A Figure of 8 by Dannie Abse

Malham Bird by Dannie Abse

Red Balloon by Dannie Abse

Terrible Angels by Dannie Abse

Postcard to his Wife by Dannie Abse

Two photographs by Dannie Abse

Imitations by Dannie Abse

Sons by Dannie Abse

Welsh Valley Cinema by Dannie Abse

In the Theatre by Daniel Abse

In the Theatre by Daniel Abse
The title refers to an operating theatre and is based on a real life experience that Abse's brother, Wilfred, remembers well. His brother was working as a dresser for the surgeon, the surgeon kills the patient on the operating table as he tries to search for a brain tumour. 
Death and mortality
'Something other died'-This suggest that not only has the physical body died, the soul has been lost. It also could suggest something else in the room has been lost, the surgeons career, innocence and dignity.
Links: Ambulances, Nothing to be Said
Power and Responsibility Society regards medical professionals with great respect and admiration. However, when the event took place the surgical procedures would've been greatly flawed, such as 'the fingers of Lambert Rogers, rash as a blind man's. The surgeon is given a huge amount of power, he will cause the patient's eyes to 'flicker again and again' suggesting he even has power over the patients actions.
The patient cries out in a ventriloquist voice' which suggests that the patients voice isn't his own anymore, he is unable to be heard because he is being controlled by the surgeon. His body acts as the tool for his own voice which cannot be heard. The acknowledgement that the medical staff are being dishonest as they tell the patient what they would want to hear. “Small lies”, no matter how inconsequential, are still lies, enforcing the idea of a fake sense of security. The sister is 'thinking-Only two more on the list' which makes her seem uncaring, dishonest and selfish, enforcing the idea of a lack of security and protection, a place where you should be safe. 

The Mistake by Daniel Abse

The Mistake by Daniel Abse

The poem revolves around a tree which is situated in the poet's back garden and appears to have special features such as medicinal healing powers.
                                           'Confront the green tree'
Within the first stanza, the idea of personification is portrayed. The speaker 'confront[s] the green tree' which gives the idea that the tree is alive and has special features. It is described as obtaining an 'acrid odour' which makes the tree sound not just somewhat unpleasant.
                                             'One day (after thirteen years)'
Then, after 'thirteen years' the tree gets given the identity of 'Evodia danieli' and it suddenly appears to gain value, therefore it have the owners something to 'boast' about. This presents the idea that humankind have a materialistic nature where they feel the need to label everything, and in order to boast about something it has to be valuable.
                                                ''It's rare as welsh gold'
Within stanza three, we learn that the tree is rare and holy due to how they encourage people to smell its leaves."Its rare as Welsh gold" encompasses how holy the tree is. The tree also has healing powers as 'it'll charm away your cold' which suggests it can cure people, reinforcing the holy nature that the tree is gifted with.
                                                  'Tired of lies'
The last stanza reinforces the rarity of this tree though the quote 'who, in all of Great Britain possessed such treasure?' However, a negative tone is created as the tree is 'Tired of lies' suggesting that it is fed up of the fake fame that it is receiving from humankind.Or, it could imply that it is sick of it's owners trying to make it seem holy when it's not. They could be trying to give it a false/new identity compared to its old one in order to make it seem more exciting and glamorous
                                     'Shamelessly free of disguise'
The poem ends with the sentence 'shamelessly free of disguise' which presents the tree's true identity. It doesn't have any shame even though it will receive less attention, it's now free to reveal it's true self. This also suggests that the specialities were just an advertisement strategy from its owners who 'disguised' the natural tree, now that society has seen the trees true self it is perceived as merely a facade.

The Boasts of Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd by Daniel Abse

The Boasts of Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd by Daniel Abse
The title of this poem refers to Hywel who was a Welsh warrior-prince and poet. He was the son of Owain Gwynedd and played a significant part in the occupation of Ceredigion (Cardiganshire) by the house of Gwynedd. This connects with the poem because the speaker is boasting about all the different women who he has 'been with' in the space of only a week.
                            'Sunday, skilled in zealous verse I praised the Lord'
  The first stanza tells the reader of Sunday's to Wednesday's women. Immediately, a boastful tone is created as the speaker refers to his use of 'skilled' and zealous verse'. He describes the first woman as '[his] busty next', which describes the woman in a sexual tone, portraying her as an object for his own satisfaction. He makes a reference to the women's 'whiteness', depicting her to be better than 'pear blossom'. The colour of white connotes purity and innocence, which may suggest that the speaker takes away that innocence.
                                         'Not to love her is a sin'
 Abse states that 'Not to love' Tuesday's woman would be a 'sin.' Love is mentioned, however it could refer to her physical appearance and actions, meaning that it's not based on emotion. The woman's name is 'Gwladus' which means 'Lame' in Welsh. This is degrading and disrespectful, which could suggest that the speaker has no respect for women, furthermore, it implies that he is using the women and not obtaining any feelings of love towards her. The speaker then appears to be flirtatious as he describes how he 'woo[s]' her until her cheeks 'flush like rosy apple skin'. Abse uses the word 'thrust'; which creates a sexual tone, it also makes the relationship seem very separate from love.    
                            'Wednesday, Genery's. Dry old hymns I steal to please her.'
On Wednesday, the lady's name is 'Generys' which means 'mistress' in Welsh, another form of degrading women, just like 'lame.' The speaker describes how he uses 'Dry old hymns' in order to 'please her.' This suggests that he finds the hymns exceedingly boring, however he would go to any extent to make a woman fall for him, presenting the speaker as shallow and ignorant. 
The poet then describes 'Hawis' as his 'epic regular' which could suggest that everyday women fall for the speaker.
                                      ''Through an orchard I adore'
 Abse uses refers to flowers/nature when describing his Saturday.The words 'orchard' and 'efflorescence' indicates prosperity, joy and beauty, the poet obviously feels a great excitement from having many different women. The speaker goes on to hope that 'her name stay secret for her husband's sake' which means he goes for married women, reinforcing the fact that he has no morals.  In the poem, there is a sense of accomplishment for the speaker, even though what he's doing is completely deceitful.
                               'O tongue, lick up juices of the fruit'
The final stanza expresses a tone of sexual desire and innuendo. The speaker refers to '[licking] up jucies' which suggests he can have any woman he wants, and can do whatever he likes to them. As long as his 'busy tongue keeps quite' which implies the importance of the secret between him and his women, their husbands must not find out. Likewise, the individual females must not become aware of the fact that he is sleeping around with other women.

