"I am not immortal. Faustus and I are the also-ran"

In this quote, Anne Sexton is acknowledging her own death and comparing herself to the character of Faustus, who is understood for making a deal with the devil in exchange for immortality. By mentioning that she is not immortal, Sexton is accepting the reality that she will ultimately pass away, similar to every other human being. The phrase "also-ran" recommends that she sees herself as someone who is not remarkable or extraordinary, but rather simply another common individual. This could be analyzed as a reflection of Sexton's own battles with mental disorder and sensations of inadequacy. Overall, this quote highlights the universal human experience of death and the desire for immortality.