Places, Loved Ones

Question 1

What is conveyed through the title of the poem?

Answer 1

Places is an extended metaphor for relationships

Question 2

What techniques are used in the opening line of the poem?

Answer 2

En media res, caesura, monosyllabic language and repeated negators shows the firm, non-negotiable rejection of love

Question 3

Why does larking make use of speech in the like “this is my proper ground// here I shall stay”?

Answer 3

Speech is used to mock society and its robotic monogamy

Question 4

Why does the speaker refer to the “special one”

Answer 4

Speaker mocks those who believe in the cliche sentiment of marriage and true love

Question 5

How is marriage presented through the line “instant claim// on everything I own// down to my name “ ?

Answer 5

Marriage is portrayed as possessive and a way to loose your identity

Question 6

Which is implied by the line “you want no choice in where// to build, or whom to love”?

Answer 6

The speaker criticises those with a lack of agency who do not take responsibility for the failings of their relationships

Question 7

What is conveyed by the line “so that it’s not your fault”?

Answer 7

Shows that society would rather blame fate than accept that societal expectations are flawed and unattainable

Question 8

How does the speaker mock society through the line “the girl a dolt” ?

Answer 8

The speaker mocks those who believe in fairytale-esque fantasies

Question 9

Why dies the speaker say “you’re bound”?

Answer 9

Shows that relationships bring restriction and a lack of choice

Question 10

What technique is used in the line “what you settled for// mashed you”?

Answer 10

Use of juxtaposition shows that you cannot be fatuated with someone if you also believe you are settling

Question 12

Why does the speaker use enjambment in the line “what you settled for// mashed you”?

Answer 12

Enjambment shows that the speaker wants society to separate their fantasies from their realistic dreams

Question 13

Why does the speaker use simple language in the last line “your person, your place”?

Answer 13

Simple language emphasises that nothing is ever that easy and attainable

Question 14

What is the relevant context

Answer 14

Poem was written in 1954 just before Larkin left Belfast following his breakup with Ruth Bowman and Winifred arnotts marriage