Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Levine's "Look" is a vivid and intimate portrayal of a young man's coming-of-age moment, set against the backdrop of a working-class environment. The poem captures a brief but significant encounter between a mother and son, emphasizing themes of familial love, the passage of time, and the stark realities of life in an industrial setting.

The poem begins with a description of the setting: "The low-built houses of the poor were all around him, and it was dawn now, and he was more awake than not." This opening line situates the reader in a specific, humble environment at a transitional time of day, symbolizing a new beginning for the young man. The mention of someone, "probably his brother," quietly closing the front door and the resulting gust of cold air that awakens him creates an immediate sense of presence and physicality.

Through the uncurtained window, the young man sees the "great factory sulks in gray light," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The factory, a symbol of labor and the working-class life, looms over the scene, suggesting the inescapable reality of their socio-economic status. The focus then shifts to the young man's mother, who is "finishing the night" at the factory, her arms "immersed in the deep, milky wash-basin." This image of her labor, combined with the description of her "long and slender arms" that seem "as hard and drawn as a man's," highlights the physical toll of her work.

The mother is depicted with a sense of resilience and routine, as she "would be smiling with one eye closed and blurred by the first cigarette in hours." This detail adds a layer of personal and relatable human experience, capturing a moment of small comfort amidst the demands of her labor. The young man, now awake, mirrors this action by lighting his own cigarette and contemplating his body, "long nakedness stretched out before him, filling the bed now grown too small for him." This signifies his transition from adolescence to adulthood, both physically and metaphorically.

The pivotal moment of the poem occurs when mother and son pass each other on the street: "They will pass, mother and son, on the street, and he will hold her straight, taut body for a moment and smell the grease in her hair and touch her lips with his." This encounter is charged with emotion and tenderness, capturing the depth of their bond. The young man’s decision to "not wonder why the tears start and stall in her eyes and in his" and to "let his hands stray across her padded back and shoulders, feeling them give and then hold," reflects his acceptance and understanding of their shared struggles.

The poem shifts to a direct address to the reader, inviting them to observe this poignant moment: "If you are awake in the poor light of this November, have a look down at the street that leads the way you too will have soon to take." This invitation creates a sense of universality, connecting the reader’s experience with that of the characters. The poem concludes with a reflection on the inevitability of their journey and the lack of blame or direction: "Forward or back, they've got no place to go. No one's blaming you."

"Look" by Philip Levine is a powerful and evocative poem that captures a moment of intimate connection between a mother and son against the backdrop of a working-class life. Through its detailed imagery and emotional depth, the poem explores themes of familial love, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of socio-economic realities. Levine's ability to depict the nuanced, everyday moments that define our lives makes this poem a moving reflection on the human condition.

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