Reutrn to Cardiff by Daniel Abse

Return to Cardiff by Daniel Abse
The poem is about the poets return to his hometown, where he grew up. The poem has a slightly negative tone as it explores the journey from childhood to adulthood, where the poet doesn't feel at home anymore, in fact it feels 'alien and bleak.'
                       'Hometown'; well, most admit an affection for a city; grey, tangled streets'
The first stanza takes the reader back to the poet's childhood where he has his 'First everything' including his first cigarette an first 'botched love affair.' It appears that Cardiff holds the majority of Abse's memories, which could possibly be regretful memories.The use of a short sentence and caesura 'First everything' makes it sound significant, which reinforces the importance of his childhood memories.
                         'The journey to Cardiff seemed less a return than a raid'
The second stanza portrays a sense of decay in the poets hometown of Cardiff. The journey seemed 'less a return than a raid' which suggests how the poet was naive when he was younger, now he is grown up he realises the reality of life. The 'mislaid identities' could suggest that the poet feels out of place and different to the people surrounding him, he could feel like a stranger in his own hometown.
The poet then describes how the 'whole locus [is] smaller' which could imply that as a child he saw everything as exciting, but now he sees things as they are, which isn't always great.
                              'Unfocused voices in the wind, associations, clues, odds and ends' 
The opening of stanza three begins with images of 'Unfocused voices in the wind, associations, clues, odds and ends' which creates confusion. The poet may be talking about his past memories where he has found a new perspective, finding out the truth about his childhood memories because he was too naive and young to realise before. By using the word 'voices' makes the individual have a lack of identity, unfamiliar to Abse. 'Odds and ends' also makes Cardiff appear different to how it used to be, it's not the same place anymore.                         
                                  'Unable to define anything I can hardly speak'
The idea of disappointment is reinforced in the fourth stanza as the poet is 'unable to define anything' which suggests how unfamiliar his hometown has become. Yet he 'still [loves] the place for what it used to be' which strengthens the idea of his memories when he was younger. The poet is ashamed of his hometown, it is presented as a place full of disappointment and displeasure, in fact it has become 'alien and bleak.' 
                             'Illusory, too, lost dark playground after rain' 
Abse used the word 'illusory' when describing some memories and childlike factors. By using this word it makes it seem like his whole childhood was just an illusion, now the poet is grown up he understands the disappointment that life can bring and could argue that his happy childhood memories was just a figure of his imagination.

Down the M4 by Daniel Abse

Down the M4 by Daniel Abse

Down the M4 is a poem by Abse about going back to Wales. (the M4 is the main road to Wales from England)
                                     'This time afraid to hear my mother's news'
Within the first stanza, there is evidence that he is going back to Wales for negative news through the word 'afraid.' The poet is afraid of what he is going to be told once he gets there through his 'mother's news.' We also get the semantic field of death and ageing through this stanza. Abse describes how his aunts and uncles 'too, go into the hole, one by one' which connotes this idea of death because we imagine his family being buried. The theme of ageing is enforced in this stanza as his mother's 'beautiful face' is in it's 'ninth decade'
                          'Each visit she tells me the monotonous story of clocks'
                                         Within the second stanza, the poet shares a memory of his mother's story about clocks, reinforcing the theme of age.  'Each visit she tells me the monotonous story of clocks' is a  reflection of his mother's age and the fact that it is 'monotonous' suggests something boring. The clock also suggests that life is a precious gift which we don't always realise, it goes by too quickly.
The use of language in this stanza implies that the visits he used to have to see his 'beautiful' mother (first stanza) have become a chore, setting a rather depressing tone. Abse feels that his hair is 'turning grey' as he listens to her, this could also suggest that each day we get older which is a day closer to death, linking to a tone which Larkin would use.
                                       'You're no Jewess. They're from the Bible.'
Within the third stanza, a reference to religion is made. 'The village' is presented as a voice of discrimination, specifically if you're from 'Patagonia.' 'Tell the truth, fach, you're no Jewess' suggests that society didn't accept his mother or his family, he presents the prejudice they was faced with at the time. The poet also mentions his grandmother in this stanza, he calls her 'genuine' and she 'tells the truth.' The image portrayed of his grandmother is shown in a positive light. However, he compares her accent to stones, but stones last forever.
                                     'Under bridges that leap over me'
The last stanza links to the title of the poem as the poet 'drives down the M4' where he looks back on his life. The bridge that the poet drove under is personified, the bridges 'leap' but then 'shrink' which could suggest that we only move forward in life, we are unable to change the past but we can reflect. 
Abse describes an old 'Yiddish tune' that him and his mother sing, however the poet knows that it 'won't keep' and essentially will be forgotten. He his aware that his mother will go just like him, they will be forgotten about and lost, forming the idea of death.

