Lyla Dejesus
Denise Levertov's poem Wedding Ring explores the end of a relationship and the complex emotions that come with it. Through vivid metaphors and unique writing styles, Levertov invites readers to interpret the symbolism of a wedding ring, reflecting on lost dreams, broken promises, and the burden of commitment. The poem's form, devoid of a rhyming pattern, adds emphasis and creates a reflective tone. With a career spanning various genres and themes, including nature lyrics, love poems, and protest poetry, Levertov's Wedding Ring showcases her artistry and humanist beliefs, leaving a lasting impact on readers as they empathize with the raw emotions portrayed in the poem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Poetry |
| Sub-genre | Nature lyrics, love poems, protest poetry, poetry inspired by faith in God |
| Poetic Devices | Metaphor, Simile, Cacophony, Euphony |
| Themes | Hurt, Sadness, Disillusionment, Broken Promises, Lost Dreams |
| Form | Paragraph form, No rhyming pattern |
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What You'll Learn
The use of metaphor
Denise Levertov's poem "Wedding Ring" uses metaphors to convey the complex emotions associated with the end of a relationship and the changing symbolism of the wedding ring itself. The poem reflects on lost dreams and the breakdown of marriage, resulting in a sense of sadness and disillusionment.
One of the most notable metaphors in the poem is the comparison of the wedding ring to an item at the bottom of a basket, "as if at the bottom of a well". This metaphor serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it highlights the speaker's desire to keep the ring out of sight, implying a wish to forget or ignore its existence. The depth of the basket suggests that the ring is no longer easily accessible or retrievable, reflecting the speaker's emotional distance from the relationship. Secondly, the well itself is a metaphor for the speaker's emotional state. Being at the bottom of a well suggests a sense of depth, darkness, and loneliness, reflecting the low point the speaker has reached in their life following the end of their marriage.
The use of "as if" in the phrase "as if at the bottom of a well" is crucial to understanding the metaphor. It implies a comparison without asserting it as a literal fact. This subtlety allows the reader to interpret the metaphor's meaning while still providing a vivid and familiar image to relate to.
Another metaphor found in the poem is the description of the wedding ring as being "given away" or "sold." These terms typically associated with commerce and material goods, contrast with the intangible concept of marriage. By using these metaphors, the speaker conveys a sense of detachment and objectification towards the ring and, by extension, the marriage. It suggests a desire to dispose of the ring, and perhaps the memories attached to it, in a practical and almost transactional manner.
The accumulation of obsolete items in the basket, such as "keys to abandoned houses, telephone numbers without names, random paperclips, and unused nails", serves as a metaphor for the accumulation of memories and remnants of a past life. Each item holds a certain significance, yet they are now disconnected from their original purpose or owner, much like the wedding ring itself.
Through these metaphors, Levertov invites readers to reflect on the complex emotions associated with the end of a relationship and the changing symbolism of objects that once held great meaning.
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The symbolism of the wedding ring
The wedding ring is steeped in symbolism and tradition. The circular shape of the ring is said to represent eternity or infinity as it has no beginning or end, much like the love and commitment exchanged between the couple. The hole in the centre of the ring is said to represent a path to the future.
The tradition of exchanging wedding rings is thought to date back 6,000 years to ancient Egypt, where they were made from plants growing alongside the Nile River. The Romans are thought to have introduced metal wedding bands, with grooms presenting brides with iron rings. The Romans also started the tradition of placing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, as it was believed that this finger contained the 'vein of love' or 'vena amoris' leading directly to the heart.
The type of metal chosen for a wedding ring can also carry symbolic meaning. Precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver are popular choices, with each variety carrying a different meaning. For instance, rose gold is said to represent love, white gold represents friendship, and yellow gold means fidelity. Titanium is also a popular choice due to its strength and durability, as well as its hypoallergenic properties.
Diamonds are a common addition to wedding rings, symbolising eternal love due to their strength and beauty. Other gemstones can also be added to symbolise different meanings. Engravings are often added to wedding rings to incorporate a personal message or romantic sentiment.
While wedding rings are traditionally associated with love, commitment, and promise, the poem "Wedding-Ring" by Denise Levertov presents a different perspective. In the poem, the wedding ring symbolises lost dreams and the end of a relationship. The narrator, a woman whose marriage has disintegrated, keeps her ring at the bottom of a basket along with other forgotten items. The ring no longer holds the same symbolic value of love and commitment for her, instead representing sadness and disillusionment. Levertov's use of metaphors and literary devices reflects the pain and hurt associated with the end of a relationship.
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The reflection of the poet's life
Denise Levertov was born in London in 1923 and was educated at home by her mother. Her formal education ended at the age of 12. She married Mitchell Goodman and they had one son before divorcing in 1974. Levertov was a political and anti-war activist. She wrote mystical, meditative poems about nature, spirituality, love, and loss, as well as anti-war poems. Levertov believed in the revolutionary nature of her art and used poetry to promote change. Her work embraces a wide variety of genres and themes, including nature lyrics, love poems, protest poetry, and poetry inspired by her faith in God.
