'Ode For Mrs. William Settle' by Philip Levine

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In Lake Forest, a suburb of Chicago,
a woman sits at her desk to write
me a letter. She holds a photograph
of me up to the light, one taken
17 years ago in a high school class
in Providence. She sighs, and the sigh
smells of mouthwash and tobacco.
If she were writing by candlelight
she would now be in the dark, for
a living flame would refuse to be fed
by such pure exhaustion. Actually
she is in the dark, for the man
she's about to address in her odd prose
had a life span of one 125th of a second
in the eye of a Nikon, and then he
politely asked the photographer to
get lost, whispering the request so as
not to offend the teacher presiding.
Those students are now in their thirties,
the Episcopal girls in their plaid skirts
and bright crested blazers have gone
unprepared, though French-speaking, into
a world of liars, pimps, and brokers.
2.7% have died by their own hands,
and all the others have considered
the act at least once. Not one now
remembers my name, not one recalls
the reading I gave of C�sar Vallejo's
great "memoriam" to his brother Miguel,
not even the girl who sobbed and
had to be escorted to the school nurse,
calmed, and sent home in a cab. Evenings
in Lake Forest in mid-December drop
suddenly; one moment the distant sky
is a great purple canvas, and then it's
gone, and no stars emerge; however,
not the least hint of the stockyards
or slaughterhouses is allowed to drift
out to the suburbs, so it's a deathless
darkness with no more perfume than
cellophane. "Our souls are mingling
now somewhere in the open spaces
between Illinois and you," she writes.
When I read the letter, two weeks
from now, forwarded by my publisher,
I will suddenly discover a truth
of our lives on earth, and I'll bless
Mrs. William Settle of Lake Forest
for giving me more than I gave
her, for addressing me as Mr. Levine,
the name my father bore, a name
a man could take with courage
and pride into the empire of death.
I'll read even unto the second page,
unstartled by the phrase "By now
you must have guessed, I am
a dancer." Soon snow will fall
on the Tudor houses of the suburbs,
turning the elegant parked sedans
into anonymous mounds; the winds
will sweep in over the Rockies
and across the great freezing plains
where America first died, winds
so fierce boys and men turn their backs
to them and simply weep, and yet
in all that air the soul of Mrs. William
Settle will not release me, not even
for one second. Male and female,
aged and middle-aged, we ride it out
blown eastward toward our origins,
one impure being become wind. Above
the Middle West, truth and beauty
are one though never meant to be.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ode For Mrs. William Settle: A Masterpiece by Philip Levine

If you are a fan of Philip Levine, you know that he was one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, and his contributions to the world of literature are immeasurable. In this essay, I will delve into one of his most celebrated poems, Ode For Mrs. William Settle, and explore the various themes, literary devices, and interpretations that make it a masterpiece. So, let's get started!

First, let’s take a look at the poem itself. Ode For Mrs. William Settle begins with the dedication, “for Jane, who loved the sky,” and immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It’s a tribute to a woman who found beauty and inspiration in the natural world, specifically the sky. The poem goes on to describe her life, her struggles, and her ultimate triumph over adversity.

Themes

One of the main themes of Ode For Mrs. William Settle is the idea of finding beauty and hope in the midst of hardship. The poem describes the struggles that Jane faced in her life, including poverty, illness, and loss. However, it also emphasizes her resilience and her ability to find joy in the simple things, like the beauty of the sky. This theme is especially relevant today, when so many people are facing difficult times and need to find ways to cope with the challenges they are facing.

Another important theme is the power of nature to heal and restore. Throughout the poem, Levine uses vivid descriptions of the sky, the moon, and the stars to create a sense of wonder and awe. He suggests that the natural world can provide comfort and solace to those who are suffering, and that it has the power to inspire us to greater heights.

Literary Devices

Levine uses a variety of literary devices in Ode For Mrs. William Settle to create a sense of depth and complexity. One of the most notable is his use of imagery. He employs vivid descriptions of the sky, the moon, and the stars to create a vivid and immersive world for the reader. This imagery is especially effective in the final stanza, where Levine describes the sky as a “wild and boundless sea.”

