Anne Sexton

For the singer, see Ann Sexton.

Anne Sexton
Sexton at Boston University
Born	Anne Gray Harvey (1928-11-09)November 9, 1928 Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	October 4, 1974(1974-10-04) (aged 45) Weston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Education	Boston University
Occupation	Poet
Spouse	Alfred Sexton (1948–1973)
Children	2, including Linda Gray Sexton
Writing career
Movement	Confessional poetry

Anne Sexton (born Anne Gray Harvey; November 9, 1928 – October 4, 1974) was an American poet known for her highly personal, confessional verse. She won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1967 for her book Live or Die. Her poetry often drew on her experiences with mental illness, including bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation, as well as aspects of her personal life. She was known for blending fairy tales, mythology, and religious imagery with autobiographical themes. Sexton’s work continues to be widely read and studied for its emotional intensity and lasting influence on contemporary American poetry. After her death, one of her daughters has alleged abuse in accounts discussed in some later biographies and scholarship.