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Avoiding Quote by Anne Sexton

“At six I lived in a graveyard full of dolls, avoiding myself, my body, the suspect in its grotesque house.” quote by Anne Sexton
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“At six I lived in a graveyard full of dolls, avoiding myself, my body, the suspect in its grotesque house.”

Anne Sexton

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Graveyard of Dolls" from the collection "The Death Not the Mother", 1960

A child hides from self and body, feeling trapped in a strange, unsettling environment.

In simple terms: A child feels trapped and avoids self.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and confront hidden fears.

Themes

identity fear self‑avoidance trauma

Mood

introspective somber

Type

poetic reflective

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • creative writing
  • personal reflection
  • mental health workshops

Key Concepts

psychology self‑perception metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the graveyard symbolize for you?
  • How can you safely explore avoided parts of yourself?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may obscure literal meaning for some readers.

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