'What Work Is' by Philip Levine
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We stand in the rain in a long line
waiting at Ford Highland Park. For work.
You know what work is--if you're
old enough to read this you know what
work is, although you may not do it.
Forget you. This is about waiting,
shifting from one foot to another.
Feeling the light rain falling like mist
into your hair, blurring your vision
until you think you see your own brother
ahead of you, maybe ten places.
You rub your glasses with your fingers,
and of course it's someone else's brother,
narrower across the shoulders than
yours but with the same sad slouch, the grin
that does not hide the stubbornness,
the sad refusal to give in to
rain, to the hours wasted waiting,
to the knowledge that somewhere ahead
a man is waiting who will say, "No,
we're not hiring today," for any
reason he wants. You love your brother,
now suddenly you can hardly stand
the love flooding you for your brother,
who's not beside you or behind or
ahead because he's home trying to
sleep off a miserable night shift
at Cadillac so he can get up
before noon to study his German.
Works eight hours a night so he can sing
Wagner, the opera you hate most,
the worst music ever invented.
How long has it been since you told him
you loved him, held his wide shoulders,
opened your eyes wide and said those words,
and maybe kissed his cheek? You've never
done something so simple, so obvious,
not because you're too young or too dumb,
not because you're jealous or even mean
or incapable of crying in
the presence of another man, no,
just because you don't know what work is.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Work Is: An Exploration of the Dignity of Labor
Oh, What Work Is! A poem that captures the essence of contemporary American life in all its gritty, laborious intensity. Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Philip Levine, this poem portrays the daily struggles and toils of the working class in America, as they seek to eke out a living amidst economic hardship and social injustice.
In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes of work, poverty, and dignity in What Work Is, examining the use of language, imagery, and form, to uncover the deeper meaning of this powerful poem.
The Theme of Work
The theme of work is central to What Work Is, as the poem seeks to capture the essence of the American working class experience. In the opening lines, Levine describes the men waiting in line for work as "dirty, tired, and mean", painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities of working-class life.
Throughout the poem, Levine uses language and imagery to convey the physical and emotional toll that work takes on these men. He describes the "sweat that runs off" their bodies, the "blackened hands" that result from their labors, and the "aching muscles" that accompany their work.
Yet, despite the hardships they face, these men continue to labor on, driven by a sense of duty and responsibility to support their families. As Levine writes, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is-- / if you're old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Here, Levine emphasizes the universality of work, and the fact that it is an essential part of the human experience. Whether we are rich or poor, young or old, we all understand the value of work, and the importance of contributing to society through our labors.
The Theme of Poverty
The theme of poverty is also central to What Work Is, as the poem seeks to shed light on the struggles of the working class in America. Levine describes the men waiting in line for work as "broken, hopeless, and lost", highlighting the desperation and despair that often accompanies poverty.
Throughout the poem, Levine uses language and imagery to convey the poverty and hardship that these men face. He describes the "gray light" that filters through the factory windows, the "crushed steel cans" that litter the streets, and the "empty pockets" that result from a life of hard work and meager wages.
Yet, despite the poverty and hardship they face, these men continue to persevere, driven by a sense of pride and dignity in their work. As Levine writes, "We never asked for miracles or anything / special. We were workers. That was it."
Here, Levine emphasizes the resilience and determination of the working class, highlighting their ability to endure even in the face of tremendous adversity. He also emphasizes the importance of dignity in work, suggesting that even the most menial job can be imbued with a sense of pride and purpose.
The Theme of Dignity
The theme of dignity is perhaps the most important theme in What Work Is, as the poem seeks to elevate and honor the working class, and to highlight the dignity and worth of all human labor. Levine describes the men waiting in line for work as "heroes", suggesting that their work is not just a means of survival, but a testament to their strength and character.
Throughout the poem, Levine uses language and imagery to convey the dignity and worth of labor. He describes the "proud fathers" who labor in the factories, the "tough kids" who run the streets, and the "strong backs" that support the weight of the world.
Yet, despite the challenges they face, these men continue to work with courage and fortitude, driven by a sense of duty and responsibility to their families and their communities. As Levine writes, "We know who we are. We know why we are here. / Now, after so many years of walking this line / I've been called to the office. I've got a job."
