Lyla Dejesus
Denise Levertov's poem 'Wedding Ring' was written in 1978, four years after her divorce. The poem is a reflection on the end of a relationship and the feelings that come with it. Levertov's use of metaphor and symbolism in the poem depicts the wedding ring as a stand-in for her marriage, conveying a sense of disillusionment and sadness. The ring, usually a symbol of love and commitment, takes on a different meaning in the poem, representing lost dreams and broken promises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date Written | 1978 |
| Author | Denise Levertov |
| Genre | Poetry |
| Themes | Love, lost dreams, broken promises, disillusionment, anti-war |
| Literary Devices | Simile, metaphor, euphony, cacophony |
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What You'll Learn
Extended metaphor
In "Wedding Ring," Denise Levertov employs an extended metaphor to explore the deterioration of her marriage and her feelings about love. The poem, written in 1978 after her divorce in 1974, reflects on the end of her relationship and the emotions that come with it.
The central metaphor of the poem is the wedding ring itself, which lies "in a basket as if at the bottom of a well," indicating that it is no longer valued or worn. The ring represents the speaker's marriage, suggesting that it is over and beyond repair. This is further emphasized by the line "Nothing will come to fish it back up and onto my finger again," conveying a sense of finality and the speaker's acceptance of the relationship's demise.
The image of the ring at the bottom of a well creates a sense of depth, darkness, and loneliness, reflecting the speaker's emotional state. The well symbolizes the speaker's emotional depths, with the ring resting at its lowest point. This extended metaphor effectively conveys the idea of something precious and symbolic of love and commitment now being lost and forgotten.
The surrounding objects in the basket, such as "keys to abandoned houses," "nails waiting to be needed," "telephone numbers with no names," and "idle paperclips," further enhance the metaphor. These objects represent things that have been discarded or are waiting to be used, mirroring the speaker's feelings about her marriage. They symbolize the remnants of a life once shared and the idea of being cast aside or forgotten, contributing to the overall sense of loss and sadness.
Through this extended metaphor, Levertov powerfully conveys the emotions and reflections that come with the end of a marriage. The wedding ring, usually a symbol of love and commitment, becomes a representation of lost dreams and unfulfilled promises. By personifying the ring and giving it a voice, Levertov provides a unique perspective on the complexities of relationships and the pain of their dissolution.
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Lost dreams
Denise Levertov's poem "Wedding Ring" was written in 1978, four years after her divorce in 1974. The poem reflects on the end of a relationship and the loss of dreams and commitments that come with it.
The poem's narrator, likely a projection of Levertov herself, expresses the sadness and pain of a marriage falling apart. The wedding ring, usually a symbol of love, commitment, and a promising future, now lies at the bottom of a basket, forgotten and obsolete. The ring is surrounded by other discarded items, such as keys to abandoned houses, nameless telephone numbers, and unused nails and paperclips. These items, described metaphorically, represent the narrator's feelings of being thrown away and the loss of something once cherished.
The narrator considers giving away or selling the ring but fears doing so would bring bad luck. The ring is a constant reminder of broken promises and dreams. Levertov's use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid picture of the narrator's emotional state, conveying the depth, darkness, and loneliness they feel.
The poem's form, devoid of a rhyming pattern and more paragraph-like, adds to its reflective and contemplative tone. "Wedding Ring" serves as a powerful expression of the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring impact of broken commitments. It invites readers to empathize with the narrator's experience of navigating the end of a relationship and the grief that comes with lost dreams.
"Wedding Ring" is a testament to Levertov's ability to capture universal human emotions and experiences in her poetry, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring search for meaning in the aftermath of broken commitments.
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Failed marriage
Denise Levertov's poem "Wedding Ring" was written in 1978, four years after her divorce, and reflects the end of her marriage and the feelings she experienced as a result. The poem uses figurative language and literary devices to convey the symbolism of a wedding ring, which traditionally represents love, commitment, and a promising future, but in the context of a failed marriage, can be viewed as a burden.
A failed marriage can be a devastating experience, and there are several signs that may indicate when a marriage is heading towards an irreversible endpoint. One sign is when one or both partners are no longer willing to work through their problems and make the necessary changes to salvage the relationship. This lack of effort and nourishment can cause a vicious cycle of conflict and hurt, leading to a damaged marriage that seems irreparable.