 

Leaving Cardiff by Daniel Abse

Leaving Cardiff by Daniel Abse
The poem shows a sense of belonging and change as Abse describes his feelings towards Cardiff, which is his home and identity.
                                                  'Docks derelictions'                                       
Within the first stanza, we see the use of an alliteration from the phrase 'docks derelictions' which creates the image of emptiness and isolation. This could also be interpreted as his feelings towards leaving the place, he feels alone and in ruins. In this stanza, the use of the words 'I wait' and 'I prepare' suggest hesitation and reluctance, the fact that he waits in the 'evening air' implies that the poet must start a new chapter in his life,  and move away from Cardiff.
                                             'Slack hammocks of waves below'
The description of the waves being 'slack' as 'hammonds' could be interpreted as a metaphor for looking at life and the future. This phrase connotes calm and peacefulness which could suggest the life Abse has had at Cardiff, or it could suggest that the poets future will consist of peace now that he is moving.
                                               'My eyes, like spaces, fill'
The third stanza shows emotion as the poet has to leave his childhood and memories behind. His 'eyes, like spaces, fill, and the knots of water flow' suggesting that this is a life changing decision and a significant change which has taken a great amount of consideration
                                'Not for one second, I know, can I be the same man twice'
In the fourth stanza, a depressing tone is created because the poet will never 'be the same man' after his move. The poet will no longer be the same person, he will have a different cultural identity, leaving behind is comfort zone.
                                             'Unload and move on'                               
The final stanza expresses the idea of moving on in life, the poet uses 'spokes over the long horizon' which is a sign of movement, where boats unload and move on which suggests the upcoming change. The poem ends with 'upload and move on' which is symbolic for new beginnings.

Faith Healing by Philip Larkin

Faith Healing by Philip Larkin

Essential Beauty by Philip Larkin

Essential Beauty by Philip Larkin

Mr Bleaney by Philip Larkin

Mr Bleaney by Philip Larkin

 

For Sidney Bechet by Philip Larkin

For Sidney Bechet by Philip Larkin

 

  

Reference Black by Philip Larkin

Reference Black by Philip Larkin
The poem shows Larkin obsessing over his  regrets in life therefore it has a pessimistic and cynical tone. The poem also relates music to time.
                                     'I heard you call From the unsatisfactory hall'
From within the beginning the audience begins to see that the poem starts off with a mother and son listening to music together in their home, essentially forming the image of a mother and son that hold a bond over music. However, the word 'unsatisfactory' is used twice in the first stanza which could suggest that the son feels the need to move away and form a life of his own, he may not be completely happy. The word reflects a negative image. Larkin then mentions how he 'Played record after record, idly, Wasting [his] time at home' which implies that the poet gains little pleasure from the experience. The first stanza conveys a negative message about his time at home, where the songs reinforce the memories once shared with his memories.
                                                    'Out of Chicago air'
 Within the second stanza, the theme of history is introduced as the song makes the poet reminisce over times in Chicago, he comments on jazz music and the 'antique Negros' which links the era. Nevertheless, Larkin is unhappy with the way his mother has aged, he calls it an 'unsatisfactory age' which forms a negative image. The 'sudden bridge' links his mother and him who are both enjoying the music, but the bridge is also a metaphor for age between the two generations. Larkin uses an oxymoron in the final line of stanza two by using 'unsatisfactory prime' because your prime is supposed to be the best time of your life, yet he is unhappy. 
                                     'We are not suited to the long perspectives'
 In the final stanza, the line 'They link us to our losses' suggests that we are able to think of the ones we have lost when we listen to music, which makes the memories come flooding back. The audience can see that the message being made is no matter the choices we make in life, everything would still be the same, death is inevitable.'Blindingly undiminished' could indicate that Larkin used to see life with optimism, but as he has grown up he feels differently, with youth you see things with great hope.

Home is so Sad by Philip Larkin

Home is so Sad by Philip Larkin
The poem covers the themes of belonging and death. Larkin personifies the word 'Home' by describing it as 'sad' which sets the tone of the poem.
                    'Shaped to the comfort of the last to go As if to win them back'
In the first stanza, it is clear that the poet is going through grief and longing for a loved one who has passed. 'It stays as it was left' suggests that the house is the same as it was before, even though time has passed. Larkin uses the word 'bereft' which suggests that the house is mourning, reinforcing personification. In the final line, 'Having no heart' could be a reference to the well known phrase 'Home is where the heart is' showing that their is grief at present.
                            'A joyous shot at how things ought to be, Long fallen wide'
In the second stanza, a sense of disappointment is portrayed, Larkin's future was not what he imagined it would be. Simple elements that made the home are described here such as 'the pictures and the cutlery' which resemble the loved ones that used to live there, making it warm and comforting. However, now the house no longer remains a happy place to be. The word 'music' is used in the final line, which the reader interepts as happy, however it's now away 'in the piano stool' which could reflect the way in which the poet's source of happiness is locked away in the past. The poem ends with 'That vase' suggesting flowers, which hold connotations of happiness, life and beauty, a remindeder of the affection and love that people used to feel in this home.

