May Sarton Now I Become Myself Summary

In the poem “Now I Become Myself”, the author May Sarton illustrates struggles during one’s pursuit of true self. As May Sarton states, to “become [herself]”, “[she has] been dissolved and shaken”. Through the search of identity, human beings “[wear] other people’s faces” and drown in perplexity. In particular, this phenomenon refers to the period in life when people feel lost and lack the sense of belonging; even in modern society, it is not uncommon to see teenagers undergo agony, trying hard to define themselves. However, “[running] madly” yet blinds does not lead to their pathways; one’s identity is constructed when he or she “[stands] still to be here”. Essentially, it is significant for one to “feel [his or her] own weight and density”
since those symbolize inner peace that forms one’s identity. Furthermore, maturity occurs as one’s personality condenses “From wish to action, word to silence”. One may assume that identity is to be sought for in the outer world; however, true self is actually presented to others from within. As discussed in the poem, the final “intense gesture”, indicating a solid inner world, is constructed of one’s determination and endeavor. Also, as the author repeatedly uses the word “Time” aside from the lowercase “time”, the capitalization underlies a dual meaning. “Time” symbolizes experiences in life that gradually shape one’s personality. Moreover, the situation suggested in the poem, “in this single hour I live/ All of myself and do not move”, slightly promotes presentism. Presentism views the existence of identity a independent state without the presence of future nor past. Essentially, when one “[stands] still”, he or she will “stop the sun”. The ultimate realization of one’s identity would occur in stillness; after longterm growth and struggles, one is able to define him- or herself according to not only perceptual phenomena but also self-exploration. Overall, the poem depicts how one undergo hardships and find identity under a mature and stable mental state. Whatever goes through the storms in life is to empower one’s identity.