The Poetics of Toxic Love

Trauma, Agency, and Power Negotiation in Anne Sexton’s Poetry

Abstract

This article examines the intricate relationship between Anne Sexton’s depictions of “toxic love” and her suicidal ideation, situating her within the broader context of the American patriarchal culture. By analysing Sexton’s poetic corpus alongside biographical and critical studies, the essay argues that her self-destructive tendencies were deeply intertwined with her tumultuous relationships, which both reflected and perpetuated patriarchal structures. Despite this, Sexton did not dwell in passivity but explored the complexity of the “toxic love” dynamics in her poetry, striving to assert agency within a world that sought to strip her of it. Paradoxically, while Sexton critiqued the oppressive dynamics of patriarchy, she also actively participated in and reproduced them in her work, embodying a dual role as both victim and perpetrator. This complexity is central to understanding how Sexton navigated her agency within a deeply sexist society. In this sense, Sexton’s poetry evolves into a battleground for power negotiation, a realm where she not only resisted patriarchal control but also used the very tools of the system to her advantage. By focusing on the psychological and societal dimensions of her “toxic love” motif, this article probes the intersections between gender, identity, trauma, and artistic expression in Sexton’s work. It sheds new light on her continued struggle with patriarchy and self-destruction, offering insights into how her poetry engages in a complex, dynamic contest for autonomy and survival within an oppressive cultural framework.