"Wedding Ring" is a poem that reflects Levertov's life experiences. Written in 1978, four years after her divorce, the poem explores the end of a relationship and the resulting changes in the narrator's life. The wedding ring in the poem symbolizes lost dreams and what used to be, rather than the traditional symbols of love, commitment, and a promising future. The narrator, a woman whose marriage has disintegrated, keeps her ring at the bottom of a basket along with other obsolete items. The poem uses metaphors and literary devices to convey the narrator's feelings of sadness, disillusionment, and pain.
The poem reflects Levertov's personal experiences with divorce and the emotions associated with the end of a relationship. The narrator's feelings of hurt, disappointment, and the sense of broken promises resonate with the poet's own life. Levertov's use of metaphors, such as comparing the ring at the bottom of the basket to the bottom of a well, adds depth and emotion to the poem. This metaphor suggests that the ring, and what it used to represent, is now distant, dark, and lonely, reflecting the narrator's state of mind.
Levertov's life experiences as an activist and her beliefs as an artist and humanist influenced her poetry. "Wedding Ring" is a reflection of her personal journey and emotions during a difficult time in her life. The poem allows readers to empathize with the author and understand the universal emotions associated with the end of a relationship. Through her poetry, Levertov provides a window into her thoughts, feelings, and experiences, inviting readers to explore the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact they can have on our lives.
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The style and form of the poem
"Wedding Ring" by Denise Levertov is a poem that explores the end of a relationship and the broken promises that come with it. The poem is written in a reflective and sad tone, suggesting the narrator's disillusionment and hurt.
In terms of style and form, "Wedding Ring" stands out for its use of metaphors and literary devices. Levertov employs an extended metaphor that runs throughout the poem, comparing a wedding ring to a basket, or more specifically, the bottom of a basket, as if it were at the bottom of a well. This metaphor serves a double purpose: firstly, it highlights the ring's physical location, indicating that it is hidden away and no longer worn; secondly, it symbolises the depth, darkness, and loneliness that the narrator is experiencing due to the end of their marriage. The well metaphor also suggests that the ring, and by extension, the marriage, is beyond repair or retrieval.
Levertov also makes use of similes, such as comparing the wedding ring to other items at the bottom of a basket, including "telephone numbers without names", "keys to abandoned houses", "random paperclips", and "unused nails". These objects symbolise oblivion and the idea that the marriage has been discarded, much like these items that are forgotten or no longer serve their intended purpose.
The poem also incorporates cacophony and euphony, creating a rhythmic flow that emphasises certain points in the poem. Notably, "Wedding Ring" does not follow a traditional rhyming pattern and is structured more like a paragraph, contributing to its unique style.
Through these literary devices, Levertov effectively conveys the complex emotions surrounding the end of a relationship. The poem invites readers to empathise with the narrator's pain, sadness, and sense of loss. "Wedding Ring" serves as a powerful reflection on the breakdown of relationships and the lingering hurt that remains.
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The theme of love and relationships
"Wedding Ring" by Denise Levertov explores the theme of love and relationships through the reflection of a narrator on the end of her marriage. The poem captures the sadness, pain, and disillusionment associated with the dissolution of a relationship, conveying the sense that the narrator did not want the marriage to end.
Levertov's use of figurative language and literary devices adds depth and emotion to the theme of love and relationships. The wedding ring, traditionally symbolizing love, commitment, and a promising future, takes on a different meaning in the poem. The narrator's ring lies at the bottom of a basket, among other forgotten items, indicating that her marriage has disintegrated and that she holds no hope for reconciliation. The simile comparing the ring's location to "the bottom of a well" emphasizes the depth of the narrator's emotions, suggesting that she wants to keep the ring out of sight and out of mind.
The poem also explores the complex emotions that come with the end of a relationship. The narrator's wedding ring represents broken promises and dreams, and she grapples with the idea of transforming it into something new, free from the weight of solemn betrothal. The reader gains insight into the narrator's conflicting feelings about the marriage, as she acknowledges that "the marriage was good in its own time, though that time is gone."
"Wedding Ring" serves as a reflection on the complexities of love and relationships, presenting a raw and honest portrayal of the emotions that come with the end of a marriage. Levertov's use of literary techniques brings to life the universal experience of heartbreak and the struggle to move on from a relationship that once held so much significance.
Denise Levertov's body of work includes a diverse range of themes and genres, with "Wedding Ring" falling into the category of reflective poetry that explores the human experience of love and relationships. Her use of figurative language and emotional depth in this poem contributes to her reputation as one of America's most respected poets.
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Frequently asked questions
Levertov uses several literary devices in 'Wedding Ring', including metaphor, simile, and euphony.
The main theme of 'Wedding Ring' is the end of a relationship and the broken promises and lost dreams that come with it.
The tone of 'Wedding Ring' is sad and reflective, conveying the speaker's pain, disillusionment, and confusion about the end of their marriage.
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