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.