Afternoons by Philip Larkin

Afternoons by Philip Larkin

Larkin exhibits examples of his misogynist attitude as the theme of women, marriage and children is presented.
                                                     'Summer is fading'
Pathetic fallacy is used to enhance the depressing tone of the poem. In the first stanza, the idea that 'summer is fading' suggests the excitement and warmth of a marriage has faded, leaving behind dark and depressing events yet to unfold.
                                          'In the hollows of afternoons'
The idea that women have no significant roles in life is portrayed as women are typically seen as 'stay at home mums' with no ambition or sense of purpose. 'Hollow' implies something without real significance or value, therefore this could suggest how Larkin perceives women. Nevertheless, 'Hollows of the afternoons' connotes unemployment, meaning the mothers are unqualified and uneducated. Moreover, Larkin uses age in reference to the mothers by calling them 'young' which essentially stresses his view of the importance concerning their youthfulness. Moreover, the fact that the males are all in 'skilled trades', whereas the occupation of the mothers appears either non-existent or not worth acknowledging indicates misogyny. Women are seen as the weaker sex, unlike the Male who is skilled and educated.
                                             'An estate of washing'
This could be perceived as stereotypical because the line holds a judgemental tone and it possibly makes a reference about young mothers' washing hanging out to dry for everyone to see, which is undoubtedly snobbish. This could also be making a reference to the estate in which these young mothers live and bring up their children, it's untidy and unpleasant, overall an eyesore. Moreover, the mothers 'set free their children' which personifies the children because they are seen as animals who are uncontrollable and ill-mannered. They are caged up by their mothers who eventually 'set them free.'
                                            'But their lovers are all in school' 
This line has ambiguous content, this could suggest that love is only present during your youth; not during adult life, essentially meaning love deteriorates with age. However, this could indicate Larkin's  personal judgement on young love and teenage pregnancy. He is mocking the fact that young men and women settle down with a child so young, they might as well be at 'school' because they still have a lot to learn.
                                            'Their beauty has thickened'
Larkin described how the mother's beauty has 'thickened' which is interpreted as misogynistic. 'Thickened' connotes weight-gain and largeness, therefore the women have lost their natural beauty and charm. Larkin conveys the message that children and marriage causes stress and disappointment which has an effect on your appearance, making you unattractive and less desirable, possibly creating a loss of identity.
                            'Something is pushing them To the side of their own lives' 
The final two lines of 'Afternoons' present the idea that the parents are no longer the main component of their own lives. The individuals now have children to provide for who have become their main focus, therefore they can no longer be selfish or self-serving. 'Afternoons' is linked to 'Dockery and Son' due to the fact that Larkin appears to highlight the negative reality of having children.