Philip Larkin as a Movement Poet

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Philip Larkin as a movement Poet

Philip Larkin, a well-known poet of the 20th century, is frequently praised for his distinctive style and insightful observations on human nature. Despite the fact that he may not be conventionally connected with any one literary movement such as Romanticism or Modernism, Larkin’s poetry demonstrates characteristics that represent the spirit of movement poetry. Philip Larkin is considered a movement poet due to his  investigation of societal changes, emphasis on the mundane, and powerful depiction of the human condition.

Background to movement poetry:

In the 1950s and early 1960s, after World War II, Britain saw the emergence of Movement poetry. With an emphasis on clarity, accessibility, and classic forms, the Movement poetry movement was born in response to the then-dominant literary styles and sought to reintroduce poetry into everyday life. Famous poets involved in the Movement include Philip Larkin, Kingsley Amis, Thom Gunn, and Donald Davie, all of whom contributed their own distinctive viewpoints and writing styles. The movement poets had a significant influence on the development of British poetry by emphasizing the ordinary, criticizing romanticism, and valuing traditional craftsmanship.

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Societal Changes in Larkin’s poetry:

Philip Larkin’s poetry serves as an empathetic portrayal of the socioeconomic turmoil that occurred in post-World War II Britain. Larkin investigates the changing norms, beliefs, and attitudes of the time with his keen observations and critical eye. He provides insightful observations and captures the essence of a changing society in his verses.

In “High Windows,” Larkin talks about the sexual liberation and evolving views on relationships that arose in the 1960s. The speaker of the poem looks back on his youth and laments the lack of sexual freedom that earlier generations had. Larkin expresses the sentiment of a society embracing newfound openness while lamenting the loss of conventional values and societal restraints.

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“Annus Mirabilis,” which translates to “miracle year” in Latin, is a prime example of Larkin’s examination of societal changes. The poem was composed in 1967, a year noted for both its political unrest and artistic transformation. By contrasting mundane with important events, such the introduction of the first heart transplant and the legalization of homosexuality, Larkin captures the mood of this revolutionary era. He captures the feeling of flux and uncertainty that came with these societal shifts through his vivid language.

Focus on the mundane:

Movement poetry has a strong emphasis on the commonplace and mundane aspects of existence, which is one of its defining characteristics. Larkin succeeds in this respect since his poetry frequently explores the experiences of ordinary people. He investigates the routine activities that frequently go unnoticed or underappreciated, illuminating their importance and capturing the essence of life as we know it.

“The Whitsun Weddings”, a poem by Larkin, serves as an illustration of his emphasis on the commonplace. The poem involves the journey on a train where Larkin sees numerous wedding parties boarding the train. Larkin uncovers the complexity and emotions involved in these seemingly everyday moments by his astute observations and attention to detail. Larkin challenges readers to consider the fleeting nature of life and the universal human experiences that pass beyond social barriers by elevating the commonplace pleasures of taking a train and celebrating weddings.

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Larkin elevates the ordinary with evocative language and powerful imagery, giving his poetry a sense of profundity and resonance. Readers may relate to the common situations he describes because of his meticulous word choice, which produces vivid and sensory descriptions.

In his poem “Toads,” Larkin makes use of imagery to elevate the ordinary experience of going to work every day. He compares the routine of a worker to a toad crouching in a drain as he depicts the boring tasks of a worker. This image conveys a sensation of confinement, implying that even in routine everyday activities, there may be a sense of imprisonment and a desire to flee. By using metaphor, Larkin turns a commonplace event into a potent representation of the conflicts and aspirations that constitute all of human existence.

Portrayal of the Human Condition:

Themes that are fundamental to the human experience, like love, loneliness, and mortality, are explored in-depth by Philip Larkin. His poetry provides a comprehensive examination of these shared emotions, frequently illuminating the intricacies and paradoxes present in human relationships and life.

In the poem “An Arundel Tomb,” Larkin examines the eternal nature of love and how it is portrayed in sculpture. The poem considers the relationship between a sculpture from a medieval tomb and the love it stands for. Even while Larkin accepts the transience of existence and the inevitable fading of love with time, he contends that love still has a powerful presence despite its transient nature.

In the poem “Talking in Bed,” Larkin examines the emotional isolation and distance that can occur inside a relationship. He depicts the emptiness and unspoken sentiments that frequently characterize personal moments, exposing the difficulties and inherent ambiguities of human connection. The depth of Larkin’s understanding of the human mind is demonstrated by his ability to convey unspoken conflict and emotional intricacies within relationships.

Larkin’s poem “This Be the Verse,” in which the speaker faces the difficulties of familial relationships and the inheritance of unhappiness. The poem questions the idealized idea of family life and presents an honest and unpolished viewpoint on the long-term effects of kinship. Larkin’s honest investigation of the intricacies of families is in line with the Movement poetry’s characteristics of realism and rejection of romanticized ideals.

Conclusion:

To conclude we can say that there can be no denying Philip Larkin’s status as a movement poet. He has established himself as one of the leading voices in Movement poetry owing to his distinctive style, focus on the ordinary, and investigation of universal topics. The movement poetry’s fundamental principles of realism, accessibility, and an emphasis on ordinary life are all evident in Larkin’s poetry. Larkin has produced a corpus of work that resonates with readers and continues to influence later generations of poets due to his precise language, vivid imagery, and profound understanding of the human condition.

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