Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"At the Justice Department November 15, 1969" is a poem by Denise Levertov that reflects on a political protest and the response of the government. The poem was first published in her 1971 collection "Footprints."

Poetic Elements:

Imagery: The poem uses vivid and sensory imagery to create a sense of the scene and the emotions of the protestors. For example, in the first stanza, Levertov describes the "brutal chill" of the November air, and in the second stanza, she describes the "banners and placards" carried by the protestors.

Metaphor: The poem employs several metaphors to explore the theme of justice and injustice. In the third stanza, for example, Levertov compares the "hate of the powerful" to a "stinking sewer," suggesting the corrupt nature of the system.

Irony: The poem uses irony to highlight the absurdity of the government's response to the protest. In the fourth stanza, for example, Levertov describes the "machine gun" and "riot police," suggesting an excessive and unnecessary use of force.

Form: The poem is a free verse, consisting of five stanzas of varying lengths, and employs several poetic elements to convey its theme.

Explanation:

"At the Justice Department November 15, 1969" is a poem that reflects on a political protest and the response of the government. The poem begins by describing the "brutal chill" of the November air, and the scene of the protest outside the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. The second stanza describes the banners and placards carried by the protestors, suggesting their commitment to justice and peace.

The third stanza of the poem reflects on the theme of justice and injustice, suggesting that the system is corrupt and that those in power are motivated by hate and greed. The fourth stanza describes the response of the government to the protest, using the metaphor of a "machine gun" and "riot police" to suggest an excessive and unnecessary use of force.

The final stanza of the poem reflects on the theme of resistance and the potential for change. The poem suggests that despite the oppressive nature of the system, there is still a "heart" that beats for justice and peace. The poem encourages readers to resist oppression and to fight for a more just and equitable society.

In summary, "At the Justice Department November 15, 1969" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that reflects on a political protest and the response of the government. The poem suggests that the system is corrupt and that those in power are motivated by hate and greed, but also encourages resistance and the potential for change. Through the use of poetic elements such as imagery, metaphor, and irony, the poem creates a vivid and compelling portrait of the struggle for justice and peace, and encourages readers to reflect on their own role in resisting oppression and fighting for a more just society.

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