Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Ways of Conquest" explores the themes of unintentional invasion, the transformative power of encounter, and the resulting intertwining of identities and territories. Through vivid imagery and reflective narrative, the poem delves into the complexities of personal and emotional boundaries, revealing how they can blur and reshape through unexpected contact.

The poem opens with an acknowledgment of an inadvertent invasion: "You invaded my country by accident, / not knowing you had crossed the border." This initial crossing is unintentional, emphasizing the lack of deliberate malice. The imagery of vines touching the invader as they "ran past them, / shaking raindrops off the leaves – you or the wind" evokes a sense of natural and gentle interaction. The invader's movement towards the hills, described as "inland," suggests a deeper penetration into the speaker's personal space, symbolizing an unplanned and deeper connection.

In contrast, the speaker describes their own invasion with "all my / 'passionate intensity', / pontoons and parachutes of my blindness." This deliberate invasion, fueled by passion and intensity, involves calculated efforts and strategies, symbolized by "pontoons and parachutes." However, the speaker's initial aggressive intent diminishes over time: "But living now in the suburbs of the capital / incognito, / my will to take the heart of the city / has dwindled." This shift reflects a transformation from a conqueror to a more integrated and accepting presence within the invaded space.

The speaker's change of heart is evident in their appreciation of the city's unsuspecting life: "I love / its adolescents who come to tell me their dreams in the dusty park / among the rocks and benches, / I the stranger who will listen." This newfound role as a listener and confidant signifies a deeper connection and understanding of the invaded land and its people. The reference to the "wild herons who return each year to the marshy outskirts" symbolizes a sense of continuity and renewal, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and belonging.

The poem concludes with a powerful reflection on the mutual invasion: "What I invaded has / invaded me." This final line encapsulates the transformative impact of the encounter, where the invader becomes part of the invaded, and vice versa. The blending of identities and the mutual influence highlight the complexity of personal and emotional boundaries, revealing how they can evolve and merge through shared experiences.

"Ways of Conquest" by Denise Levertov offers a nuanced exploration of the themes of invasion, transformation, and mutual influence. Through its rich imagery and reflective narrative, the poem invites readers to consider the profound impact of unexpected encounters and the ways in which they can reshape identities and territories, blurring the lines between invader and invaded.

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