As Bad as a Mile by Philip Larkin

As Bad as a Mile by Philip Larkin
This is one of Larkin's shorter poems from the collection, where the poem conveys the feeling of missing your goal, just like throwing an apple core in the bin but missing. The message of innocence is also portrayed, and how we do not understand the harsh yet inevitable realities of life.
                    'Watching the shield core Striking the basket, skidding across the floor'
The feeling of being so close and missing is presented in the first stanza, as the 'sheild core' went 'skidding across the floor' which presents a sense of frustration. He then describes how it 'Shows less and less of luck' the closer you get to your goal, showing that no matter what it will eventually miss. Larkin then uses the word 'failure' to describe the act which creates a tone of pessimism, there is no hope.
                         'Earlier and earlier, the unraised hand calm, The apple unbitten in the palm'
In the final stanza, Larkin makes a reference to the story of Adam and Eve, describing how their lives were pure before they bit into the apple, which led to disappointment and grief. The poet presents the idea that failure automatically begins the moment you are aware of reality, just like Adam and Eve. The moment they bit into the Apple their paradise ended. You can never return to the time when your innocence was 'in the palm' of your hand, it us unable to be retrieved.
    

The Large Cool Store by Philip Larkin

The Large Cool Store by Philip Larkin
In the poem, Larkin describes a shop which sells cheap and slightly dated clothing, in which he negatively describes. It is also clear that the poet doesn't approve of the working class who live in the area where the shop is located.
                            'The large cool store selling cheap clothes Set out in simple sizes plainly'
Within the first stanza, words such as 'cheap' and 'simple' sets Larkin's tone of the poem. The clothes are inexpensive because of inferior quality and the colours such as brown and grey are dull and lifeless. However, Larkin could also be referring to the local people by labelling them as 'simple' and plain, alongside the bland colours which could suggest that the individuals are an eyesore.
                                    'Time for factory, yard and site'
Larkin imagines the lives of the people who shop at this particular clothing shop. He describes how they leave 'low terraced houses' at down in time for 'factory' work, implying that they are low class with little money and a low end job role. The poet then describes how the shirts and trousers are in 'heaps' which makes them sound untidy, like they have been dumped there.
                                          'Lemon, sapphire, moss-green, rose'
Within the third stanza, vibrant colours such as 'lemon, sapphire, moss green' and 'rose' are presented, which are separated from the dull colours mentioned previous. Even though the material items may be attractive, the women wearing them 'flounce in clusters' which gives an unattractive approach. The poet then describes 'How separate and unearthly love is, Or women' which implies he doesn't understand love or women, he finds them false and unnatural. The poet then describes how young people dream 'unreal wishes' that will never come true, therefore he reduces love because it's 'synthetic, new and natureless' suggesting it lacks fulfilment and enjoyment. Overall, men build up an image only to be disappointed in the long run.

Theme of Belief-First Sight

Theme of belief

First sight by Philip Larkin
The poem 'First Sight' takes a different approach to the collection of poems by Larkin as it takes something gloomy and turns it optimistic. The poem revolves around around lambs in the snow, however the chill of the winter will always be met with the warmth of spring. Larkin describes how the Lambs 'learn to walk in the snow' where they 'meet a vast unwelcome' suggesting the surrondings are dismal which creates a pessemitc tone. This is followd with 'All they find outside the fold Is a wretched width of cold' which implies that life never contains any happiness or excitement, it's simply full of 'cold' memories. Nevetheless, this also suggests that there is nothing more to life than what greets you, you are unable to change the life you are given. 

Send No Money by Philip Larkin

Send No Money by Philip Larkin
The poem is a symbolic poem about time, ageing and regret are key themes.
                                'Impendant belly of Time'
Within the first stanza, the persona is in the mind of a child, 'Tell me the way things go' implies that he is unsure of what to expect of life in the future. The poet expresses how 'All the other lads there Were itching to have a bash' which implies how the young boys were living their life to the full, unlike Larkin who was constantly thinking about life and the future.
                                       'There's no green in your eye'
In the second stanza, we learn that Larkin was not envious towards the other boys, he would rather sit and question life. Time tells him to 'Sit here, and watch the hail' suggesting that he must let life pass and wait for time to affect him. Larkin personifies time by saying 'Oh thankyou' which implies he is childlike as he 'sat down to wait.'
                                           'Half life is over now'
Throughout the final stanza, the poet is much older now as 'half [his] life is over now' which suggests he is more mature and grown up. He meets 'full face on dark mornings' which suggests his life has been dull and unpleasant, his life is more cynical and sad than before. 'The bestial visitor' implies that time is daunting and scary, along with 'bent in' which suggests something being destroyed. Life doesn't live up to expectations, in fact it is the cause of his sadness and grief. When the poet looks back at his life, sitting around waiting as proved 'Sod all' which indicates he has wasted his entire life on something that has never happened.

The Importance of Elsewhere by Philip Larkin

The Importance of Elsewhere by Philip Larkin

                                                   'Lonely in Ireland'
In the first stanza, Larkin expresses his loneliness as he's 'Lonely in Ireland, since it was not home.' He feels like an outsider as the 'strangeness made sense' suggesting that nothing was familiar to him, the strangeness of the place was normal to him. 'Salt rebuff of speech' is relating to the harsh Irish accent which the poet finds hard to understand. However, a paradox is used in the first stanza as it 'made [him] welcome' which suggests Larkin liked being different as it made him feel more at ease.
                                               'Their draughty streets'
Within the second stanza, a description of Ireland is given in a negative light. Larkin describes the 'draughty streets' and the 'Archaic smell of dockland, like a stable' which makes the place appear unpleasant and ghastly. Larkin then uses the word 'dwindling' which gives the impression of isolation.
                                     'Living in England has no such excuse'
 In the final stanza, the poet talks about his hometown which is England. Even though England is home to Larkin, he has no 'excuse' not to fit in because he knows the 'establishments' and how he should act. However, the last line 'Here no elsewhere underwrites my existence' suggests that he loves his hometown, but he has to conform to the norms of society. Unlike in Ireland, where he can be himself.

