Analyzing Denise Levertov's 'Talking To Grief'

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The Best Friend

“Talking to Grief,” by Denise Levertov approaches the topic of grief by using a homeless dog as the primary symbol in which we see the dog make the transition from acceptance to becoming a permanent household member. The theme of the poem is the welcoming and acceptance of grief and viewing it as a friend rather than an enemy. The narrator gets the point across that grief is a misunderstood companion and sometimes needs to be present for the sake of healing. “Ah, Grief, I should not treat you like a homeless dog.” In stanza one, the narrator is explaining that she should treat the dog like one of her own. One that she knows, loves, and is comfortable with and knows that it will always make her feel better. “I should

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