Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Face" delves into the transformative power of emotions and their profound impact on one's physical appearance and spirit. Through evocative imagery and contrasting states of being, Levertov explores the duality of human experience—how love and hate can shape not only our inner selves but also how we are perceived by the world.

The poem opens with a depiction of the uplifting and transcendent qualities of love and poetry: "When love, exaltation, the holy awe of Poetry entering your doors and lifting you on one finger as if you were a feather fallen from its wings, grasp you, then your face is luminous." This description captures the ethereal and almost divine influence of these emotions, suggesting that they have the power to elevate and transform. The metaphor of being lifted like a feather emphasizes the lightness and grace that love and inspiration bring, making the face "luminous"—a beacon of inner light and joy.

Levertov then introduces a contrasting image by recalling a vision of "the angel of Jacob once, alabaster, stone and not stone, incandescent." The angel represents a state of being that transcends the physical, embodying both solidity and radiance. The description of the angel as "stone and not stone" suggests a dual nature, a blend of earthly and celestial qualities that illuminate its presence. This vision is paralleled with the transformation that occurs in a person under the influence of love and inspiration: "That look, the same, / illumines you, then."

However, the poem shifts dramatically to portray the effects of negative emotions: "But when / hatred and a desire of vengeance makes you sullen, your eyes grow smaller, your mouth turns sour, a heaviness pulls the flesh of your poet's face down, makes it a mask of denial." Here, Levertov vividly describes how hatred and vengeance distort the face, drawing it down into a "mask of denial." The transformation is stark and physical, with the eyes and mouth reflecting the inner turmoil and bitterness. This imagery underscores the corrosive nature of negative emotions, which not only darken the spirit but also manifest visibly in one's appearance.

Levertov further explores this theme by contrasting the transformation with the image of Jacob: "I remember: / from the same block of stone Jacob was carved, but he was thick, opaque. The sculptor showed Jacob still unwounded, locked into combat, unblest, the day not yet." Jacob, representing a figure in a state of struggle and incompletion, is carved from the same material as the angel but remains "thick, opaque." This description suggests a lack of clarity and light, a state of being mired in conflict and not yet reaching transcendence. Jacob's unwounded state signifies an ongoing struggle, a combat that has not yet yielded blessing or enlightenment.

The poem's exploration of these contrasting states—luminous and sullen, blessed and struggling—emphasizes the profound impact that emotions and inner experiences have on one's outward appearance and presence. Levertov's use of vivid imagery and metaphors highlights the transformative power of love, inspiration, hatred, and vengeance, illustrating how these forces shape our physical and spiritual selves.

In conclusion, "Face" by Denise Levertov is a powerful meditation on the dual nature of human emotions and their ability to transform both the inner self and outward appearance. Through contrasting images of light and darkness, elevation and heaviness, Levertov captures the essence of how love and hatred mold our faces and spirits. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own emotional landscapes and the ways in which their inner experiences are reflected in their outward expressions.

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