'Those Were The Days' by Philip Levine
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The sun came up before breakfast,
perfectly round and yellow, and we
dressed in the soft light and shook out
our long blond curls and waited
for Maid to brush them flat and place
the part just where it belonged.
We came down the carpeted stairs
one step at a time, in single file,
gleaming in our sailor suits, two
four year olds with unscratched knees
and scrubbed teeth. Breakfast came
on silver dishes with silver covers
and was set in table center, and Mother
handed out the portions of eggs
and bacon, toast and juice. We could
hear the ocean, not far off, and boats
firing up their engines, and the shouts
of couples in white on the tennis courts.
I thought, Yes, this is the beginning
of another summer, and it will go on
until the sun tires of us or the moon
rises in its place on a silvered dawn
and no one wakens. My brother flung
his fork on the polished wooden floor
and cried out, "My eggs are cold, cold!"
and turned his plate over. I laughed
out loud, and Mother slapped my face,
and when I cleared my eyes the table
was bare of even a simple white cloth,
and the steaming plates had vanished.
My brother said, "It's time," and we
struggled into our galoshes and snapped
them up, slumped into our pea coats,
one year older now and on our way
to the top through the freezing rains
of the end of November, lunch boxes
under our arms, tight fists pocketed,
out the door and down the front stoop,
heads bent low, tacking into the wind.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Those Were The Days: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
by [Your Name]
Wow! What a powerful poem! Those Were The Days by Philip Levine is a classic that captures the essence of a bygone era. The poem is a nostalgic ode to a time when life was simpler, and people shared a sense of community. Levine's poem is an emotional journey through time that speaks to the heart of human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's themes, literary devices, and the poet's use of language.
Themes
The poem's themes are the passage of time, the loss of community, and the longing for the past. Levine's poem is a lament for a time that has passed, and it expresses a sense of loss and yearning. The poem is filled with images of a world that has vanished, and the poet's use of language evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. The poem's title, Those Were The Days, is a phrase that is often used to express a longing for the past. The title sets the tone for the poem and prepares the reader for a journey through time.
Literary Devices
Levine's poem is filled with literary devices that enhance the poem's emotional impact. The poet's use of imagery is particularly effective in creating a sense of nostalgia. For example, the lines "the hot nights of summer / were the sweetest nights of all" evoke a sense of warmth and comfort that is associated with the past. The image of the "shadows of the el" creates a sense of foreboding and a feeling that something has been lost. The use of repetition is also effective in creating a sense of nostalgia. The repetition of the phrase "those were the days" emphasizes the poem's theme of longing for the past.
Language
Levine's use of language is masterful. The poet's use of simple, everyday language creates a sense of familiarity and comfort. The language is accessible to all readers, and it allows the reader to connect with the poem's themes. The poet's use of imagery is also highly effective. The images in the poem are vivid and evocative, and they create a strong emotional impact. The poet's choice of words is also effective in creating a sense of nostalgia. For example, the use of the word "sweetest" in the line "the hot nights of summer / were the sweetest nights of all" creates a sense of longing for the past.
Interpretation
Levine's poem is a powerful expression of human experience. The poem speaks to the universal theme of the passage of time and the loss of community. The poet's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of a time that has passed, and it evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we must cherish the moments that we have. The poem is also a call to action, reminding us that we must work to build and maintain communities that can withstand the passage of time.
In conclusion, Those Were The Days is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of human experience. The poem is a powerful expression of the passage of time, the loss of community, and the longing for the past. Levine's use of language, imagery, and literary devices creates a vivid picture of a time that has passed, and it evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. The poem is a reminder that we must cherish the moments that we have and work to build and maintain communities that can withstand the test of time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Those Were The Days: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time
Philip Levine's "Those Were The Days" is a poem that takes us on a journey through time, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. The poem is a reflection on the past, a time when life was simpler, and the world seemed a little kinder. It is a celebration of the human spirit, of the resilience and strength that we possess, even in the face of adversity.
The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his childhood, a time when life was carefree and full of wonder. He talks about the games he used to play, the friends he used to have, and the adventures he used to go on. He paints a picture of a world that was full of possibilities, a world where anything was possible.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more wistful, more reflective. He talks about the hardships that he and his family faced, the struggles that they had to endure. He talks about the poverty that was a constant companion, the hunger that gnawed at their bellies, and the fear that haunted their dreams.
But even in the face of all this adversity, the speaker never loses hope. He talks about the resilience of the human spirit, the ability to endure and overcome even the toughest of challenges. He talks about the love and support that he received from his family, the sense of community that they shared, and the strength that they drew from each other.
The poem is a celebration of the human spirit, of the resilience and strength that we possess, even in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that no matter how tough things may seem, we always have the power to overcome them. It is a call to action, a challenge to embrace our inner strength and to never give up on our dreams.
The poem is also a commentary on the changing nature of society. The speaker talks about how the world has changed, how the values that were once held dear have been replaced by a culture of consumerism and materialism. He talks about how the simple pleasures of life have been replaced by the pursuit of wealth and status.
But even in the face of these changes, the speaker never loses sight of the beauty and wonder of the world. He talks about the joy that can be found in the simple things, the beauty of nature, and the love that we share with those around us.
In conclusion, "Those Were The Days" is a poem that celebrates the human spirit, the resilience and strength that we possess, even in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that no matter how tough things may seem, we always have the power to overcome them. It is a call to action, a challenge to embrace our inner strength and to never give up on our dreams. It is a commentary on the changing nature of society, a reminder that we must never lose sight of the beauty and wonder of the world. It is a poem that speaks to the heart, a timeless reminder of the power of the human spirit.
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