Naturally the Founations will Bear Your Expenses by Philip Larkin

Naturally the Founations will Bear Your Expenses by Philip Larkin.
The poem is based on remembrance day where Larkin expresses his dislike towards the norms and traditions of this day, however he fully respects the soliders who fought in the war.
                                            'One dark November day'
Larkin uses the word 'dark' when talking about remembrance day implies his opinion towards this particular day. His attitude is negative and dismissive. The poet later describes the 'crowds' as 'colourless and careworn' which portrays the individuals as bland dreary. It also suggests how the geniune care for the soliders has been lost, remembrance day is only a tradition which is based on habit.  'The day when Queen and Minister and Band of Guards and all still act their solemn-sinister wreath-rubbish in Whitehall', suggests the authority, and the individuals with a higher status, pay their respects as a fake performance, just to follow their duties.A sense irony is portrayed in that the Queen sympathises with these soldiers, however she was the one that sent the men to their death.
                                'It used to make me throw up'
Larkin expresses his strong opinion by explaining how this day used to make him 'throw up' which is a hyperbolic statement, used to show how the event is sickening to the poet. Larkin thinks that society is child-like and fake as they play 'mawkish nursery games' reinforcing the idea that people copy each other and have to follow the same traditions.  'O when will England grow up' suggests how Larkin is annoyed with people for reliving the past, we should all get on with our own lives.

Sunny Prestatyn by Philip Larkin

Sunny Prestatyn by Philip Larkin
                                          'Come to Sunny Prestatyn'
In the poem, Larkin describes an advertising poster which persuades people to visit Prestatyn. The first stanza is presented with a cheerful tone with the word 'sunny' connoting happiness and joy. The girl on the poster is described as wearing 'white satin' which implies she is angelic. Larkin degrades the nameless women by describing her 'thighs' and 'breast-lifting arms' which portrays her as seductive and desirable.
                                 'She was slapped up one day in March'
The girl on the poster was 'slapped up' which indicates a violent and harsh description. Larkin is talking about the poster, however he makes the poster seem alive by describing the girl as 'she' instead of the poster. The term is ambiguous as it could imply how the female's make up was slapped on thickly, essentially making her fake. However, it could mean that women can be treated carelessly because they are simply objects of beauty with no identity. Larkin goes on to describe the female in a grotesque manner. After a couple of weeks the poem had been defaced, therefore 'her face was snaggle-toothed and boss eyed.'
                              'Someone had used a knife Or something to stab right through'
 In the final stanza, the woman herself seems to be killed as 'Someone had used a knife Or something to stab right through The mustached lips of her smile.' Larkin expresses no remorse or resignation for this as she was simply 'too good for this life' which implies that her appearance was the cause of her death and she can be blamed for her own demise.  The final line of the final stanza describes how 'Now Fight Cancer is there' which represents how we cover the truth of reality, such as death, with images of positivity. However, this is sooner or later destroyed by the inevitable truth of death and disaster, which is reality. This is also a sign of how we try to cover up the ugly truth with something beautiful.

MCMXIV by Philip Larkin

MCMXIV by Philip Larkin
 Larkin entitled this poem MCMXIV, which are Roman numerals for the number 1914, the year of WW1. The poet adopts a tone which is not full of sarcasm, instead he sounds genuine which is unusual for Larkin.


                                       
                                                   'The Oval or Villa Park'
This phrase describes how the men are unaware of what they are letting themselves in for and they do not full understand the whole consequence of war. They were queuing for something leisurely like sport, reinforcing the idea of unawareness.
The first stanza also mentions how they are standing 'patiently' which indicates how people didn't feel the level of stress of standing in a queue like they do now. The men are then described to be 'grinning' as if it was 'An August Bank Holiday' which implies that they do not fear the war, propaganda gives false reality.
                                               'And the shut shops'
The second stanza begins with describing how the shops are 'shut' suggesting that the shop owners have also gone to war, leaving behind their livelihood. The poet also describes the 'Dark-clothed children at play' which is a foreboding technique because 'dark' connotes death and misery. 'Tin advertisements' is also described in this stanza, showing propaganda and the governments tatics in making people join the way, placing them on food cans, essentially persuading them to be part of it.
                                    'And the countryside not caring'
The third stanza mentions how the 'countryside' is not 'caring' and how the 'flowering grasses' now cover the 'place-names' which implies that the many men who once had the job of maintaining the countryside are now far away fighting at war. This stanza also describes how the rich live here with 'servants' and have 'limousines' which suggests how war doesn't affect this place.
                                     'Never such innocence again'
The final stanza reveals the truth about war, it has damaging and life-lasting affects. 'Never such innocence, Never before or since' indicates how the many innocent men will never be the same again, they will never be 'innocent' because they have killed, therefore their innocence has been lost through the actions of war. The poet then describes how 'The thousands of marriages [Last] a little while longer' which implies how many women will soon be a widower because they will have lost their husbands to war. The repetition of 'never such innocence again' on the final line of the final stanza implies how the war dramatically changes people, both physically and mentally. People are unable to come to terms with the reality of war and what they have seen and done. The horrors will never fade away.

