to their own will. Through unconventional stylistic choices and powerful imagery, the poem effectively communicates the persona's struggle for freedom and the contrast between confinement and hope.

The poem establishes a persona marked by confidence and defiance. This is evident in the opening line with the word "never" and the phrase "you ought to know right off," which assert the persona's determination to follow their own path. This confident tone sets the stage for the persona's rebellious character.

What makes the poem particularly striking is its unorthodox structure—a prose poem, a style that departs from the convention. This unconventional approach serves to emphasise the persona's strong sense of protest and individuality, reinforcing their refusal to be in a secluded room.

The imagery in the poem contributes significantly to the claustrophobic feelings experienced by the persona. The image of "ten giraffes... twisting and twisting their long... necks" within a confined space vividly portrays the persona's sense of confinement and lack of freedom. The repetition of the word "innocent" underscores the persona's belief that their confinement is unjust.

However, there is a glimmer of optimism within this confinement. The mention of the "one window" through which they can see nature and the "lights in the blackness" create a hopeful tone. The poet suggests that even in the gloomiest of circumstances, hope can be found in small, positive details.

The poem delves into the theme of loneliness and the persona's yearning for freedom. The contrast between the persona's solitude and the presence of "one hundred and twenty people" emphasises their longing for human interaction and connection. The biblical allusion to Christ(s) highlights the persona's strong desire to be redeemed from their bondage, mirroring the need for salvation.

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