Here, Levine emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and self-worth, suggesting that even in the most difficult circumstances, we can find meaning and purpose in our work. He also suggests that work can be a source of hope and redemption, offering a way out of poverty and despair.
Language, Imagery, and Form
The language, imagery, and form of What Work Is all contribute to its powerful and evocative effect. Levine's use of stark, direct language creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, while his vivid and precise imagery creates a visceral, almost tangible sense of the world he is describing.
The poem's form, with its long, unbroken lines, creates a sense of continuity and persistence, echoing the endurance and resilience of the working class. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park", creates a sense of ritual and routine, emphasizing the monotonous, grinding nature of factory work.
Overall, the language, imagery, and form of What Work Is all work together to create a powerful and moving portrait of American working-class life, capturing the dignity, hardship, and hope that characterizes this world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, What Work Is is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of contemporary American working-class life. Through its themes of work, poverty, and dignity, the poem sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the men who labor in the factories and on the streets of America.
Levine's use of language, imagery, and form all contribute to the poem's powerful effect, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy that draws the reader in and refuses to let go. Ultimately, What Work Is is a testament to the resilience and dignity of the working class, and a powerful reminder of the value and worth of all human labor.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Work Is: A Poem of Labor and Dignity
Philip Levine's poem "What Work Is" is a powerful meditation on the nature of work and its relationship to human dignity. Written in 1991, the poem speaks to the experiences of working-class Americans in the late 20th century, but its themes are timeless and universal. In this analysis, we will explore the poem's structure, language, and imagery, as well as its historical and cultural context, to better understand its meaning and significance.
The poem is divided into two parts, each consisting of six stanzas. The first part describes the speaker's experience of looking for work, while the second part focuses on his encounter with two men who have just finished a day's labor. The structure of the poem reflects the cyclical nature of work, with the first part representing the search for employment and the second part representing the actual work itself.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, reflecting the speaker's working-class background. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular rhyme or meter, which gives it a conversational tone. The use of repetition, particularly in the first part of the poem, emphasizes the speaker's frustration and desperation as he searches for work. For example, the phrase "We stand in the rain in a long line" is repeated twice in the first stanza, emphasizing the monotony and discomfort of the job search.
The imagery in the poem is vivid and often bleak, reflecting the harsh realities of working-class life. The rain, which is a recurring motif throughout the poem, represents both the physical discomfort of standing in line and the emotional despair of being unemployed. The image of the "gray light" in the first stanza suggests a sense of hopelessness and gloom, while the image of the "blackened street" in the second stanza suggests a sense of decay and neglect.
The second part of the poem introduces two characters, Jules and Maury, who have just finished a day's work. The contrast between the speaker's experience of unemployment and their experience of labor is striking. Jules and Maury are tired and dirty, but they are also proud of their work and their ability to support themselves and their families. The image of Jules "leaning against the dark brick wall" suggests a sense of strength and resilience, while the image of Maury "smiling shyly" suggests a sense of satisfaction and contentment.
The historical and cultural context of the poem is important to understanding its meaning. Levine was born in Detroit in 1928 and grew up in a working-class Jewish family. He worked in factories and on assembly lines before becoming a poet, and his experiences of labor and unemployment inform much of his work. "What Work Is" was written during a period of economic recession and high unemployment in the United States, and it speaks to the struggles of working-class Americans during this time.
The poem also reflects the broader cultural and political context of the late 20th century. The decline of manufacturing jobs in the United States, particularly in cities like Detroit, had a profound impact on working-class communities. The poem speaks to the sense of loss and dislocation that many people felt as their jobs and their way of life disappeared. At the same time, the poem also celebrates the dignity and resilience of working-class people, who continued to find meaning and purpose in their lives despite the challenges they faced.
In conclusion, "What Work Is" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the experiences of working-class Americans in the late 20th century. Its themes of labor, dignity, and resilience are timeless and universal, and its language and imagery are both vivid and evocative. The poem reminds us of the importance of work in our lives, not just as a means of earning a living, but as a source of meaning and purpose. As Levine writes in the final stanza, "We stand on the edge of darkness, / facing the long empty street, / remembering the work that is ours to do."
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