Phillip Levine is often compared to American poet Walt Whitman, who captured American people a century early. With its long lines and cataloguing list, both techniques Whitman also used, “They Feed They Lion” is especially Whitmanesque. This poem is an anomaly and Levine was lauded for his skill in creating narrative poems about the struggles of Jewish Americans and the working-class of Detroit. His view is considered authentic based on his own jobs as a young man in the auto industry and in bottling companies in Detroit. Since he also faced antisemitism, he views the oppressed with sympathy.

After leaving Detroit, Levine studied with Robert Lowell and John Berryman at the University of Iowa. He developed a straightforward free verse style after dabbling with form. Levine is known for his use of dramatic monologue, capturing American colloquial voice, and descriptions of places, people, and things—particularly those in urban environments.

During his lifetime, Levine received the highest honors, including United States poet laureate. He was respected by critics and popular with audiences. Poets such as Larry Levis, David St.