Another sign of a failing marriage is when conflict avoidance becomes the norm due to fear of how the other partner will handle arguments or a belief that it is not worth the energy. This can result in a lack of communication and an inability to address issues, leading to unresolved problems and resentment. Additionally, when a marriage begins to negatively impact an individual's mental and physical health, it may be an indication that the relationship is unhealthy and needs reevaluation.
In some cases, external factors, such as financial difficulties, infidelity, or substance abuse, can also contribute to a failing marriage. When these issues are not addressed and resolved, they can create a strain on the relationship, leading to resentment, distrust, and ultimately, a breakdown of the marital bond.
Furthermore, when one partner refuses to engage in supporting the other through mental health struggles, it can put additional strain on the marriage. This can lead to unhealthy communication patterns and further deteriorate the relationship. It is important for couples to recognize these signs and seek help through therapy or counselling to address their issues and hopefully, restore their marriage.
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Love and commitment
Denise Levertov's poem, "Wedding Ring", written in 1978, reflects on the end of a marriage and the transformation of the wedding ring's symbolism. The ring, once a symbol of love and commitment, now represents lost dreams and disillusionment. Levertov's use of metaphor, such as comparing the ring at the bottom of a basket to the bottom of a well, conveys the depth of sadness and loneliness felt by the speaker.
The poem highlights the distinction between love and commitment. While love is often associated with passion, idealisation, and discovery, commitment shifts the focus towards partnership and shared certainty. It involves accepting your partner as they are, with all their flaws, and working together to build a life. Commitment is about choosing to act with integrity, respect, and care, even when emotions like love are not enough to guide you.
In relationships, love and commitment influence each other profoundly. Love may be the initial attraction that brings two people together, but it is commitment that sustains the relationship through difficult times. Commitment provides the security and stability that allow love to grow and evolve. It is the commitment to stay together, to face challenges united, and to accept each other wholly that creates a strong foundation for love to flourish.
Ultimately, love and commitment are integral to meaningful, lasting relationships. Love may be the spark that ignites the flame, but commitment is the fuel that keeps it burning brightly through life's journey. By understanding and embracing the differences between love and commitment, individuals can enhance their relationships and create deep, enduring connections.
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Reflection of personal life
Denise Levertov was born in Ilford, Essex, England, on October 24, 1923. Her father, Paul Levertoff, was a Russian Hasidic Jew who converted to Christianity and became an Anglican priest. Her mother, Beatrice Adelaide Spooner-Jones, was Welsh. Levertov was educated at home by her mother and received sporadic religious training from her father. She showed an enthusiasm for writing from an early age and decided to become a writer at the age of five. At the age of twelve, she sent some of her poetry to T. S. Eliot, who responded with encouragement to continue writing. During World War II, Levertov served as a civilian nurse in London during the bombings. She wrote her first book, "The Double Image", between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one.
In 1948, Levertov moved to the United States. She married Mitchell Goodman, with whom she had one son. Both Levertov and Goodman were political and anti-war activists, with Levertov becoming increasingly politically active in the 1960s and '70s. She was particularly focused on protesting the Vietnam War and was a founding member of the anti-war collective RESIST. Levertov also supported and published the work of feminist and other leftist activist poets as the poetry editor for *The Nation*.
In terms of her literary career, Levertov is known for her highly regarded body of poetry that reflects her beliefs as an artist and a humanist. 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. She often incorporated religious imagery and metaphors into her poems, exploring spiritual journeys and the respect for nature and life. Levertov's work is characterised by its dignity, reverence, and strength, with a clear and uncluttered voice committed to acute observation and engagement with the earthly.
"Wedding Ring", written in 1978, is believed to reflect the end of Levertov's marriage, as she divorced in 1974. The poem symbolises lost dreams and what used to be, rather than the traditional symbolisation of a wedding ring representing love, commitment, and a promising future. The narrator's ring lies at the bottom of a basket, along with other forgotten items, indicating that the wedding ring is no longer held in the same regard. The poem conveys the narrator's feelings of sadness, disillusionment, and lingering ill feelings towards the end of the relationship.
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Frequently asked questions
'Wedding Ring' was written in 1978.
The poem is about the end of a relationship and the feelings that come with it. Levertov uses the image of a wedding ring lying in a basket, which will never be put on again, as an extended metaphor for a marriage that has disintegrated.
Levertov uses metaphor, simile, and cacophony in 'Wedding Ring'.