A Study of Reading Habits by Philip Larkin

A Study of Reading Habits by Philip Larkin

The poem outlines how different books can have different effects on individuals. Each stanza portrays a certain period in Larkin's life.

                          'And deal out the old right hook To dirty dogs twice my size'

In his younger years, Larkin replaces reality with the idea of fantasy as he imagines himself as a hero, being strong enough  "to deal out the old right hook to dirty dogs twice his size." It is clear that the poet was not fulfilled with his personal identity because the only way he could 'keep cool' was through adopting the characters of books.

                       'Evil was just my lark: Me and my cloak and fangs'

In the second stanza, we witness a time shift. Larkin perceives himself as a darker character as 'Evil was just [his] lark.' The poet describes his 'cloak' and 'fangs' which makes him appear profoundly immoral which resonates with villains. Larkin describes how he broke women up 'like meringues' which portrays them as weak objects.

                                          'Books are a load of crap'

In the last stanza, Larkin comes to the conclusion that the fantasies are over as he realizes that he was never a hero or a dark character, in fact he was of little importance. He describes himself as being 'the dude that lets the girl down before the hero arrives' which may be hinting towards his past failed relationships. This stanza reflects Larkin's bitterness because he ignored reality and did things only in his imagination. The message that ignoring reality only leads to a lack of fulfillment is clearly conveyed.

Theme of Belief-Ignorance

Theme of Belief

Ignorance by Philip Larkin
The title 'Ignorance' suggest that the individual has a lack of knowledge and doubtfulness about the future. 'Strange to know nothing, never to be sure Of what is true or right or real' implies
that we never know what unexpected events will unfold in our lifetime and we sometimes get confused with reality and our visions. This also suggests that we are unable to predict our emotions and feelings towards a certain situation/person because our feelings can automatically change. 

 In the second stanza, Larkin continues to be unsure by saying 'strange to be ignorant of the way things work' which indicates that Larkin is unsure about life. Also, many others are unsure of life and what they need to know in order to be happy and successful. The poet repeats 'strange' in the last line which emphasises his lack of certainty. 

The last stanza presents the idea that we 'wear such knowledge' which implies that we pretend we know things on the outside, however the knowledge is not deep enough for us to understand so we put on a front to convince others. The poem ends with the theme of death as Larkin states 'That when we start to die Have no idea why' which suggests that death creeps up on you when you're not expecting it and initially not ready. The idea of ignorance is conveyed here, we could be ignorant for not knowing if we had an illness or not being responsible enough to get it sorted, yet we still have 'no idea why.'

Theme of Belief-Nothing To Be Said

Theme of Belief

Nothing To Be Said-Philip Larkin
The poem expresses the idea that we are all born to die and each day we get closer to our day of death. The theme of the poem is death and the passing of time, essentially creating a pessimistic tone. The poem begins with Larkin describing 'nations vague as weed' which establishes people by their nationality. The word 'weed' also indicates how countries are spreading out in an undesirable fashion out of no-where.The word also implies how the countries and the people in it are hideous and unappealing. Larkin mentions the 'nomads among stones' who are travellers with no fixed home, he also mentions the 'cross-faced tribes.' The poet uses different cultures to show how people live differently and how they build their own traditions. The last line of the stanza is used as an pessimistic device because 'Life is slowly dying' which states how everyone will die eventually no matter your religion or culture.

In the second stanza 'love and money' is compared which places them on the same line equally. The poet could be suggesting that love is worthless and based on materialistic perceptions, essentially it's never genuine. Furthermore, Larkin then talks about 'The day spent hunting pig Or holding a garden party' which depicts two different classes and cultures. However, they both 'advance On death slowly' which presents the overall idea that no matter how much money you have or your class status, we all have the same fate where death is concerned.

The final lines of the poem exhibits the division between optimists and pessimists. 'Saying so to some Means nothing; others it leaves Nothing to be said' presents the message that some people do not care that we are slowly dying, whereas for others death sums up everything, evidently dividing the two contrasting groups.

Theme of Belief-Days

Theme of Belief

Days by Philip Larkin
The poem begins with Larkin providing us with a question on the very first line.'What are days for?' represents the theme of the poem, which is life and death. Larkin is questioning the audience, what are we supposed to do with our days to make them memorable? What we are supposed to do with our days until we don't have them anymore? Larkin then expresses how days 'wake us Time and time over' which suggests how life is unpredictable and how reality never fails to shock and 'wake us' from our dreams. Moreover, the final line in the first stanza asks 'Where can we live but days' presents a religious element. Larkin questions what events happen after death, can we possibly live anywhere unless it's 'days' which represents life. This represents Larkin's belief as an atheist,  we can only live on this world, in other words Larkin believes there is no heaven.

In the final stanza, 'the Priest and the doctor in their long coats' are presented. The religious and medical figure are of great importance because they both see us through the beginning and end of our lives. Larkin may be suggesting that it's more beneficial to have faith in a doctor who can preserve life, rather than a priest who relys on the presence of God. The poem ends on an optisimic note with 'running over fields' which appears to be peaceful and calm, suggesting that their is a place to go after death. Larkin conveys the message that we should make the most of our days because we are unable to live forever, before we know it 'the preiest and the doctor' will be in our company for the end of our journey.

