Few people are as fascinating and multifaceted as Anny Sexton. From her early years to her rise in fame, the story of this renowned personality leaves many in awe. Born into a humble background, Anny overcame several challenges to become a trailblazer in various fields. While some appreciate her for her creative genius, others have admired her for her stunning beauty. From her age to her height, figure, and net worth, there is much to know about this iconic figure. In this article, we delve into the fascinating and comprehensive biography of Anny Sexton. If you're curious about who Anny Sexton is, where she comes from, what she's accomplished, and how she's made a name for herself, then this article is for you. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let's take a journey through the life and times of one of the world's most fascinating personalities.
Early Life and Education
Anny Sexton was born on November 9, 1928, to prosperous parents, Mary Gray Staples and Ralph Harvey Hart, in Newton, Massachusetts. She was the first of three children and grew up in a house that was full of books. Her mother was an amateur writer, and her father owned a successful graphic arts business.
Despite her privileged upbringing, Anny struggled with depression and mental illness from a young age. She attended Rogers Williams School, where she was an average student, and Newton High School, where she struggled to fit in and make friends.
After high school, Anny briefly attended Garland Junior College before transferring to Boston University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1951. While at BU, she discovered her love of writing and published her first poem, "To a Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph," in the Boston University student newspaper, The News, in 1947.
Anny went on to receive her master's degree in creative writing from Boston University in 1953. Her thesis was a collection of poems that would eventually be published as her first book, "To Bedlam and Part Way Back," in 1960.
Career Beginnings
Anne Sexton’s introduction to poetry happened quite unexpectedly during one of her therapy sessions for postpartum depression. Her therapist encouraged her to write, and it was during this time that she found that poetry was a cathartic way for her to express herself. Her first experience with publication came in 1957 when her poem “The Double Image” won first prize in a contest held by Mademoiselle magazine.
Despite her newfound success, Sexton was hesitant to pursue poetry as a career and only wrote sporadically for several years. However, in the early 1960s, she became involved in a writing group that included fellow poets Robert Lowell and Sylvia Plath, which provided her with the support and encouragement she needed to take her work seriously.
Sexton’s first book, “To Bedlam and Part Way Back,” was published in 1960, and it was quickly followed by “All My Pretty Ones” in 1962 and “Live or Die” in 1966. These collections established her as one of the leading voices in the confessional poetry movement of the 1960s.
In addition to her poetry, Sexton also worked as a teacher and a lecturer, hosting poetry workshops and classes around the country and abroad. Despite her success, Sexton struggled with mental health issues throughout her life and tragically took her own life in 1974 at the age of 45.
Personal Life and Relationships
Anne Sexton was married twice and had two daughters. Her first husband, Alfred Muller Sexton II, was a successful businessman but their marriage was rocky and ended in 1958. Sexton then married her psychiatrist, Dr. Martin T. Orne, whom she met while hospitalized for mental illness. Orne helped her overcome her depression and encouraged her to pursue her poetry. They were married until his death in 1981.
Sexton struggled with mental illness throughout her life and was hospitalized numerous times. She also had a tumultuous relationship with her mother, who disapproved of her poetry and sexual openness. Despite these challenges, Sexton maintained close relationships with her family and friends, who supported her both personally and professionally.
One of Sexton's most significant relationships was with fellow poet and close friend Sylvia Plath. The two met at a poetry workshop and formed a deep bond over their shared struggles with mental illness and writing. They often corresponded and critiqued each other's work. Sexton was devastated by Plath's suicide in 1963 and wrote several poems in her honor.
Net Worth and Achievements
Anny Sexton is widely recognized as one of the most influential poets of the twentieth century. Her work was highly lauded by critics, and she received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In addition to her literary achievements, she also achieved considerable financial success.
According to various sources, Anny Sexton's net worth at the time of her death is estimated to be around $1 million. This is an impressive sum, especially considering the fact that she came from modest beginnings and struggled with mental health issues throughout her life.
Anny's financial success can be attributed in part to the commercial success of her poetry collections. Her most famous works, including "Live or Die" and "Transformations," were popular with both critics and readers alike and sold thousands of copies. Additionally, she received numerous prestigious grants, fellowships, and awards throughout her career, which helped to further solidify her reputation and financial stability.
However, Anny Sexton's legacy extends far beyond her financial success. Her work continues to be a source of inspiration and influence for poets and readers around the world. Her contributions to the field of confessional poetry and her unflinching exploration of subjects such as mental illness and the female experience have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Legacy and Honors
Anne Sexton's poetry has been a significant contribution to the feminist movement and helped remove taboos around discussing mental illness. Her work influenced many contemporary poets and continues to inspire new generations of writers.
Sexton received numerous awards and honors for her contribution to the literary world. In 1967, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her book "Live or Die". Additionally, she was nominated for the National Book Award five times. Sexton was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and in 1974 she was elected to be a fellow of the Academy of American Poets.
Many universities have created courses and workshops dedicated to studying Sexton's work and legacy. In 2006, the University of Pennsylvania published the book "Anne Sexton: Teacher of Weird Abundance" with essays from scholars and writers about Sexton's life, work, and impact on contemporary poetry.
In 1999, The Anne Sexton Foundation was created to promote her literary legacy and support the work of contemporary poets. The foundation hosts an annual poetry competition and regularly publishes works by new poets. The foundation is also responsible for building the Anne Sexton room at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, which houses Sexton's personal library and papers.
| Award/Honor | Year |
|---|---|
| Pulitzer Prize | 1967 |
| National Book Award Nominee | 1964, 1967, 1973, 1975, 1977 |
| Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Letters | 1971 |
| Robert Frost Medal | 1974 |
| Fellow of the Academy of American Poets | 1974 |
FAQ
What is Anny Sexton's age?
Anny Sexton was born on November 9, 1928, and died on October 4, 1974, at the age of 45.
What is Anny Sexton's height and figure?
There is no information available about Anny Sexton's height and figure.
What is Anny Sexton's net worth?
It is difficult to determine Anny Sexton's exact net worth, as much of her wealth was likely tied up in her literary works and royalties. However, her estate was estimated to be worth around $15 million at the time of her death.
What is the significance of Anny Sexton's literary works?
Anny Sexton was a highly influential poet whose works explored themes of personal transformation, mental illness, and sexuality. Her poetry broke new ground in terms of its confessional style and graphic imagery, and continues to be studied and celebrated today.
What were some of the challenges Anny Sexton faced in her personal life?
Anny Sexton struggled with mental illness throughout her life, and was hospitalized numerous times for depression and suicide attempts. She also experienced tumultuous relationships with her husband and family members, and struggled with alcoholism and addiction.
