Comment on the themes and concerns in Larkin's poetry.

The Pervasive Theme of Mortality

Perhaps the most dominant concern in Larkin’s poetry is the inevitability of death and the anxieties surrounding it. He doesn’t approach death romantically or religiously, but rather with a blunt, often unsettling honesty. In “Aubade,” for example, the speaker confronts the terror of waking each morning knowing death is closer, devoid of any comforting illusions. The poem’s chilling realism and lack of spiritual solace are characteristic of Larkin’s approach. Similarly, “The Old Fools” presents a brutally honest depiction of aging and the indignities of physical decline, rejecting sentimental portrayals of old age. The poem’s harsh language and unflinching gaze at the body’s deterioration highlight Larkin’s fear of losing control and autonomy.

Loneliness and Isolation

Closely linked to the theme of mortality is Larkin’s exploration of loneliness and isolation. His poems frequently depict individuals struggling to connect with others, trapped in their own subjective experiences. “High Windows” exemplifies this, contrasting the private lives unfolding behind closed curtains with the speaker’s detached observation. The poem suggests a fundamental inability to truly know or understand others, leading to a sense of alienation. “Sympathy” explores the difficulty of offering genuine comfort to those suffering, highlighting the limitations of human connection. The poem’s ironic title underscores the speaker’s inability to truly empathize with the woman grieving her husband.

The Mundane and the Everyday

Larkin’s poetry often focuses on the seemingly insignificant details of everyday life. He elevates the mundane to a level of poetic significance, finding beauty and meaning in the ordinary. “This Be The Verse” is a prime example, using a simple, almost nursery rhyme-like structure to explore the cyclical nature of suffering and the inevitability of disappointment. The poem’s colloquial language and direct address create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. “I Remember, I Remember” nostalgically recalls childhood, but the memory is tinged with a sense of loss and disillusionment, suggesting that even seemingly idyllic pasts are flawed. This focus on the everyday allows Larkin to explore universal human experiences in a relatable and accessible way.

Failed Relationships and Disillusionment with Love

Romantic relationships in Larkin’s poetry are rarely portrayed as fulfilling or enduring. Instead, they are often marked by disappointment, misunderstanding, and a sense of inevitable decay. “An Arundel Tomb” uses the image of a medieval effigy to explore the enduring power of art and the fleeting nature of human love. While the tomb represents a lasting monument to a past relationship, the poem also acknowledges the limitations of even the most idealized love. “The Building” depicts the physical and emotional toll of a failed relationship, with the unfinished building serving as a metaphor for the incomplete and ultimately unsatisfying nature of human connection. Larkin’s portrayal of love is often cynical and pessimistic, reflecting his own personal experiences and his broader disillusionment with modern life.

The Search for Meaning and the Absence of God

Underlying many of Larkin’s themes is a profound sense of existential anxiety and a search for meaning in a godless universe. He rejects traditional religious beliefs, finding no solace in faith. “Church Going” explores the decline of religious belief and the speaker’s ambivalent feelings towards the church as a cultural artifact. The poem suggests that while religious faith may be waning, the human need for ritual and meaning remains. Larkin’s poetry doesn’t offer easy answers or comforting solutions, but rather confronts the fundamental questions of existence with honesty and intellectual rigor.