The saddest heart in the post-war super-market. Is this assessment borne out in the poems of Philip Larkin that you have studied?

Larkin’s Context: Post-War Disillusionment

Larkin’s poetry emerged in a Britain grappling with the aftermath of World War II. The post-war period witnessed a shift in societal values, the rise of consumerism, and a growing sense of existential anxiety. Traditional beliefs were questioned, and individuals often felt adrift in a rapidly changing world. Larkin’s work reflects this atmosphere of uncertainty and loss, portraying characters who struggle to find meaning and fulfillment.

“Aubade” and the Fear of Mortality

“Aubade,” written in 1977, is a powerful exploration of the fear of death and the desire for continued existence. The poem’s speaker is acutely aware of his own mortality and the inevitability of decay. The mundane details of morning – “a tap, a sigh, a floorboard’s creak” – are juxtaposed with the terrifying realization of impending death. This creates a profound sense of sadness and desperation. The poem doesn’t offer solace or transcendence; instead, it emphasizes the bleakness of existence and the futility of resisting death. The ‘supermarket’ element is less direct here, but the poem’s focus on the trivialities of daily life, contrasted with existential dread, echoes the emptiness the statement suggests.

“This Be The Verse” and the Cycle of Disappointment

“This Be The Verse,” a deceptively simple poem, offers a cynical view of family life and the transmission of unhappiness across generations. The poem’s famous lines – “They fuck you up, your mum and dad / Then lovers, then friends, then you fuck up too” – express a profound sense of disappointment and betrayal. Larkin suggests that suffering is an inherent part of the human condition, passed down from one generation to the next. The poem’s blunt language and pessimistic tone contribute to its overall sadness. The ‘supermarket’ metaphor isn’t present, but the poem’s depiction of broken relationships and unfulfilled expectations aligns with the idea of a heart weighed down by the disappointments of modern life.

“Supermarket” and the Search for Connection

The poem “Supermarket” directly engages with the metaphor presented in the question. The speaker observes couples in a supermarket, imagining their pasts and their potential futures. However, the poem doesn’t offer a romanticized view of love or connection. Instead, it portrays a sense of alienation and loneliness. The couples are reduced to their physical appearances and their consumer habits. The speaker feels detached from them, unable to share in their experiences. The supermarket itself becomes a symbol of the superficiality and emptiness of modern life. The poem’s sadness stems from the speaker’s inability to find genuine connection in a world dominated by consumerism.

Nuances and Counterarguments

While Larkin’s poetry is undeniably melancholic, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not solely defined by sadness. Some poems, such as “High Windows,” offer moments of fleeting beauty and transcendence. However, even these moments are often tinged with a sense of loss and regret. Furthermore, Larkin’s use of irony and self-deprecation can sometimes create a distance between the reader and the speaker, preventing a complete immersion in their sadness. Nevertheless, the overwhelming impression left by Larkin’s work is one of profound emotional emptiness and disillusionment.

The Role of Form and Technique

Larkin’s poetic techniques contribute significantly to the overall sense of sadness in his work. His use of colloquial language, stark imagery, and irregular rhyme schemes creates a sense of realism and immediacy. He often employs enjambment to disrupt the flow of the poem, mirroring the fragmented and disjointed nature of modern experience. His precise and unflinching descriptions of everyday life highlight the banality and emptiness of existence. These techniques work together to create a powerful and emotionally resonant poetic voice.