Taste+and+See+History

"O Taste and See" was written in 1964 which was a time of social protest and turmoil. Some of the events in 1964 are:

- Civil Rights Act - Dr. King wins the Noble Prize - Nelson Mandela is sentenced to prison for life - Bob Dylan gains popularity with his songs objecting the condition of American society

In "O Taste and See", Levertov urges her readers to truly live. Levertov was very inspired by those who up for their rights. Although discriminated against, they found a way to live and pursue their dreams. Levertov found such strength in this and felt she had to send a wake-up call to those who have everything but did nothing.

Although the 1964 was a time of social turmoil, many people remained ignorant about the situations or just simply apathetic. "O Taste and See" was also written for these people. In writing this poem, Levertov pressed her readers to open their eyes. She wrote that this life is nothing if you just let each day pass without doing something worthwhile. Through writing "O Taste and See", Levertov wished to bring awareness. Awareness to not only the Civil Rights Movement but to the injustices dealt by the hands of discrimination and hate.

Levertov also wrote "O Taste and See" as encouragement for those fighting the system. Although those fighting the system were living to the fullest, Levertov felt that she needed to give tell them to keep going. One of the messages of "O Taste and See" is that this world is filled with lessons and experiences. Levertov could have very well aimed this message at those people fighting the system because she felt them that they still have much to unlock and should not stop or give up.

Often discrimination and the withholding of rights are supported by people who believe that a certain group of people do not deserve the same freedoms in life as they do. In 1964, this was the case for African Americans in the United States. However in "O Taste and See", Levertov did not aim her poem at any specific race. In fact, Levertov only addressed one race: the human race. Levertov asked __all__ to live. Therefore by adding this, Levertov addressed equal rights and by stating the fact that everyone should have the oppurtunity to live their life.

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