Afternoons Flashcards
Philip Larkin
Unmarried
Post-war, when people were more well off
Somewhat misogynistic
Structure
Regular structure - rigidity & montotony of life once responsibilities are realised
Fitting for a poem devoid of emotion
In the beginning of the poem…
“Afternoons” - signals transitionary period
“Summer is fading…leaves fall in ones and twos” - gradual degenerative change in small amts
“trees bordering” - sense of confinement from society or responsibilities in a pursuit of prosperity
“Young mothers assemble” - loss of individuality, robot-like, regimentation and lack of free will
As the poem progresses…
“Behind them, at intervals” - suggests being supported by husbands (misogynistic?), or distance in relationships as people preoccupied with serving roles’ purpose, also time intervals & how men too busy at work for children
“Husbands in skilled trades” - men also loose identity, substance in relationship lost after duties fulfilled, skilled May be glorification of men
“estateful of washing”
“Our Wedding, lying Near the television” - neglected memories, relationship replaced with monotonous life. Also vague and unpersonalised, everyone is the same. “lying” double entendre, young couples deceived from happiness
“the wind Is ruining their courting places” - wind is time, time causes deterioration of a relationship
Towards the close of the poem…
“so intent on Finding more unripe acorns” - have a sense of purpose, but have also been repeating action. ‘Unripe’ - finding themselves and potential [can link back to “summer is fading”; autumn’s acorns provide opportunities for children as to,e passes]
“Expect to be taken home” - mothers have to oblige to societal expectations, governed by routine. ALSO passing time as children now focus of lives
“Their beauty has thickened” - maturation OR more misogyny
“Something is pushing them To the side of their own lives” - obligations and responsibilities OR passing of time (furthered by enjambment, neverending cycle of fulfilling duties)
