|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Denise Levertov's poem "Of Necessity" captures a moment of urgency and care, intertwining themes of beauty, discomfort, and maternal instinct. Through vivid imagery and emotional nuance, Levertov explores the dynamics between two children and their caretaker in the face of an approaching storm, highlighting the complexities of love and responsibility. The poem begins with the image of the older child "running before the storm," described as "beautiful" with "gold hair" flying about and "small plump legs" that "twinkled amusingly." This portrayal of the older child evokes a sense of innocence, freedom, and charm. The use of "gold hair" and "twinkled" adds a luminous quality to the child's image, emphasizing her vitality and the carefree nature of youth. In contrast to this idyllic picture, the poem shifts to the younger child who "needed help" and is depicted as "wailing" and "toiling along." This child is described as a "wisp of misery," sticky with jam and damp-skinned, with hands like "spiders in my hair." The imagery here conveys a sense of distress and vulnerability, creating a stark contrast with the older child's ease and grace. As the caretaker carries the younger child, there is a significant emotional shift. Despite the child's discomfort and the physical burden, the caretaker begins to "cherish that discomfort." This unexpected cherishing reflects a deepening bond and a sense of compassion that arises from the act of caring. The discomfort transforms into a source of connection, illustrating how responsibility can foster intimacy and love. The initial physical strain gives way to a profound emotional attachment, highlighting the transformative power of caregiving. The setting intensifies with the wind blowing and the "first large raindrops" beginning to fall. The approaching storm and the "forest we were leaving" that "leaned darkly after us" evoke a sense of urgency and potential danger. The forest's dark, waving presence is ambiguous, suggesting both threat and longing. This duality reflects the complex emotions experienced during moments of crisis, where fear and affection coexist. The poem concludes with the younger child, now "quieted," holding "fast" to the caretaker, "patiently trustful." This moment of calm and trust contrasts with the earlier wailing and toiling, signifying the child's surrender to the caretaker's protection. The phrase "Of necessity" underscores the inevitability of this bond, born out of the urgent need to protect and be protected. The necessity here is twofold: the immediate necessity driven by the storm and the deeper, existential necessity of human connection and care. Structurally, the poem's free verse form allows for a natural, flowing narrative that mirrors the unfolding of events and emotions. The lack of rigid structure enables the reader to experience the immediacy of the situation and the fluidity of the caretaker's changing feelings. The use of descriptive language and sensory details creates a vivid and immersive experience, drawing the reader into the scene and the emotional landscape of the poem. Levertov's language is both precise and evocative, capturing the nuances of the children's behaviors and the caretaker's internal journey. The juxtaposition of the older child's beauty and the younger child's misery highlights the different aspects of caregiving—one that involves admiration and one that demands compassion and patience. The poem's emotional depth lies in its ability to convey the complex, often contradictory feelings that arise from the necessity of care. In "Of Necessity," Denise Levertov masterfully portrays a moment of crisis that reveals the profound bonds of love and responsibility. Through vivid imagery and emotional resonance, she explores the transformative power of caregiving and the intricate dynamics between beauty, discomfort, and necessity. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of care and the deep connections that arise from moments of urgency and need.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest... |
| |