The Narrative of Identity in Anne Sexton’s Her Kind

Anne Sexton’s poem "Her Kind" is a haunting narrative about the search for identity and belonging. This literary piece speaks to many students in our generation who try to fit their unique identities for the sake of social acceptance, which forces them to assimilate, suppress or hide elements of their own lives and personality.

Sexton uses the first-person perspective to provide insight into the emotions and experiences of a female character (who is widely believed to represent the author herself). The narrative embodies the loneliness and displacement that many individuals experience when they are not fully understood or accepted by others. As such, Sexton's poem illustrates how people can create a sense of identity by learning to accept and cherish their own unique attributes.

Identity is a complex topic that encompasses several factors, such as individuality, societal expectations, and personal achievements. Sexton's speaker outlines her estrangement from the normative social structures and the resulting loneliness. The nameless speaker also presents herself as an outcast who is cut off from others. As such, the speaker has experienced significant pain and suffering due to her inability to fit in with her surrounding social culture.

Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the struggles of living as a woman in a patriarchal society. She describes herself as "a woman like that" who is misunderstood and ostracized due to her unique attributes. For instance, she states “I have been her kind” portraying a sense of belongingness to a community of individuals who are shrouded in the cloak of societal alienation. Sexton uses this metaphorical language to connect with readers and to create a sense of universality within the poem, building a bridge between the speaker's identity journey and the experiences of others who have also felt marginalized.

The poem also highlights the speaker's preference for individuality and celebrating her own uniqueness, as opposed to conforming to societal norms. The speaker says "I am tired of being a woman, I am tired of the places I've been" - a clear statement of disillusionment with the dominant social paradigm. Through this statement, the speaker introduces the idea that gender identification can be a source of pain for people because of the expectations associated with it. Further, the lines "I have found the warm caves in the woods" points to the idea that she chooses to seek refuge in nature where she can be at peace with herself and free from societal impositions of gender roles.

However, Sexton's poem does more than just highlight the speaker's search for identity. It delves deeper into one's search for belonging, which in turn enables the creation of a sense of identity. By the end of the poem, the speaker accepts herself for who she is and acknowledges that "we are all her kind" - that is to say, that there are others who share her struggles and unique traits. This realization is an important step in the speaker's journey to self-acceptance and the ability to create her own sense of identity and place within the world.

Overall, Anne Sexton's "Her Kind" tells a story of a woman who has been pushed to the sidelines of society because she does not conform to societal expectations, but who ultimately finds her voice and a sense of belonging by embracing her individuality. The poem serves as a potent reminder for college students to respect and nurture their unique personalities instead of molding themselves to fit others' expectations. Through Sexton's vivid use of imagery, metaphors, and universal themes, Her Kind still resonates with the struggles of those who are displaced and outcast, providing a crucial message of self-acceptance and creating a unique identity on one's terms.