Theme of Belief-Water

Theme of Belief

Water by Philip Larkin

'Water' aims to challenge religion and it's followers. As an atheist, Larkin believes that all religions are fake as he describes 'if I were called in to construct a religion' which suggests that Larkin wants to create his own beliefs because he doesn't agree with the current religions. Moreover, Larkin believes that the institution of religion has morphed into a construct used to exploit the vulnerable, religion is man made therefore it is fake.

Larkin expresses how 'Going to church would entail a fording' which implies that it would be a great effort for Larkin to take part in going to church, he doesn't trust the organisation. Larkin then uses the line 'To dry, different clothes' which is an obvious criticism of religion. It suggests that the clothes donned for going to church, the Sunday best' are artificial and only worn on this particular day of the week.

 The images of water grow more intense as the poem moves forwards. From the 'fording' of the second stanza, we are presented with 'A furious devout drench.' This could suggest how believers of religions constantly try to 'drench' you with their beliefs when you do not want to acknowledge them.  

In the last stanza, the word 'Congregate' is used which reminds us of the congregation in a church where people come together. But the fact that the poem never refers to god or any religious value takes it beyond simple 'religion.' All the religions seem to be lacking the simplicity of water which suggests that they overcomplicate.

Theme of Love-An Arundel Tomb

Theme of Love

An Arundel Tomb by Philip Larkin
'An Arundel Tomb' refers to the monument in Chichester Cathedral which displays two lovers lying side-by-side, each holding the others stone hand. Although the sculpture provides faith and is a sign of 'eternal love', Larkin argues that love 'isn't stronger than death just because statues hold hands for 600 years.'

Their faces are described as being 'blurred' and 'Their proper habits vaguely shown' which implies how their relationship was superficial, what you see on the statue is not what their relationship was truly like, it's 'vaguely shown.'

The idea that the surface of intimacy and love is in fact untrue is reinforced by 'they would not think to lie so long'. The word 'lie' creates an image of the figures lying down on their backs, however the word holds the connotations of untruth and unfaithfulness. It could be argued that Larkin is telling the reader of how the hand-holding is a false image of love, and that the characters were perhaps not intimate and happy in love when they were alive. Larkin then describes the 'faithfulness in effigy Was just a detail friends would see' which implies that the faith shown is not a true representation of the love which the figures felt for each other, strenghting the idea that the relationship was superficial. 

 In the fifth stanza, Larkin says 'Persisted, linked, through lengths and breadths Of time. Snow fell, undated. Light Each summer thronged the glass' showing how the time passesn and the seasons change. The idea that the couple was linked through life and still linked through death is presented here, although the couple may not have been happy they stuck together. The sun could be interpretated as the happy times, just like the snow which could be interpretated as the unhappy
times in the relationship.

In the final stanza, Larkin describes how 'Time has transfigured them into Untruth' which depicts the way in which the faithfulness shown through the intimate hand-hold is not an accurate representation of the truth. The statue draws attention to their hands which presents the idea of 'eternal love' which is the 'romantic side.' However people are unable to see what is beyond, esentially the truth. Moreover, the final line of the seventh stanza expresses 'Our almost-instinct almost true: What will survive of us is love'.  Larkin is revealing that mankind have a natural instinct to believe that what will survive of us is love, whereas this is only 'almost true', suggesting that it is in fact false and untrue. 

Theme of Love-Wild Oats

Theme of Love

Wild Oats by Philip Larkin
The phrase 'Wild Oats' symbolises a period in a young male's life when he has a lot of sexual relationships, therefore Larkin sets the tone of the poem from the title. 'Wild Oats' is believed to offer an insight into Philip Larkin's love affair with Jane Exall, and his attempt to get to her through dating her 'friend in specs'. 

The first women mentioned is 'a bosomy English rose' which is a stereotypical idea of a women, which is purely based on appearance. She sounds desirable unlike her 'friend in specs'  The shallowness of Larkin's love, or more likely lust, is portrayed clearly in the first stanza: 'Faces in those days sparked The whole shooting match off, and I doubt If ever one had like hers: But it was the friend I took out'. This demonstrates how Larkin's love was purely based on appearance, not the inner self. The fact that Larkin likes Jane but takes out her friend, Ruth, makes him appear cruel and uncaring.

In the second stanza, we learn that Larkin's relationship with 'the friend' lasted seven years where they 'wrote over four hundred letters' which suggests the relationship was long distant. Larkin tells the reader of how he believes he 'met beautiful twice' where this is believed to be a reference to the two times that Larkin met with Jane, once in Leicester and another time in Shrewsbury, both in 1950. Both times he believed that Jane was 'trying not to laugh' therefore Larkin presents himself as extremely unsure of himself, essentially lacking in self-confidence. 

In the final stanza, the agreement between Ruth and Larkin is presented as Larkin was 'too selfish, withdrawn, And easily bored to love.' The word 'agreement' suggests that Larkin holds the same opinion of himself that Ruth does. He does not see himself as being capable of love, this is supported by the speaker saying "well, useful to get that learnt" which sounds sarcastic and cynical of the relationship he had, like he felt he had wasted his time but he feels the same thing would happen again if he had another relationship.

Many years had past yet the speaker still has "two snaps, of bosomy rose with fur gloves on" which portrays a sexual description of the woman which suggest that ultimately the speaker was never interested in love, instead his desires were only based on physical/sexual attraction. The poem ends with the phrase "unlucky charms" which indicates he is unlucky in love and his future relationships are doomed.

