(1) What are Levertov’s impressions of her ancestors in “Illustrious Ancestors”? Cite lines of the poem that support your answer.
(2) Determine Levertov’s complex woman-centered point of view in “A Woman Alone.” Does the speaker in the poem relish being alone? If so, why? If not, why not?
(3) What does Mexico symbolize in Levertov’s “Death in Mexico”? How much of an impact does Mexico play in the poem?
(4) Analyze the interplay of humor and self-image in Levertov’s “Song for Ishtar.”
(5) Summarize the pervasive unease in Levertov’s “The Ache of Marriage,” “Divorcing,” and “About Marriage.”