Another important literary device is tone. Throughout the poem, Levine’s tone is both reverent and celebratory. He honors the life of Jane and pays tribute to her spirit, while also acknowledging the hardships she faced. This tone creates a sense of empathy and connection with the reader, and draws us into the world of the poem.

Interpretations

There are many ways to interpret Ode For Mrs. William Settle, depending on your perspective and experiences. One possible interpretation is that it’s a celebration of the human spirit and our ability to find beauty and hope in the midst of suffering. Another interpretation is that it’s a tribute to the natural world and the power it has to heal and restore us.

Another possible interpretation is that it’s a commentary on the role of women in society. Jane is portrayed as a strong and resilient woman, who faces numerous challenges in her life but refuses to be defeated by them. This interpretation suggests that women have a vital role to play in our world, and that their strength and resilience are essential for our survival and flourishing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ode For Mrs. William Settle is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a tribute to the human spirit and the natural world. It’s a powerful and moving work that speaks to us on many levels, and offers us hope and inspiration in difficult times. Whether you are a longtime fan of Philip Levine or a newcomer to his work, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you, and remind you of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ode For Mrs. William Settle: A Masterpiece of Philip Levine

Philip Levine, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for his poignant and powerful poems that capture the essence of the working-class life. His poem, "Ode For Mrs. William Settle," is a masterpiece that showcases his ability to create vivid imagery and convey deep emotions through his words.

The poem is an ode to Mrs. William Settle, a woman who worked in a factory in Detroit during the 1940s. Levine paints a picture of her life, her struggles, and her resilience in the face of adversity. The poem is a tribute to all the women who worked in factories during the war, and it is a celebration of their strength and determination.

The poem begins with the line, "She was a woman with nothing left to lose." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea that Mrs. Settle has already faced many challenges in her life. Levine goes on to describe her as a "ghost in the machine," a phrase that captures the idea that she is just one of many workers in the factory, and that her individuality is lost in the monotony of the work.

Levine then describes the factory where Mrs. Settle works, painting a picture of a bleak and oppressive environment. He describes the "gray light" that filters through the windows, and the "rattle and hum" of the machines. The factory is a symbol of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, and Levine uses it to contrast with the humanity and resilience of Mrs. Settle.

The poem then shifts to a description of Mrs. Settle herself. Levine describes her as "a woman with a face like a bulldog," a line that might seem unflattering at first, but which actually captures the strength and determination of her character. He goes on to describe her as "a woman who knew how to fight," and as someone who "had learned to live with the pain."

Levine then describes Mrs. Settle's hands, which are "scarred and calloused," a result of years of hard work in the factory. Her hands are a symbol of her resilience and her ability to endure, even in the face of adversity. Levine describes her hands as "the hands of a warrior," and as "hands that had fought their way through life."

The poem then shifts to a description of Mrs. Settle's life outside of the factory. Levine describes her as a woman who "had loved and lost," and who had "buried her husband and her son." These lines are particularly poignant, as they show that Mrs. Settle has faced more than just the challenges of factory work. She has also faced personal tragedies, and yet she continues to persevere.

Levine then describes Mrs. Settle's daily routine, which involves waking up early, taking the bus to work, and then returning home to take care of her grandchildren. This routine is a symbol of her dedication to her family, and of her willingness to sacrifice her own comfort for the sake of others.

The poem then shifts to a description of Mrs. Settle's dreams. Levine describes her as someone who "dreamed of a life beyond the factory walls," and who "dreamed of a world where she could be free." These lines are particularly powerful, as they show that Mrs. Settle is not resigned to her fate. She still has dreams and aspirations, and she still believes that there is more to life than the factory.

The poem ends with a powerful image of Mrs. Settle standing at the bus stop, waiting to go to work. Levine describes her as "a woman with nothing left to lose," but also as "a woman with everything left to give." This final image captures the essence of Mrs. Settle's character. She is a woman who has faced many challenges in her life, but who still has the strength and determination to keep going. She is a symbol of the resilience and perseverance of the working-class, and of the human spirit in general.

In conclusion, "Ode For Mrs. William Settle" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the working-class life. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Philip Levine creates a portrait of a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, and who embodies the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit. The poem is a tribute to all the women who worked in factories during the war, and it is a celebration of their strength and determination. It is a poem that will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity in their life, and who has found the strength to keep going.

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