Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Pentimento" offers a meditation on perception, memory, and the layers of reality that reveal themselves to the observant. The term "pentimento" itself refers to the phenomenon in painting where traces of previous work become visible through the layers of a newer painting, suggesting a process of change and revelation over time. Through this lens, Levertov explores the idea of hidden truths and the potential for rediscovery.

The poem begins with an invitation to discernment: "To be discerned / only by those / alert to likelihood." This suggests that the deeper truths or hidden aspects of reality are not immediately obvious but require a heightened awareness and sensitivity. The phrase "alert to likelihood" implies a readiness to perceive what is not immediately visible, an openness to seeing beyond the surface.

Levertov then introduces the central image of the poem: "the mountain's form / beneath the milky radiance / which revokes it." Here, the mountain represents a solid, enduring presence that is temporarily obscured by a "milky radiance." The radiance, which revokes or conceals the mountain's form, symbolizes the layers of perception and reality that can obscure the underlying truth. Despite this obscuration, the mountain's form lingers, suggesting that the truth remains present and can be discerned by those who are perceptive.

The poem continues with the idea of lingering: "It lingers - a draft / the artist may return to." This line reinforces the theme of pentimento, as the draft represents an earlier version or an underlying structure that the artist can revisit. The notion of returning to a draft highlights the potential for re-examination and re-interpretation, suggesting that understanding is an ongoing process that can reveal new insights over time.

In summary, "Pentimento" by Denise Levertov is a reflective and thought-provoking poem that delves into the themes of perception, memory, and the layers of reality. Through the imagery of a mountain obscured by a milky radiance, Levertov captures the idea that deeper truths often lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discerned by those who are attentive and perceptive. The poem invites readers to consider the hidden aspects of their own experiences and the potential for rediscovery and deeper understanding.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...