'Here' by Philip Larkin

'Here' is just one of Larkin's poems that shows his, or rather the persona's, need for isolation. With phrases like, 'loneliness clarifies,' it is evident that this persona clearly isn't a people's person. We can also see how much this persona looks down on others by how they are described. We see Larkin thinks the limits to their desires is simply 'cheap suits' and other normal household appliances, which is really something that everyone has.

The persona clearly doesn't think much of the area that he is in as well. We see the area described as having, 'raw estates' and 'dead straight miles,' which portrays the area as one that isn't the nicest, to put it politely. Not only that, we also see the area described as 'fishy smelling' which really doesn't sound that appealing. Invoking more senses helps the reader really get a feel of how grim this place is. I think it is clear that Larkin didn't want this place to be seen as anything special.

I think it is safe to say I really wouldn't want to visit here...

'The Whitsun Weddings' by Philip Larkin

'The Whitsun Weddings' seems to have the most pessimistic view of the future I have ever encountered. According to Larkin, we have nothing to look forward to in marriage except except doom and gloom - apparently the wedding day itself won't be much better. Now, call me cynical, but I thought that our wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest days in our lives and brings us together with the person who we have fallen madly in love with, not something that is full of so much disappointment that it is almost palatable. I think it is safe to say Larkin doesn't think highly of the holy union. 


Sorry Larkin, but you definitely won't make my wedding list with your pessimistic views!