Theme of Love - Love Songs in Age

Theme of Love

Love Songs in Age by Philip Larkin
This poem presents the life of a widow who re-visits some old song books full of love songs from her past, which remind her of the love she previously experienced.
The woman kept her songs as they "kept so little space" suggesting she wouldn't have kept them if they took more space, which could imply they didn't mean much to her anymore. Nevertheless, ot could mean that she couldn't face getting rid of them because they had a a great amount of sentimental value.

The song books were "bleached from lying in a sunny place", "marked in circles by a vase of water", "mended" and "coloured, by her daughter". This shows that the books were forgotten about and not cared for, they had become part of the furniture. However, this could suggest that the books were not purposely damaged, they decayed due to age with enforces the idea that love can also decay with age. However, these visual markings represent cheerful memories; they hold connotations of warm weather, flowers and the birth of her daughter. But the fact that one of the sheets was 'mended' portrays a sense of faith. Larkin is depicting the woman's determination to not give up on her relationship although times may be tough.The sheet is a representation of her relationship, it was broken at one point, but eventually was 'mended.'

As the widower looks over the songs, the emotions which came with the music, such as the 'unfailing sense of being young' and the 'certainty of time laid up in store' are presented in a optimistic manner. The two lovers felt that they had their whole lives ahead of them, that they had so much yet to come. The feelings come rushing back to her, just like 'when she played them first.' 
  
Larkin presents love as a 'glare of that much-mentioned brilliance.' The 'glare' could be suggesting that love is blinding and that when you're in love you lose sight of the other things in life which you should appreciate. Nevertheless, the 'glare' could also indicate that love is both the cause of physical and emotional pain, therefore love is portrayed in a negative manner.

The word 'glare' is contrasted with the word 'sailing' which conotes tranquility and peace. Love 'promis[es] to solve, and satisfy' which suggets it holds the elusive promise that it can solve everything and makes everything better. However, this is contraditced as the woman "pile(s) them (the songbooks) back" and cries as love "had not done so then, and could not now". This is stating that love doesn't solve everything and it never will, the promises that are made will always be broken.

Toads Revisited by Philip Larkin

Toads Revisited by Philip Larkin

'Toads Revisited' is a follow up to 'Toads' by Philip Larkin. The poem presents Larkin's fear and doubt of the future which prevents him from ever quitting and becoming, in a sense, free. However he expresses his personal opinion and strong attitude on work avoiders, eventually we learn that the poet finds unemployment far worse than having a job.
                            'Walking around in the park Should feel better than work'
Larkin described how 'Walking around in the park should feel better than work' therefore it appears that Larkin has become used to being a slave to the world of work and maybe he has leaned to enjoy it, essentially having a break just doesn't suit him. The word 'should' is stressed at the beginning which immediately shows that the poet does not feel better, in fact being at work is better than walking around the park whilst unemployed. Larkin later describes 'The lake, the sunshine' and 'The grass to lie on' whilst on the topic of the park. He admits it's 'not a bad place to be' but 'it doesn't suit [him]' which reinforces the point that Larkin is unsatisfied with unemployment.
                          'Being one of the men You meet of an afternoon'
 Larkin begins to list a group of people who are unemployed where he brutally expresses his loathing towards them and how he desperately does not want to look / be classed the same as them. The poet describes the 'Palsied old step takers' which implies individuals who are unable to walk properly because of medial reasons or maybe because of an accident. Larkin later describes the 'Hare-eyed clerks with the jitters' which clearly suggests Larkin's critical manner as he describes the insane individuals who may have suffered from a mental/nervous breakdown, therefore they are mentally unstable, Larkin is determined to avoid these people. Moreover, Larkin goes on to describe the 'Waxed-fleshed out patients Still vague from accidents.' 'Waxed-flesh' implies a sense of horror which reinforces the fact that Larkin does not want to be associated with these people. Finally, he describes the 'characters in long coats Deep in the litter baskets' which refers to the homeless hopelessly looking for food because they are unable to buy any themselves. Throughout the third and fourth stanza, Larkin takes a strong critical approach to the unemployed as he classifies them all as an embarrassment and even in a sense, a source of horror. 
                                    'All dodging the toad work By being stupid of weak' 
Larkin portrays the idea that individuals all avoid work on purpose, they are 'all dodging the toad work.' The word 'dodging' sounds judgemental and unfair due to some of the listed, such as 'Waxed-fleshed out-patients' because they have no choice about their lack of occupation due to medical reasons. The poet describes the unemployed as being 'stupid or weak' which is a cruel reference as it's brutally apparent that he believes those who avoid work are doing it on purpose and expect others to work whilst they do nothing. Eventually, Larkin expresses how he would hate to be them. 'Think of being them!' clearly expresses his personal and judgemental opinion because he could not bear to be associated with the ghastly unemployed. The prospect of having no job is unappealing to him, those who do not work are more aware of the bleakness of life.
                                            'Turning over their failures'
Larkin describes how the unemployed will sit whilst 'Turning over their failures.' Larkin does not have the time to consider negative thoughts whilst he is working, therefore work is a distraction from reality. Moreover, the point that those who do not work are considered 'failures' with no ambition, means that we should not aspire to them or count them as our role models.
                      'Give me your arm, old toad; Help me down Cemetery Road'
 Larkin depicts the fact that he cannot see any future without his occupation and decides that he will be led to his death by 'the toad work'. To be associated with unemployment and the individuals within it, is far worse than his profession.