Poem Analysis - On The Level

Introduction: The Pull of Temptation

Leonard Cohen's "On the Level" is a poignant reflection on temptation, regret, and the difficult choices we make in life. The poem's tone is melancholic and confessional, revealing a speaker grappling with the memory of a powerful attraction. While the poem maintains a generally somber mood, there are moments of tenderness and even a hint of self-deprecating humor. The speaker is old, looking back, settled, but still aware of the fire that once burned. It is a poem of reckoning and resolution.

Historical Context: Cohen's Late-Life Reflections

While a detailed historical context isn't strictly necessary for understanding this poem, knowing that Leonard Cohen wrote it later in his life provides a crucial lens. Cohen, known for his exploration of love, spirituality, and human fallibility, often revisited similar themes throughout his career. In his later work, there's a heightened sense of acceptance and a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human heart. The fact that this poem was likely written when Cohen was older suggests that it is a reflection on past experiences and the wisdom gained from them.

Theme of Temptation and Resistance

A central theme in "On the Level" is the struggle with temptation. The speaker is drawn to a person who embodies allure and danger, represented by the lines, "Your crazy fragrance all around / Your secrets all in view." The intense pull is almost overwhelming, as indicated by "My lost, my lost was saying found / My don't was saying do." The repetition emphasizes the internal conflict. Despite this powerful attraction, the speaker ultimately chooses to walk away, as illustrated in the lines, "When I walked away from you / I turned my back on the devil / Turned my back on the angel, too." This suggests that the speaker is resisting not just temptation but also the extremes of good and evil, opting for a middle ground.

Theme of Regret and Resolution

The poem also explores the theme of regret, intertwined with a sense of resolution. The opening lines, "I knew that it was wrong / I didn't have a doubt," suggest an awareness of the potential consequences of succumbing to temptation. The speaker acknowledges the allure, but recognizes the need to move on. However, there's an underlying sense of loss. The phrase "They oughta give my heart a medal / For letting go of you" indicates the difficulty of the decision and the emotional toll it took. Yet, there's also a sense of accomplishment in resisting the pull, showing the speaker has come to terms with his past, even if tinged with sadness.

Symbolism of the Devil and the Angel

The recurring symbols of the "devil" and the "angel" are crucial to understanding the poem's message. These figures represent opposing forces – temptation and virtue – but the speaker turns his back on both. This suggests a rejection of extremes and an embrace of a more balanced, "level" path. The "devil" might symbolize the immediate gratification and excitement of the affair, while the "angel" could represent societal expectations, or perhaps an unattainable ideal of purity. The speaker's choice to reject both implies a desire to forge his own moral compass, choosing a path that is authentic to himself. This rejection leads to a sense of freedom, and regret. The "temple," where he now resides, perhaps represents a life of structure and rules, a life devoid of the chaotic temptation, and one in which he has found a new "point of view."

Conclusion: A Heart's Hard-Won Peace

"On the Level" is a poignant and honest exploration of temptation, regret, and the difficult choices we make in life. The poem's strength lies in its ability to convey the speaker's internal conflict with clarity and emotional depth. By resisting temptation and choosing a more "level" path, the speaker finds a measure of peace, even if tinged with regret. The poem celebrates the strength required to let go and the wisdom gained through experience. Ultimately, "On the Level" is a testament to the enduring power of human will and the complex nature of the human heart.