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.
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