Night Sweat

Question 1

Summarise the poem

Answer 1

The speaker is worrying about the nature of existence and this robs him of his creative energy.

Question 2

What is the form and its effect?

Answer 2

The poem is two sonnets stacked on top of each other. Sonnets are a classic poem form so this might reflect the speakers longing to be a great poet. Sonnets are also often love poems and this could reflect the speakers relationship.

Question 3

Why might have the poet written the poem?

Answer 3

To warn people of the nightmare that anxiety is and the damage that creative block can bring.

Question 4

How does Lowell present ideas about anxiety and self doubt?

Answer 4

-By suggesting anxiety’s unrelenting and all consuming nature
-Plosive alliteration used in “creeping damp” implies ominous stealth
-“But the downward glide and bias of existing wrings us dry”, this alludes to the speakers depression and anxiety and he suggests that it’s an inescapable and fundamental part of existence.
-Verb “wrings” suggests it completely sucks the creative energy out of us.
-Poet did this to warn people of the inescapable hole that anxiety can become and the weight it puts on others.